The cost of interior design consultation in Switzerland varies depending on the scope, ranging from around CHF 250 for a single functional area to several thousand francs for a comprehensive, on-site supported room concept. The price primarily depends on whether you receive a digital concept for self-implementation or personal guidance throughout the entire project.
The problem: Hardly anyone openly states these figures. Most websites say "price on request," and you're expected to book an initial consultation without knowing what you're getting into. This article reveals pricing models, states our own figures, and also explains when a consultation is not worthwhile.
What pricing models are there for interior design consultation?
There are four common billing models: hourly rate, flat-rate package, price per square meter, and percentage of the furnishing budget. When comparing offers, it's important to know which model is behind them – the final costs can differ significantly.
Hourly Rate
You pay for the time spent. Flexible for small questions, but the final sum is not foreseeable at the beginning. For a project lasting several weeks, this can become unpleasant: every query costs money, which leads to people refraining from asking questions – exactly the wrong dynamic.
Flat-Rate Package
A fixed price for a clearly defined scope of services. You know beforehand what you're paying and what you're getting. Particularly suitable for a single room or area.
Price per Square Meter
Common for larger projects. Understandable, but it overlooks the fact that a small bathroom with a difficult layout might require more thought than a large, empty living room.
Percentage of Furnishing Budget
The fee is based on the total budget. Customary for comprehensive renovations. A critical point: this model provides no incentive for economical planning.
What does interior design consultation cost at AYLA?
We work with fixed package prices: CHF 250 for a functional area, CHF 700 for a room up to 25 m², CHF 900 for rooms up to 40 m². For larger projects with on-site support, we calculate individually.
- Package 1 – CHF 250, approx. 10 days: A functional area, for example, a seating area or a workstation. Online call, style check, mood board with colors and materials, suitable shopping list.
- Package 2 – CHF 700, approx. 3 weeks: A room up to 25 m², holistically designed. Additionally with floor plan and 3D visualization.
- Package 3 – CHF 900, approx. 4 to 6 weeks: For larger rooms and open living areas up to 40 m².
- Full Interior Service: Personal on-site appointment, individual space planning, coordination of implementation. Price according to scope – a flat rate would not be serious here, as projects differ too greatly.
Is it worth it? An honest calculation
The correct comparison is not "CHF 700 versus zero," but "CHF 700 versus the cost of trying it without a concept." And these costs are usually higher than you think.
A sofa of the wrong size in Switzerland can quickly cost CHF 2000 to 4000 – and visually halve the room instead of opening it up. A rug of the wrong dimensions makes the seating group fall apart. Wall paint that looks warm in the store and cold at home. These errors add up, you live with them for years – or buy again.
A room concept for CHF 700 is therefore often cheaper than a single bad purchase. That is the real value: it prevents expensive decisions before they are made.
When it's not worth it: If you only want to choose a curtain or already know exactly what you want, you don't need a consultation. An interior design consultation solves the problem of decision uncertainty, not the problem of shopping.
What should a good concept include?
A complete interior concept contains five building blocks: needs analysis, mood board, floor plan, visualization, and shopping list. If one of these is missing – especially the shopping list – the concept remains a nice idea that you have to translate into reality yourself.
- Needs analysis: How do you really live in this space? Who sits where, what bothers you in everyday life, what already works?
- Mood board: Colors, materials, atmosphere – made visible before anything is bought.
- Floor plan: Where each piece of furniture stands, and why exactly there.
- 3D visualization: You see the result before committing.
- Shopping list: Specific products with sources of supply.
The most frequent breaking point is the shopping list. Without it, the consultation ends exactly where your work begins again.
How long does an interior design consultation take?
Allow about 10 days for a single functional area, about 3 weeks for a complete room concept up to 25 m², and 4 to 6 weeks for large or open living areas.
That sounds like a lot. The reason: a floor plan, material selection, 3D visualization, and a well-thought-out shopping list cannot be put together in a few days if the result is intended to last for years. Anyone who promises a concept in three days either uses text modules or lacks diligence.
Online or on-site – which is better?
Online works well for most living spaces and costs significantly less. On-site consultation is worthwhile if the room has peculiarities that are not visible in photos.
In the online process, you send photos and measurements, we discuss your daily life and style in a call, and you receive a concept that you implement at your own pace.
An on-site living consultation is useful when difficult lighting conditions, slanted walls, or an old building with its own character are involved. We consult on-site throughout German-speaking Switzerland – from Lake Constance to Zurich and Lucerne to Bern and Basel. Read more about this in the article Interior Design Consultation Zurich: Process, Costs, and What You Get.
How do you recognize a good offer?
Ask every provider three questions: What exactly do I get in the end? Is implementation considered? Is there a follow-up discussion?
- What exactly do I get? Files, lists, visualizations – or just a conversation?
- Is implementation considered? A concept without sources of supply is half-finished work.
- Is there a follow-up discussion? Questions almost always arise during the first review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does interior design consultation cost for a room?
A complete digital concept for a room up to 25 m² costs CHF 700 at AYLA, including online call, style check, mood board, floor plan, 3D visualization, and shopping list. For a single area like a seating area, the smaller package starting from CHF 250 is often sufficient.
How long does an interior design consultation take?
Package 1 typically takes about 10 days, Package 2 about 3 weeks, and Package 3 between 4 and 6 weeks. For larger on-site projects, the timeframe depends on the scope.
Does online interior design actually work?
Yes, provided the process is structured. Crucial factors are precise measurements, good photos, and a detailed conversation about your daily life. For rooms with unusual layouts or difficult lighting, we recommend an on-site appointment.
Do I have to buy the suggested furniture?
No. The shopping list is a recommendation with specific sources, not an obligation. Through our partnerships with selected brands, our customers also benefit from exclusive conditions.
In which regions do you provide consultation?
On-site throughout German-speaking Switzerland: Lake Constance, Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Basel. Online packages can be booked regardless of location.
Conclusion
Interior design consultation is not a luxury for large budgets, but a tool against decision uncertainty. The price should be transparent, the scope of services clear, and in the end, something should emerge that you can actually implement.
Our Interior Services Overview shows you which package suits your space. If you want to see what the results look like first: In the Portfolio, you will find completed projects – including a bedroom in Herisau and two bathrooms in the Zurich Oberland. Our customers currently rate us 5.0 out of 5 stars with 9 reviews on Google.
