Interior Design Invoice Template - Australia

Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 10% applies to most interior design services in Australia, including consultations, space planning, and design fees. If your business is GST-registered and your annual turnover exceeds the threshold, you must include GST on your invoices. Display the pre-GST amount, then show the 10% GST separately, making the total clear to clients. Ensure your Australian Business Number (ABN) is displayed on the invoice as a compliance requirement. Most professional design invoices break out GST this way, which also helps with accounting and tax records.

Break down services by distinct work stages: Initial Consultation, Space Planning, Colour Scheme Development, Furniture Selection, Lighting Design, and Project Management are common line items. Itemizing each service helps clients understand the value of your expertise and prevents confusion about what they're paying for. An invoice listing 'Design Services—$3,000' is less professional than showing individual services, which demonstrates your specialised knowledge and justifies your rates. Clear itemisation also simplifies invoicing if projects expand or clients request additional work.

Many Australian interior designers use a combination approach: request an upfront retainer or deposit (typically 25–50% of the total project cost) to secure the engagement, then charge remaining fees as milestones are completed. Project-based pricing works well for defined scopes, while hourly rates ($80–$250+ per hour depending on experience) suit consultations and revisions. Choose your model based on project scope and client relationship. Retainers protect you from scope creep and ensure clients are committed before you invest significant design time.

Yes, and you should. Initial consultations, site visits, and client meetings are legitimate billable services that deserve their own line item on your invoice. Separating consultation fees from design work shows clients that preliminary time has value and prevents undervaluing your expertise. Many designers charge a flat fee for a 1–2 hour consultation ($150–$400) or use an hourly rate. If a consultation leads to a full project, you can credit that consultation fee toward the total project cost as a goodwill gesture, rewarding client commitment.

If you're purchasing furniture directly for a client, invoice for the product at cost plus a sourcing fee (typically 15–30%) for your curation, negotiation, and coordination work. Alternatively, separate your invoice into 'Design Services' and 'Furniture Sourcing Commission' as distinct line items. Be transparent about your pricing model in your engagement letter, and clearly show on the invoice whether amounts include GST or not. This transparency prevents disputes and demonstrates professional practice, especially important when marking up product purchases.

Yes, requesting a deposit (25–50% of the estimated project cost) is standard practice in Australian interior design and protects your business. The deposit secures your time, demonstrates client commitment, and funds preliminary work like site visits and concept sketches. Document the deposit clearly on your first invoice—show the full project estimate, the deposit amount invoiced, and note that the balance is due upon project completion or at agreed milestones. This professional approach establishes payment expectations from the start and improves cash flow.

Invoice each phase as a separate line item or create separate invoices for each stage: Phase 1 (Consultation & Concepts), Phase 2 (Design Development), Phase 3 (Implementation). This clarifies what work has been completed and when payment is due. For revisions, include a specified number of revision rounds in your original scope, then invoice additional revisions as extra work. Document revision requests in writing so your invoice accurately reflects completed work. Clear phase-based invoicing helps clients understand project progress and reduces cost disputes.

Payment terms of Net 14 (due within 14 days) or Net 30 (due within 30 days) are standard for Australian design invoices. Many designers require deposits upfront, then Net 14–30 for the balance. Clearly state your terms on every invoice—include due dates, late payment penalties if applicable, and accepted payment methods such as bank transfer, credit card, or PayPal. Being clear about payment expectations reduces misunderstandings and improves cash flow. Some designers offer a small discount (2–3%) for payment within 7 days to encourage prompt settlement.