What to pay friend for help with Interior Design?

Question

I have a neighbor I am friendly with who does an amazing job with decorating and interior design. She works for a builder but in a different capacity. I have told her she is easily talented enough to get paid to do it. I have a small house LTR that will be converted to an STR later this year and asked if she would be willing to help me with how to decorate it. She is excited to do and doesn't want to get paid since we're friends, but ofc I will give her $ for her time and expertise. Any thoughts on what I should offer/pay? It will just be for decorating ideas and helping find reasonably priced items online with her experience. We aren't re-designing the home itself. And what would this typically cost in a normal situation? I think she is really good at it and could make money with her own business if she ever made the leap.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Just an FYI typically $2/3 a foot is what I pay designers for selections. More for labor and set up.

Cliff Benner · Answer

Just a thought here, anything over $600,unless paid with a Credit Card, and you will have to send a 1099.

You could look at other designers in the area and see if their websites have any rate information and match that.

Michael Baum · Answer

Exactly what @John Underwood said.

She will get some solid cred for designing a space and be able to use it in her portfolio.

Jill F. · Answer

Don't pay if she requested not to be paid. Take her out for a lovely dinner and treat for a girls night out at something she loves to do in appreciation.

Renee Krystek · Answer

That’s awesome you have someone in your circle with such a great eye and even better that she’s excited to help!

Since she’s a friend and isn’t asking for payment, maybe offer a modest flat fee like $500–$800 as a thank-you for her time, energy, and taste. As most have already said, you could simplify it by offering a gift card to her favorite store, dinner, or something personal if that feels more natural between friends.

I would also encourage getting professional photos done while you use them for your listing, she can use them to kick start her side hustle interior design business!

Jacob Morgenstern · Answer

Rates typically range from $60 to $125 per hour, depending on the complexity of the project and the client’s budget. For those looking for a cost-effective option, we offer a flat-rate design package for up to a 5-bedroom home at just $750. This includes a full layout and design plan using easily sourced items online.

Alternatively, for clients who prefer a more personalized touch, I can connect you with a local designer who can shop in nearby stores and isn’t limited to online sourcing—perfect for creating a space that feels both stylish and regionally authentic.

I truly believe she has a great eye for design and would excel in this space. She should absolutely brand herself as an Airbnb decorator—there’s a clear niche in the market, and very few designers are positioning themselves that way right now!

Rates tend to be anywhere from $60-$125 an hour. Depending on how complex the job is and how much my clients are willing to spend, we can either do a low cost design that covers up to a 5 bedroom home for a flat low fee of $750 or I will source a local designer hat can shop for items in the local stores and not be limited to online purchasing.

I am sure she can do well wiht her deisng and she should advertise herslf as an Airbnb decoratr as there does not seem to be too much deisgners descrbing themselves that way!

John Underwood · Answer

I like this idea. She can use your design to show other people to grow her business. Win Win.

Gustavo Delgado · Answer

Offer her some sort of monetary compensation, she may decline anyway but you made the effort. If she declines, offer dinner.

What to pay friend for help with Interior Design?

What to pay friend for help with Interior Design?

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