Contracts are the backbone of a thriving interior design business. Without clear terms in place, you risk scope creep, late payments, last-minute changes, and even legal disputes.
So, what are the best contract clauses for interior designers? We asked industry professionals to share their must-have protections, and here’s what they had to say.
Whether you’re refining your contract or creating one from scratch, these clauses safeguard your time, creativity, and profitability.
1. No Verbal Agreements – Everything Must Be in Writing
A casual client conversation can quickly turn into miscommunication. If it’s not documented, it doesn’t exist.
💡 verandaestatehomes shared:
“No verbal agreements.”
Why This Matters:
- Clients may claim you promised something you didn’t.
- It eliminates misunderstandings and protects your pricing and scope.
- It provides legal proof if disputes arise.
How to Implement This:
✔ Require all approvals in writing—email, contract amendments, or signed forms.
✔ Use project management tools like MyDoma or Studio Designer to track approvals.
✔ State that verbal agreements are non-binding in your contract.
2. Scope Creep – Set Boundaries for Revisions & Extra Work
Unpaid extra work is one of the biggest profit killers for designers. Clients often request additional changes after the design has been approved, and without clear limits, you’ll be working for free.
💡 roberta.puschinsky shared:
“Any extra revision will be billed hourly.”
Why This Matters:
- Clients don’t realize how much time changes take.
- Without limits, you’ll spend endless unpaid hours reworking designs.
- A structured process ensures clients respect the timeline and budget.
How to Implement This:
✔ Include a clause limiting revisions (e.g., two rounds included, then charge hourly).
✔ Require client approval before moving to the next design phase.
✔ Charge an hourly rate for all changes beyond the agreed scope.
3. Payment Terms & Late Fees – Protect Your Cash Flow
Nothing is worse than chasing clients for payments. A strong payment clause ensures you get paid on time.
💡 waldron_designs shared:
“7 days to dispute fees. Payment is acceptance.”
Why This Matters:
- Clients sometimes delay payments or dispute fees after the work is done.
- Late payments affect your cash flow and ability to take on new projects.
- A strict payment policy ensures accountability.
How to Implement This:
✔ Set clear due dates (e.g., invoices due within 7–10 days).
✔ Charge a late fee (e.g., 5% per week past due).
✔ Stop work if payments are overdue—make this explicit in your contract.
4. No Refunds on Custom Orders – Protect Yourself from Losses
Many clients assume they can return anything, but most furnishings, fabrics, and materials are final sale.
Why This Matters:
- You’re financially responsible for custom or trade-only orders.
- Clients need to understand that once an item is ordered, it’s final.
- Refund requests can destroy your profitability.
How to Implement This:
✔ Require full payment upfront for furniture and materials.
✔ Clearly state in your contract that all orders are final sale.
✔ Have clients sign off on all purchases before ordering.
5. Communication Boundaries – No 24/7 Access
If you don’t set communication limits, clients will text and call at all hours expecting immediate responses.
💡 hethout__ shared:
“If you call or text me outside of normal business hours, I reserve the right to charge $50 per call or text.”
Why This Matters:
- Work-life balance is essential—you are not on call 24/7.
- Some clients expect instant responses at all hours, which isn’t sustainable.
- It teaches clients to respect your professional boundaries.
How to Implement This:
✔ Define business hours (e.g., Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM).
✔ Reserve texting for emergencies only.
✔ Charge an after-hours fee for calls or texts outside business hours.
6. Intellectual Property – Prevent Clients from Shopping Your Ideas
Clients often take your designs and try to find cheaper versions. Your contract should protect your intellectual property and sourcing efforts.
💡 the.curate.team shared:
“That clients taking our suggestions which are part of our intellectual property and google searching for lower prices will be subject to a higher design fee to cover loss of our time sourcing or be charged a percentage on top of each of those items.”
Why This Matters:
- Clients don’t understand the time spent sourcing.
- Shopping your selections undermines your expertise and pricing.
- You should be compensated for your design knowledge, not just for purchasing.
How to Implement This:
✔ State that your designs cannot be used without hiring you.
✔ Charge a sourcing fee for clients who price-shop your selections.
✔ Ensure clients don’t use your ideas to execute a project without you.
7. Liability Clause – You Are Not Responsible for Contractor Work
Designers often get blamed for construction issues that aren’t their fault. A strong liability clause ensures you aren’t held responsible for third-party work.
💡 reha_llc shared:
“We are not responsible for the quality of construction or execution of third parties.”
Why This Matters:
- If a contractor makes a mistake, clients may blame you.
- You should not be responsible for workmanship you didn’t execute.
- It prevents legal liability for issues beyond your control.
How to Implement This:
✔ State that you do not oversee contractor work.
✔ Require clients to sign separate agreements with contractors.
✔ Make it clear that any disputes must be addressed with the contractor.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Contract Protects Your Business
A well-written contract does more than protect your interior design business—it sets clear expectations for clients.
✔ Charge for revisions & scope creep
✔ Enforce payment terms with late fees
✔ Prevent after-hours client demands
✔ Protect your designs from being shopped around
✔ Ensure you aren’t liable for contractor mistakes
Updating your contract before an issue arises ensures you’re paid fairly and treated professionally.
