How Much Does an Interior Designer Cost in India?

You’ve finally bought that dream 2BHK or 3BHK.

The walls are bare, the rooms echo, and you can already imagine where the sofa and dining table will go.

But the big question pops up sooner than later: How much does an interior designer cost in India?

If you’ve ever asked friends or scrolled endlessly through Google, you’ll know the answers are as varied as biryani recipes, some say ₹3 lakhs, others ₹15 lakhs, and some even throw numbers that sound unreal.

So where does the truth lie?

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Why do interior design costs vary so much?

Think of interiors like planning a wedding. You can do a simple temple ceremony or go all out with a destination shaadi in Udaipur, the core idea is the same, but the scale makes all the difference.

Factors that influence interior design cost include:

Size of your home (1BHK, 2BHK, 3BHK, villa)
Choice of materials (laminate vs veneer, MDF vs solid wood)
Scope of work (only modular kitchen vs full home interiors)
Design complexity (straightforward vs custom, intricate designs)
Location (a 2BHK in Bengaluru may cost differently than in Jaipur)

Interior design cost per square foot in India

For most homeowners, the easiest way to understand pricing is by square foot. Here’s a ballpark:

Basic interiors: ₹1,000–1,500 per sq. ft.
Mid-range interiors: ₹1,500–2,500 per sq. ft.
Premium interiors: ₹2,500–4,000+ per sq. ft.

So if you have a 1,000 sq. ft. 2BHK, your interior design cost estimate can range from ₹10 lakhs (premium) to ₹4–5 lakhs (budget-friendly).

Behomly’s Pro tip: Use an interior design cost calculator India (many are available online) to get a rough number, then consult professionals like Behomly for a tailored plan.

A mini case study: Meera’s living room makeover

Meera, a school teacher in Delhi, wanted a warm yet functional living room interior design. Her budget was tight, no more than ₹2 lakhs. She feared designers would overshoot, but after talking to Behomly, she was surprised.

Our team suggested:

A modular TV unit with open shelving for books
Neutral wall paint with one accent wall in terracotta tones
Budget-friendly fabric sofa with washable covers
A jute rug and brass lamps for regional flair

The entire living room interior design cost came to ₹1.85 lakhs. Meera often says her guests now walk in and ask, “Did you get this done by a designer? Looks so professional!”

How to calculate interior design cost for your home

If you’re trying to set a budget, here’s a practical way to approach it:

Decide scope of work: Kitchen, wardrobes, living room, or entire home.
Set your finish level: Basic laminates vs high-end veneer.
Calculate per square foot: Multiply home area with per sq. ft. estimate.
Add 10–15 percent buffer: For small add-ons or changes.

Example: A 2BHK flat of 900 sq. ft. at mid-range interiors (₹1,800 per sq. ft.) = ₹16.2 lakhs approx. With budget tweaks, you can bring it down to ₹7–9 lakhs.

FAQs on interior design costs in India

Q: How much does an interior designer cost in India on average?
A: For a 2BHK, interiors can start from ₹5 lakhs and go up to ₹15–20 lakhs depending on finishes.

Q: Can I hire an interior designer at lowest price?
A: Yes. Many designers, including Behomly, offer modular interior design packages or one-room packages that fit smaller budgets.

Q: Is it worth paying an interior designer?
A: Absolutely. Designers save you money by avoiding mistakes, sourcing better materials, and planning layouts that last for years.

Q: How do I reduce my interior design cost?
A: Choose laminates instead of veneer, modular furniture over custom carpentry, and keep false ceilings simple.

Q: Do Vaastu changes increase cost?
A: Not always. Many Vaastu tips, like placing mirrors thoughtfully or using certain wall colors, can be done without major expenses.

Practical takeaway

Asking “how much does an interior designer cost” is like asking “how much does a holiday cost.”

It depends on where you go, how you travel, and what experiences you want. The good news is that in India today, interior design can be done for every budget, whether you want a basic, practical setup or a plush, magazine-worthy home.