Find a interior designer in San Diego, CA

Find interior designers in San Diego, CA

Find interior designers in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best interior designers in your area.
Zip code

Customer budget for services only

Find interior designers in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best interior designers in your area.
Zip code

Customer budget for services only

Top 10 interior designers in San Diego, CA

Clients agree: these San Diego interior designers are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Evocative Motif

Evocative Motif

New on HomeGuide
Offers online services
1 hire on HomeGuide
4+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Step into a world where luxury meets modern elegance, and personalized comfort. Welcome to EVOCATIVE MOTIF, a full-service interior design firm that excels in crafting unforgettable experiences for those who seek the extraordinary and affordability. Our team of highly skilled interior designers listens intently to your desires, understanding your vision, to create a design that reflects your true essence. With an innate passion for luxury modern, contemporary, and transitional designs, we skillfully blend functionality with beauty, transforming spaces into immersive environments that leave an admiring awe on everyone who stops by. At EVOCATI
Abodwell Interior Design

Abodwell Interior Design

5.0(1)
Offers online services
23+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Lisa G. says, "Brittney was very easy to work with. She really listened to me with what I wanted and did an amazing job! She is extremely creative and talented at design. Wow! I highly recommend her to everyone." Read more
BM STUDIO

BM STUDIO

5.0(2)
Offers online services
2 hires on HomeGuide
26+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Arbeth S. says, "The incredible design talent that they bring to each project! They turned the 1980's kitchen in my new home into a beautiful surround that works extremely well. Beyond that they are conscious of their client's purse and budget goals. Communication was great also." Read more
Jennergy Cleaning & Household Soutions

Jennergy Cleaning & Household Soutions

New on HomeGuide
1 hire on HomeGuide
4+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Experience a transformational cleaning.
HOM YOURS!

HOM YOURS!

5.0(4)
3+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Casey B. says, "Laura is by far the best designer I could have ever trusted with my home. She's very professional, kind, and most importantly pays attention to detail! This woman has decades of experience and it shows. She was supportive and receptive of my ideas and wants, and gave fabulous input, of course. Remodeling can be extremely stressful, but Laura takes that burden off of your back and makes the entire process as easy as humanly possible. I have dealt with several large remodeling corporations throughout my life, and I'm telling you, all you need is LAURA!" Read more
Legacy Interior Design

Legacy Interior Design

New on HomeGuide
19+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Legacy Interior Design is a full service design firm. We specialize in space planning, color and paint selection, furnishings, art and accessories, window treatments, cabinetry design, and lighting. Working with each client to select the perfect materials for your project while maximizing your budget. With our design experience and trade discounts we can give our clients the look they want while staying within their budget. With an hourly fee or flat fee we are affordable and the perfect fit for your home or business. Design is a personal experience and we pride ourselves in giving each client a custom look that is perfect for their needs. Wi...
Thomson Plumbing & Heating

Thomson Plumbing & Heating

4.7Excellent(15)
Offers online services
27 hires on HomeGuide
33+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Tom H. C. says, "He came on a Sunday Father’s Day. No up charge at all. Friendly and professional. Clearly has been doing plumbing for a while. You can tell by how he takes his work steps that he knows exactly what he is doing. Clean and organized with his work. Highly recommended. " Read more

Your Interior Design questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on HomeGuide.

How much do interior designers charge in my area?

Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour on average, depending on the scope of work and the decorator's experience. Hiring an interior designer costs $5 to $17 per square foot for consultation, design work, management, and furnishings. A 1-hour in-home consultation costs $50 to $450.

What does an interior designer do?

Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, layout and space planning, and structural design expertise to make interior spaces functional, safe, and attractive. Designers help select color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Designers also work with you, suppliers, architects, and contractors to coordinate the entire design, building, and installation process.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

  • Interior decorators provide aesthetic assistance for pre-constructed homes and rooms. Decorators focus on style, color palettes, furniture, lighting, paint, wallpaper, fabric, window treatments, and accessories. Interior decorating doesn't address structural work, exterior elements, or how the space functions.

    Interior decorators are not required to be certified or have a degree, but may have taken courses.
  • Interior designers provide decorating aesthetics, space planning, and structural design expertise. Interior designers work with you, your architects, and your builders through the architectural design phase, the construction or renovation stages, and the complete interior decorating process.

    Interior designers are formally trained and may be required to have a degree or certifications to practice as designers. Designers are trained in drafting, lighting, computer-aided design (CAD), drawing, space planning, architecture, furniture design, and color and fabric.

How do interior designers work with clients?

  1. Interior designers ask the client to complete a detailed questionnaire before the initial consultation.
  2. After scoping the project, the designer sets the expectations, timeline, and explains estimated costs.
  3. Designers will begin working on the structural and aesthetic design, while considering building codes, safety and flow, space planning, and current design trends.
  4. Designers present at least two design concepts, layout plans, mood boards, furniture, colors, and work hands-on with the client to finalize the details and decor.
  5. Designers can assist throughout the architectural and construction process, or the initial planning or interior decorating only.
  6. After the furnishings are selected, the decorator organizes the purchasing, transportation, and installation.

How long does the interior design process take?

The interior design process takes 2 to 3 weeks, including the initial consultation, two design concepts, layout planning, 3D modeling, researching (materials, finishes, and furniture), and hiring suppliers and contractors.

How do you find a good interior designer?

To find the local interior designers, do the following:

  • Start your search on websites like HomeGuide and Google.
  • Ask for recommendations from family, friends, neighbors, builders, and architects.
  • Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
  • Peruse their portfolio and look-book from past projects.
  • Get at least three price estimates from different designers to compare.
  • Select companies that are licensed, bonded, and experienced.
  • Verify their insurance, worker’s compensation, and bond guarantees.
  • Look for designers who are part of the American Society of Interior Designs (ASID) or have passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) exam.
  • Ask about their warranties and guarantees.
  • Ask for a full itemized estimate or contract in writing.
  • Avoid making large payments upfront. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed.

After asking questions, hire the best interior design service near you.

What questions should I ask local interior designers?

When hiring a home designer, ask them the following questions:

  • How long have you been an interior designer?
  • What is your interior design style?
  • What design services are offered?
  • Can you provide testimonials and references from past customers and photos from previous projects?
  • How do you decide which projects are a good fit for your company?
  • Where do you get your design inspiration?
  • Do you work alone or with a team of designers?
  • How much client involvement is recommended?
  • Do you charge a flat rate, by the hour, use the cost-plus method, or a combination?
  • How much will my project cost?
  • How do you prioritize my budget throughout the project?
  • Are there any potential complications you foresee with my project?
  • What type of materials will you use?
  • Can you provide me a written estimate or contract?
  • What’s your payment schedule?
  • What do I need to provide to get started?

What to ask references:

  • Did you enjoy working with this designer? Would you work with them again?
  • What we're their strengths and weaknesses?
  • Did the designer adhere to your budget?
  • Did they communicate promptly and thoroughly? Did you feel heard and understood?
  • Did any issues arise? If so, how were they handled?
  • Did the design turn out as expected?

Reviews for San Diego interior designers

Recent success stories from people in the San Diego area.
Laura R.
Albert and Susan are masters at helping clients determine what their vision is for a space and then making it happen. They adhere to your design aesthetic but will always offer an additional suggestion to help elevate the room- offering an expertise that you might not have. Albert and Susan insist on top quality and only work with contractors and vendors that can deliver it. They are also wizards at finding good quality but less expensive options for high end looks.
BM STUDIO
FarnazAshkan F.
Laura is the most talented designer you could ask for! Her gorgeous work speaks for itself and she offers first class service from start to finish. She's also extremely kind, a consummate professional and simply a joy to work with. Remodeling in general is such a stressful experience, but Laura makes it enjoyable and fun!
HOM YOURS!
Charles M.
Ken is a pro. Prompt service and got a extra tough job done and done. Even some knowledge transfer kindly enough, to help me make some informed choices moving forward. Can't recommend Ken highly enough!
Thomson Plumbing & Heating
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San Diego interior designers by service