1. How much does it cost to hire an interior designer in North London?
The truth is, there isn’t one fixed number. It depends on whether you’re refreshing a single room in your Muswell Hill home or completely renovating a North London Victorian terrace. Some designers charge hourly, some work on a percentage of the project, and others (like me) create tailored packages so you know exactly what’s included.

Think of it this way: yes, there’s an upfront cost, but working with a designer often saves money. For example, one family in Highgate nearly ordered a sofa that wouldn’t have fit through their hallway — my planning saved them thousands in returns and delays. With a designer, you get a home that feels thought-through and cohesive, not pieced together over time.

How I Charge for My Interior Design Services
I like to keep my pricing transparent, so you always know what to expect. My work is usually divided into three parts: design, realisation, and procurement.

-The Design Fee (Fixed Fee)
I charge a fixed fee for the design stage of your project. This way, you know exactly what you will spend on the design part before we begin.
During this stage, you’ll receive a clear understanding of how your space will work for you. For example:

• Where to place the furniture to make sure you have enough room for guests.
• Where to put your bags when you arrive home after shopping.
• Which wall colours, finishes, and fabrics will best suit your lifestyle.
• Which materials to use for flooring, tiles, and surfaces.
• Where to source furniture and décor to complete the look.

This stage gives you a full picture of your future home and confidence in every decision.

-Realisation & Project Coordination (Percentage of Building Works)
The next step is the realisation of the project — where the design comes to life. Here, I charge a percentage of the building works to coordinate with your builders and manage the project on site.
This stage is especially important in heritage homes and older North London properties, where surprises often appear once walls are opened up. For example, hidden beams, old pipes, or unexpected structural issues. This is where changes may need to be made to the design — and I step in to adapt quickly, ensuring everything still works seamlessly.
Think of it like this: when the builder discovers that the ceiling lamp we planned clashes with a pipe behind the wall, I’m there to adjust the design and resolve it smoothly — without you having to worry.

- Procurement (Purchasing & Deliveries)
The third part is procurement — managing all the purchasing and deliveries so that everything arrives on site at the right time.
This is vital for keeping the project running smoothly. For example:

• The tiles are delivered before the tiler arrives.
• Sanitaryware is on site before the plumber starts.
• Small but important items (handles, sockets, hinges, fixtures) are ordered, checked, and ready when needed.

As I’ve worked in this industry for many years, I also have strong relationships with trusted suppliers. This means I can pass on all the trade discounts I receive, making sure you get the best possible price on everything from tiles to lighting and furniture.
I charge a percentage of the purchasing costs to manage this entire process for you. This saves you countless hours chasing orders, checking quantities, and dealing with missing parts. With me managing procurement, everything arrives on time, in the right place, and your builders can keep working without delays.

2. What does an interior designer actually do — and is it worth it?
This is one of my favourite questions, because so many people think interior designers just pick cushions!
In reality, my role covers the entire process:

• Helping you uncover your style, even if you’re not sure what it is yet.
• Planning layouts that make everyday life easier — especially important in North London homes where space is precious.
• Selecting finishes, colours, and furniture that bring warmth and personality.
• Coordinating with builders and decorators so you don’t have to juggle trades yourself.

Is it worth it? If you want a home that feels beautiful, practical, and timeless — without the stress — then yes. Many of my Muswell Hill clients say the peace of mind alone was worth it.

3. How do I choose the right interior designer in North London?
Choosing a designer isn’t just about style; it’s about trust. You want someone who listens carefully, understands how you live, and can adapt the design to fit your family’s lifestyle.
A good tip is to look at whether a designer has worked on homes similar to yours. North London is full of characterful houses — from Edwardian semis in Finchley to Victorian terraces in Muswell Hill. Each comes with its own quirks: narrow hallways, loft conversions, or extensions that need tying in with the original character.
That’s why I always start with a free 30-minute discovery call. It’s a chance to ask me anything and see if we’re the right fit for your project. You can book it on my website or leave a comment here, and I will come to you with an offer for a slot for a call.

4. What is the difference between an interior designer and an architect?
Here’s the simplest way to see it:

• Architects focus on the structure — extensions, rooflines, planning permissions.
• Interior designers focus on the interior experience — how you live in the space, the colours, the finishes, the flow of furniture and lighting.

On a North London refurbishment, I often collaborate with architects and builders. For example, in a Muswell Hill project we extended the back of the house with an architect, but my role was to ensure the new kitchen-dining space didn’t just look modern, but also felt warm and connected to the rest of the home.

5. Can an interior designer help me renovate and furnish my home?
Yes — and honestly, this is where I do my best work.
For example, one of my recent clients in Highgate had just bought a house and wanted to renovate it, but they didn’t know where to start or who to turn to. A renovation is always a team project — it involves architects, builders, engineers, contractors, the council, and of course, an interior designer.
I guided them through the whole process: from understanding planning permissions and choosing the best layout with their architect, to selecting reliable builders and managing contractors. Once the structure was in place, I helped them choose finishes like tiles, flooring, and paint, and then moved on to sourcing furniture, cushions, and artwork.

Another client in Mill Hill had already completed their extension but felt lost on how to bring it together. I stepped in to guide them through finishes, flooring, lighting, and furniture choices. The result was a space that feels calm, warm, and uniquely theirs.
So no, I don’t just help with paint colours. I support you through the full journey — from the very first planning stages to the final cushions on the sofa.

Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a North London renovation or refurbishment, chances are you’ve asked yourself some of these questions. Hopefully, this has given you clarity on how an interior designer can support you.
Your home should be more than beautiful. It should feel like your home — tailored, timeless, and filled with character. That’s what I do: from Muswell Hill refurbishments to Highgate renovations, I help homeowners create bespoke, expressive interiors that feel effortless and uniquely theirs.
If you’d like to explore how I can help, let’s start with a free 30-minute discovery call. I’d love to hear about your home and your ideas.
Book your call here https://designyourspace.co.uk/contactinteriordesignernorthlondon