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How Much Do Interior Designers Cost in Singapore? (2026 Guide)

9 min read
How Much Do Interior Designers Cost in Singapore? (2026 Guide)

Table of Contents

    Quick price summary: Interior Designers in Singapore (2026)

    • Low end: SGD $8,000 – $25,000
    • Mid-range: SGD $25,000 – $65,000
    • High end / enterprise: SGD $65,000 – $234,000+

    Prices in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Last updated 2026.

    Hiring an interior designer in Singapore covers everything from initial space planning and concept development through to project management, material selection, and overseeing installation and miscellaneous work such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, and masonry. Whether you are redesigning a new HDB flat, a resale HDB unit, a condominium apartment, or a landed property, the scope of services can range from a one-off design consultation to a full end-to-end renovation project. Understanding what each engagement includes is the first step to budgeting accurately.

    Costs vary considerably across Singapore’s interior design firms because no two projects share the same type, size, or condition of apartment or house, and no two clients bring identical expectations. The type of finish you want, the size of the space, whether you are purchasing new furniture or repurposing existing decor, and how many rooms need redesigning all play a role in determining the final figure. So does the firm’s reputation, experience level, and the fee structure they use to charge for their services.

    Interior Designers Singapore
    Photo by Angelyn Sanjorjo on Pexels

    What Do Interior Designers Cost in Singapore?

    Based on data collected from major interior design firms operating in Singapore in 2026, the average interior design cost for a standard HDB flat sits between SGD $45,800 and $55,700 for a new HDB flat renovation, and between $49,500 and $62,800 for a resale HDB flat. Condominium apartments typically range from $55,000 to $69,000 depending on the size and the extent of the work involved. Landed property projects are where costs climb most sharply, with comprehensive redesigns starting around $106,000 and reaching $234,000 or more for large homes requiring full project management and premium material specification.

    Beyond the renovation budget itself, the interior designer’s professional fee is either included within a package price or charged separately. Many interior design companies in Singapore bundle their design fees into the overall project cost upfront, while others charge a flat rate, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the total project cost, typically between 10% and 20%. For clients who only want a design plan or a consultation, expect to pay between $500 and $3,000 as a standalone fee depending on the designer’s experience and the complexity of the brief.

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    Price Breakdown by Service Level

    Service Level What You Get Typical Price Range (SGD) Best For
    Basic / Consultation Only Single design consultation, mood board, space planning advice, colour and decor direction $500 – $3,000 Homeowners who want professional input before a DIY renovation
    Standard Package Full design plan, 2D/3D drawings, material selection, coordination with contractors for new HDB flats or small apartments $8,000 – $34,000 New HDB flat owners on a budget, first-time buyers
    Premium Package End-to-end project management, carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, installation, furnishing sourcing for HDB or condo $45,800 – $69,000 Resale HDB flats, condominiums, homeowners seeking a complete redesign
    Enterprise / Landed Property Full design and build for large homes or multi-storey landed properties, custom furniture, premium finishes, dedicated project manager $106,000 – $234,000+ Landed property owners, luxury renovations, extensive structural work
    Interior Designers Singapore
    Photo by Angelyn Sanjorjo on Pexels

    What Affects the Cost of Interior Designers in Singapore?

    Type and Size of the Property

    A 3-room HDB flat requires far less design work and fewer materials than a 5-room resale HDB flat or a landed property. Interior design companies typically price their packages according to the type and size of the apartment or house, as larger spaces require more hours of planning, more material procurement, and longer installation timeframes. A small studio apartment might come in under $20,000, while a four-bedroom condo could push past $65,000 with ease.

    Fee Structure Used by the Firm

    Interior designers in Singapore charge in several ways. A flat rate covers the entire project for a fixed sum agreed upfront. An hourly rate, which typically runs between $100 and $300 per hour, suits clients who only need help with certain aspects of a renovation. Some design firms charge a percentage of the overall renovation cost, which means the more complex and expensive the project, the higher the design fee. Understanding which structure a firm uses before signing anything is important, as each affects your total cost differently.

    New vs Resale Property

    New HDB flats generally require less remedial work than resale units, which can carry dated finishes, existing plumbing configurations, and structural elements that need replacing. Resale HDB projects often involve hacking, re-tiling, and replanning layouts, which adds to both the time and the overall interior design cost. Designers working on resale properties need to spend more time in the planning phase to assess what can be salvaged and what needs replacing.

    Design Style and Material Choices

    The choice of colour theme, from bright pastels to minimalist-friendly neutral tones, and the materials specified throughout the project have a direct bearing on cost. Engineered timber flooring costs more than vinyl. Custom carpentry with premium laminates runs higher than flat-pack joinery. Clients who want to incorporate multifunctional furniture, built-in storage solutions, or statement lighting fixtures will see their budgets increase accordingly. Designers who source materials from premium suppliers will charge more than those using standard-grade finishes.

    Scope of Project Management

    Some clients hire an interior designer purely for the design plan, then manage contractors themselves. Others pay for full project management, where the designer coordinates every trade, including carpentry, plumbing, painting, masonry, and installation of miscellaneous work. Full project management adds between 10% and 20% to the overall cost but saves significant time and reduces the risk of miscommunication between contractors. For first-time homeowners who have never hired a designer before, this can be a worthwhile expense.

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    How to Get Accurate Quotes

    1. Prepare a detailed brief before contacting firms. Include the property type (HDB flat, condo, landed), the total floor area in square metres, the rooms you want redesigned, your preferred style (whether that is bright pastels, minimalist neutral tones, or something else), and your overall budget range.
    2. Request itemised quotes from at least three interior design companies. Ask each firm to break down their charges into design fees, carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, and installation so you can compare like with like rather than comparing total sums that include different scopes.
    3. Ask upfront how the firm structures its fees. Clarify whether the quoted price is a flat rate for the entire project, an hourly rate, or a percentage of the total renovation cost, and find out what triggers any additional charges.
    4. Check what deposit is required before work begins and what payment milestones are tied to project completion stages. A reputable firm will typically collect a deposit of between 10% and 20% upfront, with the remainder paid in stages.
    5. Review the firm’s portfolio and ask for references from clients with similar property types and budgets. This helps you assess whether the firm can actually deliver the style and standard of work you expect within your budget.

    Red Flags to Watch Out For

    • Quotes with no itemised breakdown. If a firm gives you a single lump sum with no detail on what is and is not included, you have no way to determine what you are actually paying for or to compare it against other firms.
    • Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true. Very cheap interior design services in Singapore often involve low-grade materials, subcontractors with limited experience, or hidden costs that surface partway through the project.
    • Pressure to sign or pay a large deposit before you have received a written contract with a clear scope of works.
    • No clear process for managing changes. Any firm that cannot explain what happens if you want to change materials or add rooms mid-project is likely to charge you arbitrary fees for variations.
    • No verifiable portfolio or references. Established interior design firms maintain a documented history of completed projects. A firm that cannot point you to real completed work or past clients is a serious concern.
    • Vague project timelines. A credible firm will give you a written schedule tied to key milestones such as design approval, commencement of carpentry, and completion of installation. Open-ended timelines often indicate poor project management practices.
    Interior Designers Singapore
    Photo by Виктор Соломоник on Pexels

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much do interior designers cost in Singapore on average?

    The average interior design cost in Singapore for a standard HDB flat renovation in 2026 sits between SGD $45,800 and $62,800 depending on whether the property is a new or resale HDB flat. Condominium apartments average between $55,000 and $69,000. Standalone design consultation fees range from $500 to $3,000, while landed property projects can reach $234,000 or more. The figure you pay will depend on your property type, the size of the apartment or house, the design style you choose, and the fee structure your chosen firm uses.

    Why are some interior designers prices so much cheaper?

    Lower prices generally reflect a narrower scope of services, less experienced designers, lower-grade materials, or a business model that relies on volume rather than individual attention. Some cheaper firms subcontract work to third parties and add a margin without maintaining direct oversight of quality. Others may offer a low base price upfront and charge for every variation or additional item once the project is underway. Comparing itemised quotes rather than total sums is the best way to understand what you are actually getting for your money.

    Is it worth paying more for interior designers in Singapore?

    Paying more for an experienced interior design firm typically results in better space planning, more considered material choices, fewer problems during installation, and a finished space that is more likely to meet your expectations. For complex projects such as resale HDB flat redesigns or landed property renovations where plumbing, masonry, and structural work are involved, having a skilled project manager overseeing every trade reduces costly errors. For simpler projects, a mid-range firm with a strong portfolio and clear references can deliver excellent results without a premium price tag.

    Selecting the right interior designer in Singapore means balancing your budget against the scope of work required, the style you want to achieve, and the level of project management support you need. Whether you are furnishing a compact new HDB flat with multifunctional furniture and minimalist neutral tones or undertaking a full redesign of a resale property, getting itemised quotes from multiple firms, checking their references, and understanding their fee structure before signing will give you the best chance of staying within budget and getting a result you are genuinely happy with.

    For a curated list of top-rated providers, see our guide: Best Interior Designers in Singapore (2026).

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