How much does an interior decorator cost in Canada?

Every project begins with these selections — long before anything is ordered.

It is one of the first questions people ask — and one of the hardest to answer with a single number.

The truth is, the cost of hiring an interior decorator in Canada varies enormously, and most of the ranges you will find online are not particularly helpful. You will see everything from $50 an hour to $1,000 an hour, or project fees that span from a few hundred dollars to six figures. Without context, those numbers create more confusion than clarity.

So rather than adding another set of ranges to the internet, here is how we think about it — and how we would encourage you to think about it too.

What actually drives the investment

Every decorating project is different, and the fee reflects the scope of what is involved. A few things carry the most weight.

The size of the space matters, but not as much as you might think. A compact room that requires custom millwork, structural changes, and a high degree of personalisation can involve more design time than a larger space that simply needs beautiful furnishings and a cohesive palette.

Complexity is the real driver. Is the project a decor refresh — new furnishings, window treatments, lighting, and art — or does it involve construction, reconfigured layouts, and coordination with trades? The more moving parts, the more time is required to get every detail right.

Integration also plays a role. A single room that exists independently is simpler than an open-concept main floor where every finish, every sightline, and every material has to work in conversation with the rooms around it. Our philosophy has always been whole-home thinking, even when the project is focused on specific spaces — because that is how you achieve the kind of harmony that makes a home feel truly considered.

How our process works

We begin every potential project with an on-site consultation. This is not a sales call — it is a genuine working session where we assess your space, listen to how you live, and begin to understand what your home is not giving you yet. From there, we develop a detailed proposal specific to your project. You will see exactly what is involved, what the fee covers, and what to expect at every stage — before you decide to move forward.

This is important to us. We never want a client to feel uncertain about what they are investing in or why. The proposal exists so that the financial picture is completely clear from the outset, with no surprises down the road.

Thinking about it as an investment

Here is what we have observed across two decades of full-service projects: in a typical engagement, the decorating and procurement portion represents roughly 15 to 30 percent of the total project budget. That investment ensures the remaining 70 to 85 percent — the construction, the furnishings, the finishes — is spent with precision and intention rather than guesswork.

Good design takes time. It takes research, sourcing, coordination, and the kind of attention that prevents expensive mistakes. The fee reflects all of that — and when it is done well, it pays for itself many times over in a result you will love for years rather than one you will want to redo in three.

Is it worth it?

That depends on what you are after. If you are looking for a few quick suggestions you can execute yourself, a consultation may be all you need. But if you want a home that feels completely, unmistakably yours — every room connected, every detail handled, every decision made with your life in mind — then full-service decorating is the path that gets you there without the stress of managing it alone.

Our FAQ page has more detail on how our services are structured. And if you are at the stage where you are starting to imagine what your home could become, the best next step is simply a conversation.

Ready to explore what is possible? Begin a conversation — the first one is always complimentary.