Quick Overview
- 1#1: Studio Designer - All-in-one business management platform with integrated accounting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for interior designers.
- 2#2: Morf - Comprehensive platform for interior design firms offering CRM, project management, invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting tools.
- 3#3: Design Manager - Project-based accounting software providing time tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis for interior design and architecture firms.
- 4#4: DesignFiles - Interior design project management tool with built-in invoicing, purchase orders, payments, and financial tracking features.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online - Cloud-based accounting software with job costing, invoicing, expense management, and reporting customizable for interior design businesses.
- 6#6: Xero - Cloud accounting solution offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, bill pay, and project tracking suitable for interior design studios.
- 7#7: FreshBooks - Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software with time tracking and expense management for freelance interior designers.
- 8#8: HoneyBook - Clientflow management platform with contracts, invoicing, payments, and basic bookkeeping for creative professionals like interior designers.
- 9#9: Dubsado - Workflow automation tool featuring customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and financial organization for design businesses.
- 10#10: 17hats - Business management software providing invoicing, scheduling, contracts, and basic accounting for creative service providers including designers.
Ranked by relevance to interior design needs, including job costing and project tracking, alongside usability, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they cater to both firms and freelancers.
Comparison Table
Interior design accounting requires tools that cater to project workflows, client billing, and industry expenses, and this table compares top solutions—including Studio Designer, Morf, Design Manager, DesignFiles, QuickBooks Online, and more—to help readers identify software that streamlines invoicing, tracks costs, and integrates seamlessly with design processes, ensuring they find the best fit for their business needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Studio Designer All-in-one business management platform with integrated accounting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for interior designers. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Morf Comprehensive platform for interior design firms offering CRM, project management, invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 3 | Design Manager Project-based accounting software providing time tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis for interior design and architecture firms. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | DesignFiles Interior design project management tool with built-in invoicing, purchase orders, payments, and financial tracking features. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online Cloud-based accounting software with job costing, invoicing, expense management, and reporting customizable for interior design businesses. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Xero Cloud accounting solution offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, bill pay, and project tracking suitable for interior design studios. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | FreshBooks Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software with time tracking and expense management for freelance interior designers. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | HoneyBook Clientflow management platform with contracts, invoicing, payments, and basic bookkeeping for creative professionals like interior designers. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Dubsado Workflow automation tool featuring customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and financial organization for design businesses. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | 17hats Business management software providing invoicing, scheduling, contracts, and basic accounting for creative service providers including designers. | other | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
All-in-one business management platform with integrated accounting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for interior designers.
Comprehensive platform for interior design firms offering CRM, project management, invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting tools.
Project-based accounting software providing time tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis for interior design and architecture firms.
Interior design project management tool with built-in invoicing, purchase orders, payments, and financial tracking features.
Cloud-based accounting software with job costing, invoicing, expense management, and reporting customizable for interior design businesses.
Cloud accounting solution offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, bill pay, and project tracking suitable for interior design studios.
Easy-to-use invoicing and accounting software with time tracking and expense management for freelance interior designers.
Clientflow management platform with contracts, invoicing, payments, and basic bookkeeping for creative professionals like interior designers.
Workflow automation tool featuring customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and financial organization for design businesses.
Business management software providing invoicing, scheduling, contracts, and basic accounting for creative service providers including designers.
Studio Designer
specializedAll-in-one business management platform with integrated accounting, job costing, invoicing, and financial reporting tailored for interior designers.
Visual job costing tied to interactive room schedules and 3D plans, delivering precise profitability insights per project element
Studio Designer is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for interior design businesses, offering robust accounting features integrated with project management, CRM, and purchasing tools. It excels in job costing, invoicing, expense tracking, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting, all customized for the unique needs of designers handling deposits, change orders, and trade discounts. The software provides real-time dashboards and seamless QuickBooks integration, enabling end-to-end financial management without leaving the platform.
Pros
- Industry-specific accounting with precise job costing, room-by-room tracking, and automated invoicing for design projects
- Deep QuickBooks Online integration for seamless syncing of invoices, payments, and POs
- Real-time financial dashboards and customizable reports for better cash flow visibility
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features, requiring training for full utilization
- Premium pricing may be high for solo designers or very small studios
- Some advanced reporting customizations locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Mid-sized to large interior design firms needing integrated accounting with project management for complex, multi-phase jobs.
Pricing
Starts at $179/user/month (Essentials), $279/user/month (Professional), with custom Enterprise pricing; annual discounts available.
Morf
specializedComprehensive platform for interior design firms offering CRM, project management, invoicing, expense tracking, and accounting tools.
Automatic markup on vendor purchases that seamlessly flows into client invoices and job costing
Morf (morf.io) is a cloud-based platform tailored for interior designers, combining project management with specialized accounting tools like invoicing, purchase tracking, and job costing. It allows users to generate proposals, manage change orders, track vendor purchases with automatic markups, and create invoices directly linked to project progress. While it streamlines financial workflows unique to interior design firms, it lacks the depth of traditional accounting software for complex bookkeeping needs.
Pros
- Intuitive project-to-invoice workflow with automatic calculations
- Vendor purchase tracking and markup tools tailored for designers
- Professional templates for proposals and change orders
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like general ledger or tax reporting
- No native mobile app, relying on web access
- Integrations with full accounting systems (e.g., QuickBooks) are basic
Best For
Small to mid-sized interior design studios needing streamlined project-based billing without full enterprise accounting.
Pricing
Solo plan starts at $59/month; Studio plan for teams at $199/month (up to 5 users); custom Enterprise pricing.
Design Manager
specializedProject-based accounting software providing time tracking, budgeting, invoicing, and profitability analysis for interior design and architecture firms.
Integrated vendor purchasing with auto-populated catalogs from 100+ suppliers, enabling one-click POs and real-time cost tracking within projects
Design Manager is a robust, all-in-one business management platform designed specifically for interior design firms, with strong emphasis on accounting tailored to project-based billing. It handles invoicing, accounts receivable/payable, job costing, payroll integration, and purchasing from over 100 vendors. The software also includes project management, time tracking, proposals, change orders, and client portals to streamline the entire design workflow.
Pros
- Deeply integrated accounting with job costing and profitability analysis customized for interior design projects
- Seamless purchasing automation with direct vendor catalogs and PO tracking
- Comprehensive project tools including time/expense tracking and client collaboration features
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive feature set
- Higher pricing may not suit solo practitioners or very small firms
- Occasional reports of integration glitches with third-party tools like QuickBooks
Best For
Mid-sized interior design firms managing multiple complex projects that require precise accounting and procurement tracking.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at $199/month for up to 3 users, scaling to $499+/month for larger teams with advanced features; custom quotes available.
DesignFiles
specializedInterior design project management tool with built-in invoicing, purchase orders, payments, and financial tracking features.
Automated reimbursement workflows that track designer purchases against client budgets in real-time
DesignFiles is a business management platform built specifically for interior designers, combining project management, client CRM, and accounting tools into one ecosystem. It handles invoicing, expense tracking, purchase orders, vendor payments, and reimbursements tailored to design workflows, allowing users to manage finances alongside projects seamlessly. While not a full enterprise accounting suite, it excels in industry-specific financial automation like trade discounts and client billing from mood boards.
Pros
- Tailored accounting for design purchases, reimbursements, and invoicing
- Integrates financials with project timelines and client portals
- Strong vendor management and time tracking for billable hours
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like general ledger or payroll integration
- Higher pricing for smaller solo users
- Limited reporting customization compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Small to mid-sized interior design firms needing integrated project and accounting tools without full QuickBooks complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $59/user/month (Solo plan) up to $149/user/month (Pro), with annual discounts and a 14-day free trial.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseCloud-based accounting software with job costing, invoicing, expense management, and reporting customizable for interior design businesses.
Project profitability tracking that breaks down revenue, expenses, and margins by individual design jobs in real-time
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that offers core financial management tools tailored for small businesses, including interior design firms, with features like invoicing, expense tracking, and bank reconciliation. For interior designers, it supports project-based accounting to track costs for materials, labor, and subcontractors across multiple client jobs. Its scalability and integrations make it suitable for growing studios, though it requires customization for design-specific workflows like progress billing or change orders.
Pros
- Comprehensive invoicing and payment processing with progress billing ideal for phased design projects
- Project tracking and profitability reports to monitor expenses per client job
- Extensive integrations with apps like Asana, Trello, or design tools for streamlined workflows
Cons
- No native interior design features like contract templates or material takeoff tools
- Advanced project features locked behind higher-tier plans, increasing costs
- Initial setup and customization can be time-consuming for non-accountants
Best For
Small to mid-sized interior design firms needing reliable general accounting with project tracking and scalability.
Pricing
Plans start at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual billing discounts and a 30-day free trial.
Xero
otherCloud accounting solution offering bank reconciliation, invoicing, bill pay, and project tracking suitable for interior design studios.
Project dashboard for real-time profitability tracking per interior design client job
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform designed for small businesses, offering invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and project management tools. For interior designers, it excels in handling client invoicing, material expense categorization, and profitability tracking across projects. While not industry-specific, its integrations and reporting make it adaptable for design firms managing multiple client jobs and vendor payments.
Pros
- Intuitive project tracking for monitoring interior design job profitability
- Unlimited users and collaborative access ideal for design teams
- Seamless bank feeds and receipt capture via Hubdoc for quick expense logging
Cons
- Lacks built-in time tracking or inventory management tailored for design materials
- No native support for design-specific workflows like change orders or spec sheets
- Advanced reporting may require add-ons for detailed project costing
Best For
Small to mid-sized interior design firms seeking scalable, general-purpose accounting with strong project insights.
Pricing
Starts at $15/month (Early plan) for basic features, up to $78/month (Established) for unlimited projects and advanced tools; annual discounts available.
FreshBooks
otherEasy-to-use invoicing and accounting software with time tracking and expense management for freelance interior designers.
Project tracking with built-in profitability insights for service-based design work
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform designed primarily for small businesses, freelancers, and service providers, offering invoicing, expense tracking, time tracking, and basic project management. For interior designers, it excels in creating professional invoices for design services, tracking billable hours, and managing client retainers or progress billing. While it provides solid financial reporting and automation, it lacks specialized tools for inventory management or detailed job costing common in design firms handling materials and purchases.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Powerful invoicing with recurring billing and client portals
- Time tracking and project profitability reports tailored for service-based billing
Cons
- No built-in inventory or material cost tracking
- Limited advanced job costing for complex design projects
- Reporting lacks depth for multi-phase design profitability analysis
Best For
Freelance interior designers or small studios focused on hourly services and client invoicing rather than heavy inventory or procurement management.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo, 5 clients), Plus ($33/mo, 50 clients), Premium ($60/mo, unlimited clients); Select plan custom-priced.
HoneyBook
otherClientflow management platform with contracts, invoicing, payments, and basic bookkeeping for creative professionals like interior designers.
End-to-end automated client journey from inquiry to payment, reducing admin time for billable design work
HoneyBook is an all-in-one clientflow and business management platform tailored for creative professionals like interior designers, handling proposals, contracts, scheduling, invoicing, and payments in a streamlined workflow. It includes basic expense tracking and income reports to support light accounting needs for project-based billing. However, it lacks advanced accounting tools such as general ledger, tax reporting, payroll, or inventory management essential for complex interior design finances.
Pros
- Seamless integration of client management with invoicing and payments
- User-friendly interface with automation for workflows
- Mobile app for on-the-go project and billing management
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like tax prep or detailed financial reporting
- No robust expense categorization or inventory tracking for design materials
- Higher pricing tiers needed for full project collaboration tools
Best For
Solo interior designers or small studios prioritizing client workflows and simple project billing over deep accounting.
Pricing
Starter at $19/month, Essentials at $39/month, Premium at $79/month (billed annually; monthly billing higher)
Dubsado
otherWorkflow automation tool featuring customizable invoicing, contracts, payments, and financial organization for design businesses.
Customizable automation workflows that guide clients from proposal to final payment seamlessly
Dubsado is a client management platform designed for creative service businesses like interior design firms, offering tools for proposals, contracts, invoicing, payments, and project workflows. It streamlines client onboarding with customizable forms, e-signatures, and automated billing sequences, integrating with payment processors like Stripe. While strong in client-facing financial automation, it falls short on core accounting functions such as general ledger tracking, bank reconciliation, or detailed financial reporting.
Pros
- Highly customizable workflows for proposals and invoicing tailored to project-based billing
- Integrated client portal for easy approvals, payments, and communication
- Affordable pricing with strong automation reducing manual admin time
Cons
- Lacks full accounting capabilities like P&L statements, expense tracking, or tax reporting
- No native inventory management for design materials or time tracking
- Integrations for deeper accounting (e.g., QuickBooks) require Zapier, adding complexity
Best For
Solo interior designers or small studios focused on client management and basic invoicing rather than comprehensive bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at $20/month (Mighty plan) up to $60/month (Epic plan); annual discounts and 14-day free trial available.
17hats
otherBusiness management software providing invoicing, scheduling, contracts, and basic accounting for creative service providers including designers.
Customizable automated workflows that streamline the design process from lead capture to final payment collection
17hats is an all-in-one business management platform tailored for creative professionals like interior designers, offering CRM, project management, invoicing, and basic accounting features. It handles client onboarding, progress invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, with seamless integrations to QuickBooks and Xero for deeper accounting needs. While not a standalone accounting powerhouse, it simplifies financial workflows for project-based design businesses.
Pros
- Intuitive project-based invoicing with deposits and milestones ideal for design jobs
- Strong CRM integration keeps client and financial data in one place
- User-friendly mobile app for on-site expense tracking and time logging
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting like job costing or inventory management for materials
- Relies on integrations for complex bookkeeping, adding setup time
- Reporting is basic compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Solo interior designers or small studios seeking an easy-to-use all-in-one tool for basic accounting alongside client and project management.
Pricing
Starts at $35/month (Solo plan) up to $99/month (Pro plan), billed annually with a free trial.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse features, but Studio Designer leads as the top choice, boasting an all-in-one platform tailored for interior designers with integrated accounting, job costing, and invoicing. Morf and Design Manager follow as strong alternatives, with Morf’s comprehensive project management and Design Manager’s focus on profitability analysis, each fitting distinct firm needs.
Take the first step toward efficient operations by trying Studio Designer—its tailored tools can transform how you manage finances and grow your design business.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
