How much does interior design cost in Singapore?
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Key takeaways
- Most interior design jobs in Singapore land between SGD 1,000–SGD 180,000 — known locally as interior designer / id firm.
- In Singapore, 'interior designer' usually means an ID firm that bundles design with the renovation build (turnkey). For HDB flats, renovation work must be done by a HDB-registered contractor, with rules on permitted works (no hacking of structural walls). Separate the design fee from the build cost in the quote.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Interior Design prices by job size in Singapore
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design-only (single space) Concept, layout and drawings for one room (excludes build) | SGD 1,000 | SGD 3,000 | SGD 7,000 |
| Design + light renovation (flat) ID package with design plus a moderate flat renovation | SGD 20,000 | SGD 40,000 | SGD 65,000 |
| Full turnkey home renovation Whole-home design plus full renovation build and furnishings | SGD 50,000 | SGD 90,000 | SGD 180,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| design fee (per room, concept + drawings) | SGD 1,000 | SGD 2,500 | SGD 6,000 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Singapore typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a interior design pro in Singapore
- Distinguish a design-only fee from a turnkey renovation package (many SG 'IDs' bundle design with the renovation build)
- Confirm the pricing model and exactly what the package includes
- For renovation packages, verify the firm is a HDB-registered renovation contractor if working on a flat
- Get an itemized quote and check markup on furnishings
- Review a portfolio that matches your taste
- Agree progressive payments tied to milestones, never a large up-front lump
Red flags
- Not a HDB-registered contractor for flat renovation work
- No itemized quote separating design from build
- Undisclosed furnishings markup
- Pressure to sign a large package quickly
- Big up-front payment before any drawings
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to SGD, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Extrapolated from Singapore ID-firm published renovation packages at SGD price levels.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interior designer cost?
Designers charge four ways: an hourly rate, a flat per-room or per-project fee, a percentage of the total project cost, or a markup/commission on furnishings they procure. The biggest cost driver is scope — a single-room refresh versus a whole-home renovation. Agree the pricing model in writing before any work, because they produce very different bills.
Is the furniture and materials cost included in the fee?
Usually not — the design fee buys the designer's time and expertise; furniture, materials and trades are separate and typically the bulk of the spend. Clarify whether the designer marks up procured items or passes trade discounts to you, and whether their fee is on top of or inside the furnishings budget.
How long does an interior-design project take?
A single-room concept can be a few weeks; a full-home design and fit-out runs months once furniture lead times, trades and approvals are factored in. The design phase is quick relative to procurement and installation — custom furniture and joinery are usually the long pole. Ask for a realistic timeline including lead times.
What's the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?
A decorator focuses on surfaces and furnishings — colour, fabrics, furniture, styling. An interior designer can also work on space planning, layout and construction details, often coordinating with builders and architects. For a cosmetic refresh a decorator suffices; for reconfiguring space or a renovation you need a designer.
Do I need an interior designer for a small project?
For a single room you can often buy a few hours of consultation or an 'e-design' (online concept) package rather than full service — a fraction of the cost. Full-service design earns its fee on larger, complex or construction-involved projects where coordination and avoiding expensive mistakes matter most.
What are red flags when hiring an interior designer?
No written scope or pricing model, undisclosed product markup, a portfolio that doesn't match your taste, pressure to buy only through them, vague furnishings-budget assumptions, and demanding large sums before any concept. A designer who won't put the fee structure and markup policy in writing is one to avoid.
How much does an interior designer cost in Singapore?
Design-only fees are less common; most homeowners buy a turnkey ID renovation package, commonly SGD 30,000-80,000+ for a typical flat depending on scope. A pure design fee (concept plus drawings) might run SGD 3,000-10,000.
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