How Much Does Interior Decoration Service Cost for Builders in Canberra?
- Mysa Interiors
- Sep 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Table of Contents:
Interior decoration affects how cozy, functional, and attractive your home or workspace is. Canberra property owners need to grasp decoration costs for renovations, refreshes, or new builds.
Prices vary based on the type of space, scope of services and level of finishes you choose.
This guide looks at interior decoration costs in Canberra. It breaks down estimates for both residential and commercial projects. It also covers service levels and factors that affect pricing.
Why Interior Decoration Costs Vary in Canberra
Interior decoration isn't one size fits all. Costs depend on:
Property type:
Residential homes and commercial offices have different requirements.
Room function:
Kitchens and offices are more complex (and expensive) than bedrooms or lounge rooms.
Service level:
A simple refresh costs less than full service or luxury design.
Designer experience:
Top Canberra interior designers charge premium rates.
Materials and furnishings:
Budget friendly, mid range or luxury finishes significantly impact your final bill.
Local challenges, like finding sustainable materials, can raise costs. Meeting ACT building compliance standards also adds to expenses.
Typical Residential Interior Decoration Costs in Canberra
Canberra homeowners often refresh single rooms or transform entire properties. Cost depends on your chosen service level.
1. Basic Refresh
For tighter budgets, basic interior decoration includes simple updates. You can paint new colors, rearrange furniture, or add decor pieces.
Cost: From $1,000 per room
Example: A decorator might suggest new paint schemes, updated lighting and affordable accessories.
2. Standard Interior Decoration
Standard service includes complete design concepts, furniture selection and supplier coordination. This suits most Canberra households wanting cohesive, stylish homes.
Cost: $2,000 to $5,000 per room.
Example: New living room design with updated furniture, lighting and layouts.
3. Luxury and Full-Service Design
High end projects involve custom furniture, premium materials and full project management. Canberra's luxury homes and modern apartments often need this attention to detail.
Cost: From $10,000 per room, with full home projects reaching $50,000+.
Example: Master suite with bespoke joinery, marble finishes and designer furnishings.
Cost Guide by Room
Different spaces in your home need varying investments.
Living room: $1,000 to $5,000 for complete redesign.
Bedrooms: $2,300 to $6,500 depending on complexity.
Kitchen design: $3,000 to $6,000 for planning and finishes, with luxury kitchens far exceeding this.
Whole home: $5,000 to $20,000 for standard Canberra houses, with higher budgets for custom designs.
Commercial Interior Decoration Costs in Canberra
For offices and commercial spaces, costs are usually measured per square metre.
Basic office fit out: $600 to $800 per m².
Mid range office design: $850 to $1,200 per m².
High end corporate spaces: $2,000+ per m².
A mid sized Canberra office of 200 m² might cost between $170,000 and $240,000 for a polished fit out. Businesses often pick mid range packages balancing functionality and branding impact.
Pricing Models in the Canberra Market
Interior decorators and designers use several pricing structures:
Hourly rates: $100 to $300 per hour, with top Canberra designers at the higher end.
Fixed packages: Some offer flat rate packages, say $600 for single room design plans.
Percentage of project cost: For large or luxury jobs, fees might be 10 to 20% of total project value.
This flexibility lets clients choose services fitting their budget and project size.
Trends Influencing Interior Decoration Costs in Canberra
Several local and national trends shape costs:
Sustainable and eco friendly materials:
Growing demand for low VOC paints, recycled timber and energy efficient fittings.
Smaller apartments:
More people want compact, functional decoration solutions.
Hybrid workspaces:
Commercial offices invest in designs supporting collaboration and remote work.
Rising material costs:
Supply chain issues affect pricing for furniture and finishes.
Staying aware of these trends helps property owners plan budgets and avoid surprises.
How to Plan Your Interior Decoration Budget
Planning your project? Consider these tips:
Set priorities:
Decide which rooms matter most.
Define your service level:
Need a refresh or full service design?
Ask about packages:
Canberra designers often bundle services for better value.
Factor in furnishings:
Remember design fees are separate from furniture and construction costs.
Get multiple quotes:
Costs vary significantly between providers.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does interior decoration cost in Canberra? For single rooms, expect anywhere from $1,000 for simple refreshes to $10,000+ for luxury design. Full home projects might cost $20,000 or more, while commercial fit outs are typically measured per square metre.
Understanding these ranges helps homeowners and business owners budget realistically. Planning an interior decoration project in Canberra? Compare service levels, request detailed quotes and align your budget with your goals.
Want to explore more? Learn about sustainable material choices. Compare service packages or connect with trusted Canberra interior decorators for tailored advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does interior decoration cost?
In Canberra, expect $1,000 to $6,000 per room on average. Designer consultations start from $200 to $1,000, with hourly rates around $250 to $500.
What factors affect the cost of interior decoration?
Costs vary based on several factors:
Project size.
Service level (basic refresh or full design).
Selected materials.
Designer's experience and reputation.
Is interior decoration the same as interior design?
Not quite. Decoration focuses on furniture, colour and styling. Design might include layouts, renovations and compliance with building codes.
How much do interior designers charge per hour in Canberra?
Most charge $250 to $500 per hour in the ACT, higher than national average but reflecting local market conditions.
Can I decorate on a budget in Canberra?
Absolutely. Start with colour consultation or online design service for a few hundred dollars, then scale up as your budget allows.
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