Free Contract Template for Interior Designers
Interior design contracts must address procurement authority, markup percentages, vendor payment terms, and the approval process for purchases. Without clear procurement clauses, disputes about furniture costs and vendor selection will derail the project. Define your markup percentage, the client's approval threshold for individual purchases, and the process for handling returns and damages.
Interior Designer Contract Preview
Brand Identity Redesign
Effective Date: March 25, 2026
Parties
Party A (Service Provider)
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{{partyAAddress}}
Party B (Client)
{{partyB}}
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This Agreement is entered into as of March 25, 2026 and shall remain in effect through June 30, 2026, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms herein.
1. Scope of Services
2. Payment
3. Terms & Conditions
4. Confidentiality
5. Termination
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
Party A: Service Provider
{{partyA}}
Signature: __________________
Date: __________________
Party B: Client
{{partyB}}
Signature: __________________
Date: __________________
This preview uses the Modern style. View all 9 contract styles
What to Include on a Interior Designer Contract
Billing Tips for Interior Designers
Disclose your procurement markup percentage in writing before the first purchase. The industry standard is 20-35%, and clients who discover the markup after receiving a vendor invoice will feel deceived. Transparency upfront turns your markup into a feature (you handle sourcing, logistics, and quality control) rather than a hidden fee.
Separate your design fee from procurement costs on every invoice. Your creative expertise is billed hourly or as a flat project fee, while procurement is a separate line item with the markup shown. This two-track billing model lets clients see the value of your design work independently from product costs.
Collect a procurement deposit before placing any vendor orders. Furniture and materials often require 50% deposits that come out of your cash flow if you front the money. Structure your contract so the client funds a procurement account that you draw from, eliminating the need to carry vendor costs yourself.
Bill for site visits, travel time, and installation supervision as separate line items. These are legitimate work hours that clients often overlook. By listing them transparently, you set expectations and avoid absorbing costs that should be part of the project budget.
pro tip
Interior Designer Rate Ranges and Payment Terms
| Experience Level | Rate Range | Pricing Model | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | $50 per hour | Hourly + procurement markup | Deposit + milestone + procurement |
| Mid-level | $125 per hour | Hourly + procurement markup | Deposit + milestone + procurement |
| Senior / Specialist | $200+ per hour | Hourly + procurement markup | Deposit + milestone + procurement |
Rate data reflects 2025-2026 market ranges for freelance interior designers in the United States. Rates vary by location, specialization, and project complexity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What markup percentage should an interior design contract specify?
- 20-35% is the industry standard for furniture and materials procurement. Specify the exact percentage in your contract and note whether it applies to all purchases or only items sourced through your vendor accounts. Consistency and transparency prevent disputes.
- Who owns the design concepts in an interior design contract?
- Typically, the designer retains copyright on mood boards, drawings, and specifications until final payment is received. Upon full payment, usage rights transfer to the client for the specific project. You retain the right to use images in your portfolio.
- How should an interior design contract handle vendor delays?
- Include a force majeure clause that covers supply chain disruptions and manufacturer delays. Specify that timeline extensions due to vendor issues do not constitute a breach and that you will communicate delays promptly with alternative sourcing options.
- Should the client approve every purchase in an interior design project?
- Set an approval threshold (e.g., the client approves any individual purchase over $500). Below that threshold, you have purchasing authority within the agreed budget. This speeds up the project while keeping the client in control of major expenditures.
- What happens to procurement orders if the design contract is terminated?
- The client is responsible for all vendor deposits and orders placed before termination. Include a clause specifying that non-refundable deposits and custom orders cannot be canceled. The client receives all goods ordered on their behalf.
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