What Does Interior Design Really Cost and What is the Process? A Transparent Look at Renovation Pricing on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
If you’re planning to renovate your home, it’s easy to underestimate just how many decisions go into creating a space that feels not only beautiful—but cohesive, functional, and truly tailored to the way you live. And if you’re investing hundreds of thousands into a build, it only makes sense to get the design right. At Orli Interiors, we believe great design pays for itself—not just in style, but in clarity, confidence and long-term value.
How Much Should You Budget for Interior Design?
Design is often the smallest percentage of your overall renovation budget but it has the biggest impact on how your home looks, feels, functions AND on its resale value.
We recommend allocating 10–15% of your total renovation budget for high-quality, well-considered design work.
Why? Because it ensures:
- A cohesive and intelligent layout across every room
- Professional documentation that reduces costly mistakes
- Access to expert sourcing and trade-only discounts
- Confidence that your investment will feel timeless, not trendy
- Increased resale value should you decide to sell.
Think of it as design insurance—protecting your time, budget, and sanity.
Full-Home Renovation: A Real-World Example
For a recent 4-bed, 3-bath home on the Northern Beaches with two living zones, a kitchen, butler’s pantry, mudroom and media wall, we delivered a full-service design package covering every detail from space planning to the final light switch.
Interior Design Fee: $55,000 – $70,000 + GST
Estimated Design Hours: 275+ over 4–6 months
What That Includes:
- Concept design for every room
- Full 2D & 3D spatial planning
- Custom joinery, wet area & finishes design
- Electrical and lighting layouts
- Procurement & trade coordination
- Construction support through to handover
The Value This Brings:
- A clear budget from the outset as everything can be accurately quoted before construction begins
- Clear plans = fewer builder variations
- Cohesive finishes across every touchpoint
- Hours of decision fatigue taken off your plate
Apartment Renovation: Smaller Footprint, Same Consideration
Renovating an apartment may seem more simple but in many ways, it demands more precision. You’re working within tighter spatial constraints, with fewer opportunities for layout changes, not to mention any restrictions that may be placed on the property via Strata —so every detail matters.
For a 2–3 bed, 2-bath apartment in Manly:
Interior Design Fee: $35,000 – $50,000 + GST
Estimated Design Hours: 175+ hours over 4–6 months
This included kitchen, laundry and bathroom redesign, custom joinery (wardrobes, media wall), and full specification of finishes from flooring and window treatments to interior doors and hardware, and lighting and electrical selections.
The Value This Brings:
- A thoughtful design to maximise space and light
- Seamless finishes that elevate compact layouts
- A much smoother renovation with fewer costly errors
- Tangible re-sale value
If you’re planning a full apartment overhaul, including new flooring, bathrooms, kitchen, lighting and finishes, you should be budgeting upwards of $450K all-in.
Smaller Projects: Kitchens, Bathrooms & Joinery Only
Not every renovation involves an entire home. We also support clients on smaller, more focused scopes. Our kitchen and bathroom-only services are ideal for homeowners wanting to refresh specific areas while still accessing the benefits of thoughtful, professional design.
Typical Investment:
- Kitchen Design (Concept + Documentation): From $6,400
- Bathroom Design (Concept + Documentation): From $4,800
- Joinery Packages (e.g. media wall, study nook): From $2,000 per space
Even in a single room, the right layout, materials and detailing can transform not just how a space looks—but how it works.
The Value This Brings:
- Optimised function and flow for everyday life
- Stunning, timeless finishes without the overwhelm
Spotlight: Our Signature Finishes Service – $2,000 Flat Fee
If you don’t need full design documentation but want help pulling everything together, our Signature Finishes Selection Service is the perfect fit.
For $2,000 + GST, we create a personalised Finishes Schedule that includes:
- Flooring, cabinetry, stone and tile selections
- Paint colours, hardware, and lighting recommendations
- Samples, specifications and supplier details
- 1 x in person review meeting
This is a great option for DIY renovators or clients working with a builder or architect but want help creating a cohesive, elevated look.
The Value This Brings:
- A complete, cohesive finishes palette at your fingertips
- Confidence to move forward without second-guessing your decisions
- Decision fatigue relief
What’s Included in Our Full-Service Design Packages
Working with Orli Interiors means we take care of the big picture and the small details. Our process is broken into six structured phases:
Phase 01 – Concept Development
We start by understanding how you live and what you love. Through moodboards, layouts and 3D modelling, we create a clear design direction that balances form, function and feel.
✔ Collaborative, feedback-driven design process
✔ Early clarity to minimise indecision later
Phase 02 – Design Documentation
Once approved, we prepare detailed documentation to support pricing and construction. This includes:
- Joinery drawings
- Plumbing, lighting & electrical plans
- Full finishes & fittings schedules
✔ Builders and joiners quote more accurately
✔ Trades execute the vision without confusion
Phase 03 – Procurement & Product Sourcing
We handle ordering, supplier coordination and pass on 50% of our trade discounts (usually 5–15% off RRP). Clients often save between $3,000–$10,000 on their purchases which helps to offset design fees.
✔ Access to quality products at trade prices
✔ Time saved managing suppliers and coordinating deliveries
Phase 04 – Construction Support
We remain available throughout your build to liaise with trades, answer queries and ensure the design intent is upheld.✔ Monthly retainer or hourly options available
✔ A smoother build with fewer surprises
Phase 05 – Installation
We coordinate final deliveries and help bring it all together with styling, art, and accessories for a warm, finished feel.
✔ A designer’s eye for placement and detail
✔ A sense of home from day one
Phase 06 – Project Completion
You’ll receive a full handover pack with care instructions, trade details and warranty documents—plus a photography session (if you’re open to it) to celebrate the results.
✔ Peace of mind post-project
✔ A beautiful project we can both be proud of
Why Investing in Design Pays Off
Interior design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about making your home work better for you, now and into the future. Our role is part creative, part strategic, and always client-led.
When you invest in good design, you get:
- A home that reflects your style and enhances daily life
- Clarity that makes decision-making easier
- A renovation that stays on track, on budget, and true to your vision
- An investment that is returned in cost savings, time savings and property value
We often hear from past clients that their favourite part of the build was having someone they trusted guide the process from start to finish.
If that’s the kind of experience you’re looking for, we’d love to work with you.
Want to chat? Book a call here or explore our service packages.
