Interior Design Costs in
New Zealand
About
How e-Design Saves Time and Money
Written by: Elmarié Smart - Specialists in French Country Interiors
What Does Interior Design Really Cost?
If you’ve ever thought about hiring an interior designer in New Zealand, chances are you’ve quietly shelved the idea after one quick Google search. The cost? Ouch. While we all want our homes to look straight out of a Pinterest board, the reality is that full-service design can be pricey—especially in our little slice of paradise here in Aotearoa.
But here’s the good news: you can get professional design help without the hefty price tag. Enter e-Design—a flexible, affordable option that puts professional know-how in your hands, without blowing your budget. At STUDIO42 e-Design, we specialise in creating stunning French Country Interiors in Auckland and beyond, with online packages tailored for DIY-savvy homeowners.
In this article, we’re breaking down the real cost of traditional interior design in New Zealand—and showing how e-Design can help you save both time and money while still achieving beautiful, magazine-worthy results.
2. The e-Design Advantage
e-Design is a smarter, streamlined way to access professional design services — without the hefty price tag. It’s all done online, which means fewer overheads and a faster turnaround.
At STUDIO42, we offer beautifully crafted e-Design services starting at just $585 NZD per room. Our packages are flat-rate (no surprises), and perfect for:
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DIYers who want a professional plan, then roll up their sleeves
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Homeowners outside the big cities who can’t access in-person services
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Busy professionals who want style — but also sanity
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Anyone overwhelmed by the million-and-one decisions that come with renovating
You’ll receive everything you need to confidently bring your space to life, including:
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A custom mood board and colour palette
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2D floorplan layout to maximise your space
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3D concept visualisation (depending on package)
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A detailed shopping list with clickable links to local retailers
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A personalised design guide with step-by-step instructions
It’s like having a designer in your pocket — but without the premium bill.
4. The Hidden Costs You Avoid With e-Design
One of the most underrated perks of e-Design? What you don’t pay for. Here’s what you avoid:
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Site visit fees and travel costs
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Hourly billing that racks up over time
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High-pressure product sales or supplier markups
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Unclear timelines and project delays
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Constant back-and-forth with tradies and consultants
Instead, you get clarity, control, and confidence — backed by expert design advice.
Smart Design Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Here in New Zealand, where labour and logistics can make everything more expensive (looking at you, freight costs), it’s easy to feel like beautiful design is only for the wealthy. But that’s just not true anymore. With e-Design, you can tap into the same level of professional insight — but in a format that fits your life and your budget.
At STUDIO42, we’re proud to offer affordable e-Design across New Zealand. Whether you live in the city, the suburbs, or off-the-beaten-track in Wairarapa or Wanaka, our online service brings timeless design to your doorstep.
What is the Benefits of e-Design?
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Traditional interior design in Auckland typically costs between $100–$250+ per hour, or $5,000–$30,000+ for full-service projects.
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These costs can quickly add up, especially once you factor in site visits, project management fees, and product markups.
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e-Design offers a flat-rate, budget-friendly alternative, starting from around $585 NZD per room with no hidden extras.
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Perfect for DIY homeowners, rural or regional Kiwis, and time-poor professionals.
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With STUDIO42’s e-Design, you’ll receive expert design plans, mood boards, floorplans, a shopping list, and clear step-by-step instructions — all online.
Traditional Interior Design
vs
e-Design
1. The Price of Traditional Interior Design
Let’s be real: hiring a traditional interior designer isn’t cheap.
According to recent industry data, you can expect to pay:
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Hourly rate: $100–$250+ per hour
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Initial consultation: $300–$500
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Full-service project: $5,000–$30,000+ depending on size and complexity
And that’s just the design side of things. Add in procurement fees, project management costs, and multiple site visits — and it’s easy to see how your renovation budget can vanish before the first coat of paint dries.
While these services are perfect for high-end clients with large-scale renovation budgets, they’re often out of reach for regular homeowners juggling work, kids, and everyday expenses.
3. But Will It Look Good?
We get this question a lot. And the short answer is: absolutely. e-Design doesn’t mean cutting corners on style or quality. At STUDIO42, we specialise in timeless French Country interiors with a sophisticated Neoclassical twist. Think: soft textures, rustic elegance, tailored finishes, and warm, welcoming vibes.
And because our service is personalised to you and your space, we help you make smart design decisions that suit your lifestyle, budget, and timeline — without compromising on the end result.
In fact, many of our clients say they love the empowerment of having a clear design plan they can execute at their own pace, without being rushed or upsold.
Ready to transform your home —
without blowing the budget?
Whether you’re planning a bedroom refresh or a full home renovation, our experienced e-Design professionals will create a custom plan just for you.
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Flat-rate pricing, no hidden fees
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Beautiful French Country style, tailored to you
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Design help wherever you are in New Zealand
Don’t wait months (or spend thousands) to get the home you love.
Order your custom e-Design package today and get started with STUDIO42 - just click the button below!
We make it easy - You make it beautiful.
Let’s work together and start
Crafting Luxury Interiors that Lift your Soul!