Designing your home is more than just choosing colours and furniture. It’s about crafting a space that reflects your lifestyle, comfort, and personality. Yet, before you hire an interior designer in India, one question often arises, how much will it cost?
Let’s explore the real costs of hiring an interior designer in India, the factors that shape the price, and how you can plan your budget wisely.
The Average Cost of Hiring an Interior Designer in India
Interior design fees in India vary widely depending on location, project size, and designer experience. On average, homeowners spend anywhere between ₹40,000 to ₹10 lakhs or more, depending on the scale of the project.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Type of Project | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1 BHK (Basic) | ₹1.5 – ₹3 lakhs |
| 2 BHK | ₹3 – ₹6 lakhs |
| 3 BHK | ₹5 – ₹10 lakhs |
| Villa / Large Home | ₹10 lakhs+ |
| Commercial Spaces | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per sq. ft. |
These numbers are general estimates. The final figure depends on materials, designer expertise, and the level of customisation you expect.
Common Pricing Models Used by Interior Designers
Interior designers in India use different fee structures. Understanding these helps you compare quotes more fairly.
1. Percentage of Project Cost
Many established designers charge 6% to 15% of the total project cost.
For instance, if your renovation costs ₹10 lakhs, design fees might fall between ₹60,000 and ₹1.5 lakhs.
This model is common for turnkey projects where the designer manages everything, from planning to execution.
2. Per Square Foot Rate
Some designers prefer charging per sq. ft. This is a straightforward model for residential interiors.
Typical rates range from ₹50 to ₹500 per sq. ft., depending on the designer’s experience and project complexity.
For instance, a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment could cost anywhere from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakhs in design fees.
3. Lump-Sum or Fixed Fee
Freelance or boutique designers often provide a fixed project fee after assessing your requirements.
This model suits smaller spaces or design-only projects where no execution work is handled by the designer.
4. Consultation Fees
Some designers offer one-time consultation sessions for layout planning, furniture advice, or material selection.
Consultation rates typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 per session depending on the designer’s reputation.
What Influences the Cost of Interior Design in India?
Let’s break down the primary factors that impact how much you pay for design services.
1. City or Location
Design fees in metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune are generally higher.
Costs in smaller cities such as Jaipur, Coimbatore, or Lucknow are 20–30% lower on average due to reduced overheads and material costs.
2. Scope of Work
The more extensive your project, the higher the cost.
Full home interiors involving modular kitchens, wardrobes, false ceilings, and lighting plans will naturally cost more than a single-room redesign.
3. Type of Materials
Material selection makes a big difference. Premium laminates, Italian marble, or bespoke furniture can multiply your total cost.
Mid-range options are widely available today that provide style without overspending.
4. Designer’s Experience
Top-tier designers with a strong portfolio and brand reputation often charge premium rates.
Newer designers or local freelancers may offer lower fees while still maintaining good quality.
5. Project Timeline
Short deadlines can increase the cost since designers might allocate additional labour and resources to meet your schedule.
Hidden Costs You Should Know About
Many homeowners overlook secondary expenses that add up during execution. Here are some examples:
- Site Supervision Charges: Some designers charge a separate fee for on-site visits or coordination.
- 3D Visualisation and Rendering: Professional renders may cost extra but help visualise the final design.
- Revisions: Too many design changes can increase the overall cost.
- Transport and Labour: Movement of materials and labour supervision are sometimes billed separately.
Discuss all potential costs upfront to avoid surprises later.
How to Budget for Your Interior Design Project
Budgeting for interiors can be challenging without a clear plan. Here’s a structured approach:
- Define Your Scope Early.
Decide if you want full home interiors or selected areas like kitchen, wardrobes, or living room. - Get Multiple Quotes.
Compare at least three design firms or freelancers. Don’t just choose based on price, check their portfolios and reviews. - Allocate 10–15% as a Buffer.
Material or labour costs can change during the project. Keeping a buffer avoids financial stress later. - Split the Budget.
Roughly, 40–50% of your spend goes to furniture and carpentry, 20% to electrical and lighting, and 10–15% to design fees. - Review Material Samples.
Always inspect samples before finalising purchases. This keeps both cost and quality under control.
What You Get When You Hire an Interior Designer
Many people wonder if hiring a designer is worth the money. The answer often lies in the long-term value.
A skilled designer brings space planning expertise, material knowledge, and vendor access that most homeowners lack.
They help you avoid expensive mistakes, like buying furniture that doesn’t fit, or choosing lighting that feels harsh.
Their design sensibility can make even small spaces appear organised and cohesive.
Moreover, professional designers are trained to balance aesthetics and functionality.
This balance not only makes your space pleasant but also increases property value over time.
Cost Breakdown: Example for a 2BHK Apartment
Let’s understand how costs typically distribute in a 2BHK project in an urban Indian setting.
| Category | Approx. Cost (₹) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Modular Kitchen | 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 | 25% |
| Wardrobes | 1,00,000 – 2,00,000 | 20% |
| Furniture & Upholstery | 80,000 – 1,50,000 | 15% |
| False Ceiling & Lighting | 60,000 – 1,00,000 | 10% |
| Paints & Finishes | 40,000 – 70,000 | 8% |
| Design Fees | 70,000 – 1,20,000 | 12% |
| Miscellaneous | 30,000 – 60,000 | 10% |
This brings your total to around ₹6–8 lakhs for a mid-range 2BHK interior project.
Luxury finishes or imported materials can double this figure.
Should You Hire a Freelance Designer or a Design Firm?
This choice depends on your project size and comfort level.
- Freelance Designers:
Usually more flexible and affordable. Suitable for small apartments or single-room makeovers. - Design Firms or Studios:
Offer end-to-end solutions including project management, 3D visualisation, and vendor coordination.
Ideal for large homes, villas, or commercial spaces.
While firms provide greater reliability, freelancers offer a more personalised touch.
Your choice should balance expertise, budget, and trust.
Interior Design Costs for Different Styles
Every design style demands unique materials and labour input. Here’s how it affects pricing:
| Style | Average Cost per sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimalist | ₹1200 – ₹1600 |
| Modern Contemporary | ₹1500 – ₹2500 |
| Scandinavian | ₹1300 – ₹2000 |
| Traditional Indian | ₹1800 – ₹3000 |
| Luxury / Premium | ₹2500 – ₹4000+ |
For example, a traditional Indian home with ornate woodwork and carvings will naturally cost more than a minimalist layout that focuses on clean lines and simple textures.
Cost-Saving Tips Without Compromising Style
You can design a beautiful home without spending a fortune. Try these smart strategies:
- Choose modular furniture—cost-effective and customisable.
- Opt for laminate finishes instead of solid wood for wardrobes and cabinets.
- Invest in good lighting rather than expensive wall art.
- Mix ready-made decor with a few bespoke pieces to maintain balance.
- Reuse existing furniture after minor refurbishment.
These simple decisions can help you save up to 20–25% of your total budget.
The Future of Interior Design Pricing in India
India’s interior design market is growing rapidly, driven by young homeowners, modular brands, and digital design platforms.
With technology and AI-based tools, designers now offer 3D models, cost simulations, and online consultations, making design more transparent than ever.
As modular furniture and pre-designed layouts become mainstream, homeowners can expect more predictable pricing and faster project timelines in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an interior designer in India isn’t just about decorating your space, it’s about planning it intelligently.
Costs can vary widely, but with the right clarity and budgeting, you can create a beautiful home within your range.
A good designer brings efficiency, creativity, and industry expertise.
Your job is to find one whose approach aligns with your vision and budget.
Remember, a well-designed home is not about how much you spend, but how wisely you spend it.
FAQs
1. How much does interior designing cost for a 2BHK/3BHK/house renovation?
Most people think interiors are just furniture. They’re wrong. Real costs include demolition, flooring, electrical, plumbing, false ceiling, paint, and furniture.
A 2BHK costs ₹12–20L turnkey or ₹1–2L design-only.
A 3BHK? ₹20–35L turnkey or ₹1.5–3L design-only.
Full renovation: ₹25–45L depending on site condition and finish quality.
2. What are hidden charges in a typical interior designer quote?
If the quote has a lump-sum price with no specifications, doesn’t educate you on options, and includes miscellaneous items, there will be hidden charges. No clarity means more surprises later, and a vague quote might look simple.
3. Is it cheaper to use modular vs custom interiors?
Modular interiors are cheaper, yes, but only if you stick to standard sizes, finishes, and layouts. The moment you start customising, costs shoot up fast. Custom interiors aren’t expensive; they’re precise. Modular saves money; custom saves regret. So no, it’s not cheaper if you want a project built your way.
4. Does the city/location affect the total cost of hiring an interior designer?
Yes, city and location change everything, labour, logistics, and material rates vary massively. A kitchen in Mumbai can cost 30% more than the same one in Bhubaneswar. Big cities charge for speed and convenience; smaller ones charge for effort: same design, different pin code, different bill.
5. How do material choices, furniture, and labour impact overall costs?
Materials, furniture, and labour determine everything. Premium finishes and branded hardware can double costs instantly. Custom furniture adds uniqueness but burns the budget fast. Cheap labour saves today but costs tomorrow in rework. The formula’s simple, better materials, smarter labour, durable results. You always pay, either upfront or later.
6. Can you negotiate pricing or costs with interior designers? How?
Yes, you can negotiate, but not by asking for discounts. Negotiate with clarity. Define scope, materials, and timelines upfront. Remove confusion, and you’ll remove markup. Designers don’t charge extra for work, they charge extra for chaos. The more specific you are, the better the price you’ll get.
7. Does a higher cost always mean better quality for interiors?
No, higher cost doesn’t guarantee better quality. You can pay more for fancy branding and still get poor execution. True quality comes from clarity, right materials, skilled labour, and tight supervision. Expensive doesn’t mean premium; it just means unchecked. Quality isn’t about cost, it’s about control.
8. Who offers the best value/budget packages for interior design in Mumbai?
When it comes to best value packages in Mumbai, check out Behomly: we offer site-visits, one-room packages, design-only, design-only + PMC, and full turnkey solutions. If you want clarity and value, not confusion and surprises, you’ll know where to start.
