Interior design pricing in Berlin is rarely as opaque as clients fear — but it is rarely as standardised as they hope. At House of Nuances, we believe in transparent, project-specific fee structures that reflect the actual scope of work rather than a one-size formula. This page explains how we charge, what each service level includes, and how to understand the full cost of an interior design project in Berlin.

How Interior Designers Charge in Berlin

Interior design fees in Germany typically follow one of three models. The most common for full-service studios is a percentage of the total project value — typically 15 to 20 percent of the combined cost of design, furniture, materials and construction. This aligns the designer's interests with the client's: the studio has an incentive to specify well and manage cost efficiently.

The second model is a fixed-fee package, agreed upfront based on scope. This gives clients cost certainty and works well for clearly defined briefs — a single room, a kitchen redesign, a concept-only engagement where the client manages execution independently. The third model is an hourly or daily rate, used for consultancy-style engagements or for open-ended projects where scope is genuinely unclear at the outset.

At House of Nuances, we use a combination of fixed-fee and percentage-based structures depending on the nature of the project. We do not charge for the initial consultation.

What the Initial Consultation Includes

Every project begins with a no-cost initial consultation — typically 60 to 90 minutes, conducted at the property or via video call for international clients. In this session, we discuss your brief, your timeline, your budget parameters and the specific characteristics of your building or space. At the end of the consultation, we can provide a clear indication of the fee structure appropriate to your project and a rough timeline from concept to completion.

There is no obligation to proceed after the initial consultation, and we do not present a fee proposal until we have a genuine understanding of what your project requires.

Concept-Only Service

For clients who want design direction — a spatial layout, material palette, key furniture selection and lighting strategy — but prefer to manage the procurement and execution independently, we offer a concept-only service. This typically results in a comprehensive concept document covering all design decisions to the level of detail needed for client or contractor briefing.

Concept-only engagements are particularly well-suited to clients undertaking a renovation who want a clear design framework before approaching contractors, or to those purchasing furniture independently who want professional guidance on selection and placement.

Full-Service Project Management

For clients who want House of Nuances involved from first concept through to final styling and handover, our full-service offering covers every stage: briefing, concept development, detailed design, specification, supplier coordination, contractor management, site visits and final installation. This is the service level appropriate for complete apartment refurbishments, new-build fit-outs and projects involving significant construction or bespoke furniture.

Full-service fees reflect the intensity of involvement — but so does the outcome. Projects managed end-to-end by a consistent design team deliver a level of coherence and quality control that self-managed projects rarely achieve. View our project portfolio to see the results of this approach, and our specific work on Berlin residential design and Altbau apartment projects.

What Influences the Total Cost

The total cost of an interior design project in Berlin is determined by three variables: the professional fee, the cost of furniture and materials, and the cost of any construction or fit-out work. Our fee covers the design and management of the project — it does not include the furniture, materials or contractor costs themselves, which are agreed directly between client and supplier or contractor.

In our experience, clients who engage an experienced interior designer recover the fee through better specification, avoided mistakes and more efficient procurement. A designer who knows the Berlin suppliers, their quality tiers and their lead times can save clients time and money that more than offsets the professional fee. Contact us to discuss your project and receive a tailored fee proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the initial consultation free?

Yes. The initial consultation — typically 60 to 90 minutes — is at no charge. It is an opportunity for us to understand your project and for you to understand our approach before any commitment is made in either direction.

What is a typical budget for a full Berlin apartment interior design project?

Total project costs for a full Berlin apartment refurbishment — including furniture, materials, construction and professional fees — typically range from €80,000 for a focused single-room-to-single-apartment renovation up to several hundred thousand euros for comprehensive high-spec projects. The design fee component is proportional to scope. We will give you a clear indication of expected costs at the initial consultation stage.

Do you charge separately for 3D visualisation?

3D visualisation is included in our full-service offering for projects where it is appropriate. For concept-only or consultancy engagements, it can be scoped separately depending on the level of detail required.

Can I see pricing examples before the consultation?

We do not publish fixed prices, because no two projects are identical and a price list would be misleading. What we can tell you is that our fees are structured transparently, are tied to deliverables, and are clearly agreed in writing before any work begins. Reach out and we will respond with an indicative structure for your type of project within one business day.