Interior Design Contract Template

An interior design contract protects both sides through a project with many moving parts: dozens of orders, outside contractors, and months of lead times. This template sets out the design services and fees, how furnishings are purchased, who's responsible for contractors' work, and how changes and cancellations are handled.

  • 1. Project and Services
  • 2. Design Fee
  • 3. Purchasing
  • 4. Contractors
  • 5. Client Responsibilities
  • 6. Photography
  • 7. Ownership of Designs
  • 8. Termination
  • 9. Limitation of Liability
  • 10. Agreement
  • Signatures from both parties
Free, no account needed to start. Not legal advice.

Use it once a client has chosen to work with you, alongside your proposal or on its own, for a residential or small commercial project.

The full template

Words in brackets, like [Client Name], fill in automatically from your client's details when you use the template in Clientary.

In the editor, you can change any section or add your own. Once you send it, your client signs online from any device. Edit this template online

This Interior Design Services Agreement is made on [Contract Date] between [Company Name] ("Designer") and [Client Name] ("Client").

1. Project and Services

Designer will provide interior design services for [describe the rooms and address, for example: the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom at 14 Elm Street] (the "Project"), including:

  • Measuring and documenting the existing spaces
  • Concept design: mood boards, palettes, and furniture layouts
  • Design development: selections of furniture, lighting, window treatments, rugs, and finishes
  • Procurement: ordering, tracking, receiving, and inspecting approved items
  • Installation and styling of the finished rooms

2. Design Fee

The design fee is $[amount], billed 50% on signing, 25% on approval of the concept design, and 25% on approval of the selections. Work outside the services above, such as additional rooms or changes after approval, is billed at $175 per hour with Client's approval first.

3. Purchasing

  • Designer will present selections in writing with prices. Client approves each order in writing and pays for it in full before Designer places it.
  • Items are priced at Designer's trade cost plus a 20% purchasing fee. Freight, delivery, storage, and sales tax are billed at cost.
  • Custom and made-to-order items can't be cancelled or returned once ordered. Returns of stock items are subject to each vendor's policy and any restocking fees.
  • Designer will inspect items on delivery and pursue claims for damage with the vendor, but isn't responsible for manufacturers' defects or delays.

4. Contractors

Contractors, such as builders, painters, and electricians, work under their own agreements with Client and are responsible for their own work, permits, and compliance with codes. Designer will coordinate with them and communicate the design intent, but doesn't supervise construction or guarantee contractors' work.

5. Client Responsibilities

Client will provide access to the property for measuring, deliveries, and installation, make decisions within one week of each presentation, and tell Designer of any building rules that affect deliveries or work.

6. Photography

Designer may photograph the finished rooms for its portfolio and marketing, without identifying Client or the address, unless Client asks otherwise in writing.

7. Ownership of Designs

Drawings, plans, and presentations are Designer's work. Client may use them to complete this Project once fees are paid, but not for other projects.

8. Termination

Either party may end this agreement with 14 days' written notice. Client will pay for services performed to that date and for any items already ordered. Designer will hand over the items paid for and the selections made to date.

9. Limitation of Liability

Designer's total liability for any claim related to the Project is limited to the design fees paid under this agreement.

10. Agreement

This agreement is governed by the laws of [state or country]. It is the entire agreement between the parties and may only be changed in writing. By signing below, both parties agree to these terms.

How to use this template in Clientary

  1. Edit it online. Change any section or add your own. No account needed.
  2. Preview it as your client will see it. Fill in who it's for and pick a design.
  3. Start your free trial to send it. Confirm you'll have it reviewed, since templates aren't legal advice, and your contract is waiting in your new account with your client's details filled in.
  4. Send it to be signed. Your client reviews and signs online, and you can see when it's viewed and signed.

Learn more about contracts and e-signatures in Clientary.

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for contractors on an interior design project?

Usually the contractors themselves, under their own agreements with the client. The designer coordinates and communicates the design intent but doesn't supervise or guarantee construction work. This template says so plainly.

Can a client return custom furniture?

Rarely. Custom and made-to-order pieces are typically non-returnable once ordered, which is why the client approves each order in writing first.

Is this interior design contract template free?

Yes. Read and copy the full text on this page, or edit it online and see it as your client will. When it's ready, start a free Clientary trial to send it or download it as a PDF.

Has a lawyer reviewed this template?

No. It's a general starting point written by Clientary, not legal advice, and it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer for your situation or the laws where you and your client work. Have your own counsel review it before you use or sign it.

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