DIY vs Hiring a Designer?

What’s Best for Your Home Project?

You’ve just got the keys to your dream 2BHK flat in Mumbai. Excitement is bubbling over. But then comes the big question: should you roll up your sleeves and try DIY interiors, or should you bring in an interior designer to shape your vision?

Your relatives may say “Beta, ek YouTube video dekh lo, tum khud kar loge.” Your friends may swear by Pinterest boards and IKEA hacks. But deep down, you’re probably wondering: will DIY actually save money, or will it end up costing more in the long run?

Let’s unpack this with stories, insights, and practical tips to help you make the right call for your space and budget.

A Tale of Two Homes

Meet Rhea, a young marketing professional in Andheri. She decided to design her 2BHK interiors on her own with a budget of under 7 lakhs. Armed with Pinterest and some quirky finds from Chor Bazaar, she pulled together a colorful, eclectic vibe. But halfway through, she realized: custom wardrobes, electrical layouts, and false ceilings were beyond her DIY expertise. Costs overshot, timelines dragged, and what started as a budget project turned into a stressful marathon.

Now meet Sameer and Anjali, a couple in Thane, who hired Behomly for their 2BHK Indian home interior design. With a clear plan, Vaastu-based layout suggestions, and room-by-room budgeting, they completed their interiors in 10 weeks, within their budget, with a cozy yet modern finish that made their home Diwali-ready.

So, what’s the difference? It lies in clarity, expertise, and execution.

What are the pros of DIY interiors?

DIY is attractive for obvious reasons:

Cost saving on designer fees
Creative freedom to experiment
Personal satisfaction of creating something by hand
Flexibility in timeline (do it at your own pace)

DIY interiors are great for smaller projects like balcony makeovers, accent walls, or refurbishing old furniture. If you have a knack for crafts and the time to experiment, DIY can bring that raw, personal charm to your space.

What are the cons of DIY interiors?

But let’s be real, interior design is not just about picking cushion covers. A full 2BHK home involves electricals, plumbing, carpentry, space planning, and even regulatory approvals in some cases. The challenges include:

Hidden costs (wrong material purchases, rework)
Lack of technical knowledge for large installations
Extended timelines (projects dragging for months)
Quality concerns (finishing rarely matches professional work)

So while DIY works for a corner of your home, it may not work for an entire home interior design low budget project.

Why hire an interior designer for your 2BHK?

Hiring a designer like Behomly ensures:

A clear budget roadmap (know exactly what a 2BHK interior design under 7 lakhs looks like)
Functional layouts with Vaastu-compliant planning
Access to reliable vendors and quality materials
Time efficiency with faster execution
Professional finishes that last for years

Designers bring expertise not just in looks but in ensuring your home is practical for daily life. From kitchen work triangles to wardrobe depths, every detail gets thought through.

What is the minimum budget for interior design in India?

One of the most searched questions we get is: “What is the minimum cost for 2BHK interior design?” In cities like Mumbai, a good starting point is around 5–7 lakhs for basic interiors. Premium finishes can take you upwards of 10–15 lakhs depending on material choices.

With Behomly, we create transparent budget planners so clients know exactly where each rupee is being spent.

How do I decide between DIY and a designer?

Ask yourself three questions:

Do I have the time and patience to handle vendors, mistakes, and delays?
Am I okay with a rougher finish for the sake of savings?
Is this project small (like one room) or full-scale (entire 2BHK)?

If it’s a small space refresh, DIY is fun and doable. But if it’s a full 2BHK Indian home interior design, hiring a professional is almost always more cost-effective in the long run.

FAQs

Can I do part DIY and part professional design?

Yes. Many homeowners take on small elements like décor styling, while leaving carpentry, electricals, and space planning to designers.

Is hiring a designer expensive?

Not really. A 2BHK interior design cost in Mumbai can be planned to fit your budget. Designers often save you from costly mistakes.

What if I only want help with one room?

Behomly offers One Room Packages that give you professional design within a small budget, perfect for modular kitchens, bedrooms, or living spaces.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your home should reflect your personality while being practical. If you’re the kind who loves tinkering, DIY corners can add soul to your space. But for a full-scale 2BHK interior design under 7 lakhs, a designer ensures you save time, avoid stress, and still stay within budget.

After all, home is not just four walls, it’s where your story unfolds.

Why risk it with trial and error when you can get it right the first time?