Contract template for interior designers

Interior design disputes are usually about money spent on goods. A client changes their mind after a custom sofa is in production, a supplier delays by eight weeks, or a delivered piece arrives damaged. The contract should say who carries the risk at each step, what is refundable and what is not, and that supplier delays are not the designer's fault.

The second source of trouble is the contractor. Designers often coordinate builders, electricians and painters they did not hire. If a wall is painted the wrong colour or a light is wired in the wrong place, who is responsible? Make clear that you coordinate and specify, while contractors remain responsible for their own work.

Clauses specific to interior designers

• Procurement. Items are ordered only after the client approves them in writing and pays the required deposit. The procurement fee or markup is charged as set out in the quote.
• Custom and non-returnable items. Custom, made-to-order and special-order items cannot be cancelled or returned once ordered. Returnable items may carry restocking and freight charges paid by the client.
• Lead times and delays. Delivery dates are estimates from suppliers. The designer is not responsible for supplier delays, but will keep the client informed and suggest alternatives where possible.
• Contractors. The designer coordinates contractors and provides specifications. Contractors are responsible for the quality, safety and compliance of their own work.
• Receiving and damage. Deliveries are inspected on arrival. Damage is reported to the supplier or carrier, and replacement timing depends on them.
• Photography. The designer may photograph the finished space for portfolio use. Personal items and the address are not shown without the client's consent.

The clauses every freelance contract needs

• Parties. Who the agreement is between: your legal name or business, the client's legal entity, and the addresses of both.
• Scope of work. What you will deliver, in what form, and what is explicitly not included. Refer to the quote or proposal by number if it lists the details.
• Fees and payment terms. The total fee or rate, the currency, any deposit, when invoices are issued and how many days the client has to pay.
• Late payment. What happens when an invoice is late: interest or a fixed fee if you want one, and your right to pause work until the account is settled.
• Changes and revisions. How many revision rounds are included, what counts as a change of scope, and how extra work is priced and approved.
• Timeline and client delays. Key dates, and that deadlines move when the client is late with feedback, content or approvals.
• Ownership and licence. Who owns the finished work and when (usually on full payment), what the client may use it for, and what you keep, such as your tools, templates and know-how.
• Confidentiality. Both sides keep the other's non-public information private, during the project and after it.
• Cancellation. How either side can end the agreement, the notice required, and payment for work done up to that point.
• Liability. A cap on what either side can claim, often the fees paid under the agreement, and no liability for indirect losses.
• Governing law. Which country's law applies and where disputes are heard. Usually where you are based.

A plain-language sample

Copy it, fill in the brackets, and cut what doesn't apply. Shorter is fine as long as the scope, the money and the rights are clear.

Questions interior designers ask

Also for interior designers: invoice template and quote template. Contract templates for related trades: architects, 3D artists, photographers, graphic designers. Or browse all contract templates.