How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in Ottawa?

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When it comes to redesigning your home, working with a professional interior designer can transform not just how a space looks but also how it functions. Whether you're investing in a new La-Z-Boy sectional or planning a complete room makeover, the big question often arises: How much does an interior designer cost in Ottawa?

Interior design pricing is highly variable and can be influenced by several factors, including the designer’s experience, the project scope, and even the style of furniture selected.

In this article, we’ll explore updated 2025 costs, common pricing models, and how complimentary design services at La-Z-Boy can offer exceptional value.

Key Takeaways:

Interior designer fees in Ottawa range between $450 to $1,500 per room, with full projects typically falling between $1,900 to $12,000 depending on complexity.
Designers charge either by the hour ($50–$500+) or through a flat project rate.
Larger firms tend to charge higher minimums, while freelancers are often more affordable but less full-service.
Some furniture stores in Ottawa, such as La-Z-Boy, provide complimentary interior design consultations.
The cost can also vary based on material preferences (e.g., leather sofas vs. fabric sectionals) and technological integrations (e.g., smart lighting).
Hiring the right designer can save money long-term by preventing costly mistakes and streamlining purchases.

In This Article…

Cost of an Interior Designer in Ottawa
Factors that Affect the Cost of an Interior Designer
Cost of an Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy
Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy

Cost of an Interior Designer in Ottawa

In Ottawa, the average cost of hiring an interior designer falls between $450 and $1,500 per room. Full-home projects can exceed $12,000, especially when structural changes or high-end furnishings are involved.

There are two main ways designers charge:

Hourly Rates: Freelance designers often charge between $50 to $150 per hour, while boutique studios can go up to $250/hour. Larger, more established firms may exceed $500/hour, particularly for luxury projects or commercial-grade designs
Flat Rates: This is often a preferred option for homeowners who want transparency and predictability. For example, a designer may quote $2,000 for a living room design, which includes concept development, layout planning, and final presentation.

Michelle MacLellan, a professional interior designer with La-Z-Boy Hunt Club, explains: “An experienced designer knows that a kitchen will take her approximately 15 hours, so she can charge a flat fee to the client for more transparency.”

How much does an interior designer cost?

Factors That Affect the Cost of an Interior Designer

Several key factors influence the total cost of working with an interior designer in Ottawa.

Designer's Experience and Reputation

Designers are typically categorized into three pricing tiers:

Entry-Level / Freelance: $50–$75/hour. These designers are often recent grads or are building their portfolios.
Mid-Level Professionals: $75–$150/hour. These include seasoned freelancers or small studio owners.
High-End Designers: $150–$500+/hour. These professionals often work in large firms or have a distinct, recognized style.

For example, well-known Ottawa designer Tanya Collins charges $250/hour, while West of Main offers a consultation starting at $450, with a $2,050 minimum for 15 hours of service.

Project Scope and Type of Design Work

Design projects that involve structural planning, architectural collaboration, or full-room layouts are naturally more expensive than purely decorative ones. For instance, planning a multifunctional living room with a La-Z-Boy power sectional, custom shelving, and coordinated accent chairs will take more time than just choosing paint colours.

Additionally, clients seeking smart home integrations—like ambient lighting, smart speakers, and automated window treatments—should expect to pay a premium for the technical design experience required.

Materials and Furnishing Preferences

Designers will often base part of their cost estimate on the style and materials you choose. For example, opting for leather upholstery, reclining sectionals, or handcrafted wood finishes can increase your furniture spend—and, subsequently, the time and planning needed.

Michelle notes, “If the client wants a sectional and two accent chairs in leather with power recline, that will cost more than a standard three-seat sofa.”

To learn more about the Quality of Materials at La-Z-Boy, take a look at this article.

Cost of Interior Design at La-Z-Boy Ottawa

La-Z-Boy offers complimentary interior design services in Ottawa with any furniture purchase, starting with an in-home consultation and room measurement. The designer then creates a custom 3D layout and presents the complete design plan in-store, including furniture placement, colour schemes, and accessory suggestions—all at no extra cost.

To learn more about what to expect from La-Z-Boy’s interior design services, take a look at this article.

Michelle explains: “With La-Z-Boy’s design service, there are no extra fees. You don’t have to pay for the idea on top of the cost of the furniture and accessories.”

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included:

Service	Cost
In-home design consultation	Free
3D Room Layout & Planning	Free
Style and Material Recommendations	Free
Furniture Selection & Presentation	Free

*Please note that La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change without notice. Information is current as of April 14, 2025. Contact your local La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston stores by phone or in person for up-to-date pricing.

Furniture Financing at La-Z-Boy

Purchasing a recliner, whether from La-Z-Boy or another retailer, can be a significant investment due to various cost factors. Furniture financing offers a solution, allowing customers to pay off their purchases over time instead of upfront.

La-Z-Boy partners with Flexiti Financing, providing instant approval and easy monthly payments. Once approved, customers can shop and finance with Flexiti anytime.

For more information, check out this article on Furniture Financing.

What's Next?

Now that you have a better understanding of the cost of an interior designer, industry-wide and at La-Z-Boy, you’re now ready to invest in one of your own! With that being said, why not shop for one of our sectionals today?

Visit us at a local Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston La-Z-Boy location to view our selection in person and take a sit test. You can also schedule an appointment online.

Our sales consultants are always eager to lend a helping hand. Take advantage of our interior design services to see how a recliner could fit into your home design. If you want to learn more about our La-Z-Boy furniture, check out our living room furniture buyer’s guide.

Nicholas Carchidi

Content Writer at StyleMeetsComfort.ca

Nick has been the lead content writer for La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston since 2022, specializing in the furniture industry. He collaborates with experts in his field, ensuring that each piece on the La-Z-Boy Learning Centre is accurate and valuable. He provides readers with expert knowledge on all things furniture. If you'd like to learn more about Nick, you can check out his LinkedIn page here.