Introduction
Finding the right Interior Designer in Los Angeles can feel unusually high-stakes. Between premium real estate, strict building requirements, and the city’s mix of architectural styles (Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, contemporary new-builds, and more), most projects need both creative vision and practical project management.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Interior Designer services typically include, what you can expect to pay in Los Angeles, and how to compare providers based on real-world buying criteria—experience, services, transparency, and reputation.
This list was evaluated using publicly available information when known (such as firm background, portfolio visibility, and general reputation). Where specific details like pricing, ratings, or review summaries aren’t publicly stated, they’re marked accordingly—no guesswork.
About Interior Designer
An Interior Designer plans and shapes interior spaces to improve function, comfort, and aesthetics. Depending on the project, that may include space planning, finish and material selections, lighting concepts, custom furniture design, sourcing, and coordination with contractors and trades.
You typically need an Interior Designer when you’re remodeling, moving into a new home, furnishing a larger space, working with a historic property, or trying to avoid costly mistakes (incorrect measurements, poor lighting, misordered materials, or a layout that doesn’t match how you live).
Average cost in Los Angeles: pricing varies widely based on scope and designer tier. Many Los Angeles projects are priced via hourly billing, flat design fees, or a percentage of overall project spend. As a practical range, you may see hourly rates roughly from $150 to $500+, flat fees from a few thousand dollars to $20,000+, or 10%–20% of project costs for full-service design (varies / depends).
Licensing/certifications: California generally does not require a state “license” for most residential interior design work the way it does for architecture or contracting. However, California does recognize the Certified Interior Designer (CID) title through a credentialing process, and many designers also pursue NCIDQ certification. Requirements vary by pathway and should be verified with the designer.
Key takeaways
- Interior Designer services can range from a one-time consultation to full-service design + procurement.
- The best fit depends on your scope: layout + remodel support vs. furnishings + styling vs. end-to-end management.
- Los Angeles pricing varies significantly; budget for design fees plus furnishings/materials.
- Credentials (like CID/NCIDQ) may be available, but are not always required for residential projects.
How We Selected the Best Interior Designer in Los Angeles
We focused on Interior Designer professionals and firms with strong, recognizable signals of credibility and fit for Los Angeles projects:
- Years of experience (firm history, designer track record, portfolio depth)
- Verified customer review signals (publicly available only, when known)
- Service range (consultations, full-service design, remodel coordination, procurement, custom work)
- Pricing transparency (clear fee models or at least clear scope definitions; varies by firm)
- Local reputation (recognition within Los Angeles design/build community; portfolio presence)
Only publicly available information is referenced when confidently known. If a detail (like a rating, phone number, or review summary) isn’t reliably available, it’s listed as Not publicly stated to avoid inaccuracies.
About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a sprawling, neighborhood-driven city where design needs vary dramatically from block to block—beach-adjacent homes in Santa Monica and Venice, hillside properties in the Hollywood Hills, classic estates in Hancock Park, and modern condos in Downtown LA.
Because of high property values, frequent remodel activity, and a culture that places real value on home aesthetics, demand for Interior Designer services is consistently strong. Many clients also want designers who can navigate complex logistics: multi-trade renovations, lead times for custom pieces, and coordination with architects, engineers, and contractors.
Key neighborhoods commonly served (varies by firm): Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Hollywood Hills, Hancock Park, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Pasadena, and Downtown LA.
Top 5 Best Interior Designer in Los Angeles
#1 — Kelly Wearstler
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Interior design; furnishings and decor; concept development (Not publicly stated beyond publicly visible portfolio focus)
- Price Range: Not publicly stated (premium pricing commonly associated; varies / depends)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.kellywearstler.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, design-forward residential and hospitality aesthetics
#2 — Commune Design
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Interior design; furniture and product design (Not publicly stated beyond publicly visible studio focus)
- Price Range: Not publicly stated (varies / depends)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://communedesign.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, warm-modern spaces and custom furniture-led interiors
#3 — Studio Shamshiri
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Interior design; full-home design; furnishing and styling (Not publicly stated beyond publicly visible firm focus)
- Price Range: Not publicly stated (varies / depends)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://studioshamshiri.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, curated high-end residential projects with layered detail
#4 — Michael S. Smith
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Interior design; classic residential design (Not publicly stated beyond publicly visible firm identity)
- Price Range: Not publicly stated (varies / depends)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.michaelsmithinc.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, timeless and traditionally grounded interiors
#5 — Marmol Radziner
- Rating: Not publicly stated
- Years of Experience: Not publicly stated
- Services Offered: Architecture and design (including interior design as part of broader project delivery); design-build capabilities (Not publicly stated; scope varies by project)
- Price Range: Not publicly stated (varies / depends)
- Contact Phone: Not publicly stated
- Contact Email (if available): Not publicly stated
- Website (if available): https://www.marmol-radziner.com/
- Google Map or ProfessNow or Yelp Link:
- Google Reviews Summary: Not publicly stated
- Best For (Budget / Emergency / Premium / Family-Friendly / etc.): Premium, renovation/new-build clients who want integrated architecture + interiors
Comparison Table
| Professional | Rating | Experience | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Wearstler | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Premium, statement-making interiors |
| Commune Design | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Premium, warm modern + custom furniture |
| Studio Shamshiri | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Premium, layered high-end residential |
| Michael S. Smith | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Premium, timeless classic interiors |
| Marmol Radziner | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Not publicly stated | Premium, integrated architecture + interiors |
Cost of Hiring a Interior Designer in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Interior Designer costs depend on your scope (consultation vs. full-service), the designer’s market position, and how much procurement and project management you need. For many homeowners, the most realistic approach is to budget for both the design fee and the project spend (furnishings, materials, trades).
A common planning range in Los Angeles is $150–$500+ per hour for design time, a few thousand dollars to $20,000+ for flat-fee packages, or 10%–20% of total project cost for full-service work (varies / depends). Larger remodels and high-end furnishing projects can exceed these ranges.
Emergency pricing: true “emergency” interior design is uncommon compared to trades like plumbing or electrical. Rush work can still cost more due to compressed timelines, expedited sourcing, and priority scheduling (varies / depends).
Cost factors to expect
- Scope of work: consultation-only, room-by-room, or whole-home full service
- Procurement needs: ordering, receiving, warehousing, white-glove delivery, and install days
- Customization level: custom millwork, built-ins, bespoke upholstery, and made-to-order pieces
- Construction involvement: remodel coordination, site visits, submittal reviews, and contractor communication
- Timeline and urgency: rush schedules often increase fees or reduce vendor options
- Property complexity: historic homes, hillside builds, HOA rules, or permitting coordination (varies by project)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a Interior Designer cost in Los Angeles?
Most clients see hourly pricing around $150–$500+ or flat fees from a few thousand dollars to $20,000+ depending on scope. Full-service projects may be priced as a percentage of total spend (often 10%–20%). Varies / depends.
How to choose the best Interior Designer in Los Angeles?
Start with scope: remodel + layouts vs. furnishings + styling vs. full-service. Then review portfolio alignment, communication style, fee structure, and how they manage procurement and timelines in Los Angeles.
Are licenses required in Los Angeles?
A specific “interior designer license” is generally not required for most residential interior design work in California. Some professionals hold certifications such as CID (California Certified Interior Designer) or NCIDQ; ask what credentials apply to your project.
What should I ask before hiring an Interior Designer?
Ask about fee model, deliverables (plans, renderings, sourcing lists), procurement process, typical timelines, change order handling, and how they coordinate with contractors. Also confirm who is your day-to-day contact.
Do Interior Designer firms handle permits and contractors in Los Angeles?
Some firms coordinate closely with architects and contractors, but permit pulling is typically performed by a licensed contractor or architect depending on the work. Confirm roles early so responsibilities are clear.
Can an Interior Designer help with a small apartment in Los Angeles?
Yes. Many designers offer consultations, space planning, and furnishing plans that fit smaller footprints. If you’re budget-sensitive, ask for a limited-scope package rather than full-service procurement.
Who offers 24/7 service in Los Angeles?
24/7 availability is not publicly stated for most Interior Designer firms and is uncommon in this industry. If you have a time-sensitive install (events, staging, move-in), ask about rush scheduling and weekend availability.
How long does an interior design project take in Los Angeles?
Timelines vary widely. A single-room furnishing plan may take weeks, while a whole-home remodel can take months (or longer) due to construction schedules and product lead times. Your designer should provide a phased timeline.
Is it cheaper to hire an Interior Designer or DIY?
DIY can save on design fees but may cost more through mistakes, reorders, or poor trade coordination. A designer can reduce risk, improve resale appeal, and streamline decisions—especially in high-cost Los Angeles projects.
What’s the difference between an Interior Designer and an interior decorator?
Interior Designers often handle layouts, functional planning, and construction-adjacent decisions (lighting plans, built-ins, specifications), while decorators focus primarily on furnishings, color, and styling. Many firms offer both—confirm scope in writing.
Final Recommendation
If you want high-concept, statement-making interiors and are comfortable with premium budgets, start with Kelly Wearstler. For clients who value warm modern spaces and furniture-driven design, Commune Design is a strong fit.
If you want layered, curated residential design with a boutique studio feel, consider Studio Shamshiri. If your style leans timeless and classic, Michael S. Smith is a better match. For renovations or new builds where you prefer a more integrated architecture + interiors approach, Marmol Radziner is a practical shortlist option.
For budget-focused projects, ask any firm you contact whether they offer consultations, room-by-room packages, or limited-scope planning—those models can be significantly more cost-controlled than full-service procurement.
Get Your Business Listed
If you’re a Interior Designer in Los Angeles and want your business details added or updated in this guide, email contact@professnow.com. You can also registe & Update yourself at https://professnow.com/.