04 June INTERIOR DESIGN

How Much Interior Designers Charge in India

Amodini Systems
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Interior designers in India use different pricing models. The charges depend on the scope of work, size of the space, the designer’s experience, and your location. Below are the most common ways they charge:

1. Per Square Foot Rate

This is the most popular method in India. The designer charges a fixed rate per square foot of the area to be designed.

Example:

If the rate is ₹100 per sq ft and your space is 1000 sq ft,
then the total design fee will be ₹100 x 1000 = ₹1,00,000.

Typical per sq ft rates in India (2025):

Designer Type	Charges per sq ft (₹)
Freelance Designer	₹40 – ₹100
Mid-Level Interior Firm	₹100 – ₹250
Premium/Top Designers	₹300 – ₹1000+

This model is easy to calculate and useful for larger projects.

2. Lump Sum or Fixed Rate

Here, the designer gives you a fixed quote after understanding your complete requirements. This is usually for turnkey projects where they handle everything — from design to execution.

Pros:

You know your total cost upfront.
Suitable for full home interior or commercial space design.

Cons:

You may not see the cost breakdown.
Extra work may result in more charges later.

3. Percentage of Project Cost

Some designers charge a percentage (usually 5% to 20%) of the total cost of your interior project.

Example:

If your total project cost is ₹10 lakhs and the designer charges 10%,
then their fee is ₹1 lakh.

This method works well when you don’t know how much your total interior cost will be in the beginning, and the designer is managing the complete execution.

4. Hourly Rate

This method is not common in India but some premium designers charge on an hourly basis — especially for consultations, styling, or high-end homes.

Typical Hourly Rate: ₹500 to ₹5000 per hour.

This is usually used for quick advice or one-time consultations.

Factors That Affect the Interior Designer’s Charges

Let’s go over the main things that can change how much you’ll pay.

1. Size of Your Space

Larger spaces mean more work, more materials, and more time. A 3BHK apartment will cost more to design than a 1BHK, naturally.

2. Type of Project

Residential: Bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms may have standard designs.
Commercial: Offices, cafes, and salons need brand styling, special furniture, and lighting.

Commercial spaces often cost more because of the complexity.

3. Scope of Work

There’s a difference between hiring someone just for layout planning and hiring for a full turnkey project that includes design, carpentry, false ceilings, lighting, and décor.

The more services you want, the higher the cost.

4. Materials and Finishes

Premium materials, imported furniture, custom-made items, and high-end lighting will naturally increase your project cost and the designer’s charges.

5. Experience of the Designer

Experienced and award-winning designers charge more than freelancers or beginners. Their experience adds value, but it also comes at a price.

6. City and Location

Design costs in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are higher than in smaller cities. That’s because of higher living costs, labor rates, and expectations.

Average Interior Design Cost Estimates (India 2025)

Here’s a rough guide for residential interiors:

Type of Home	Cost Estimate (Full Interiors)
1 BHK (500 – 700 sq ft)	₹3 lakhs – ₹6 lakhs
2 BHK (800 – 1000 sq ft)	₹5 lakhs – ₹10 lakhs
3 BHK (1000 – 1400 sq ft)	₹7 lakhs – ₹15 lakhs
Luxury 4 BHK/Villas	₹15 lakhs and above

These prices include furniture, false ceilings, painting, modular kitchen, and lighting.

What’s Included in Interior Design Charges?

Here’s what you usually get:

Space planning and layout
2D or 3D visual design
Color consultation
Furniture design and placement
Lighting and electrical planning
Material selection
Supervision and execution (if turnkey)

Some designers also help with shopping or sourcing items.

How to Choose the Right Interior Designer?

Check their portfolio – Look at their past work.
Ask for references – Speak with past clients.
Compare 2-3 designers – Don’t go with the first quote.
Ask for a detailed quote – Make sure there are no hidden charges.
See if they understand your vision – Communication is key.

For tips on hiring professionals, you can read about Professional Services.

Also Read:

Conclusion

Hiring an interior designer is a smart decision if you want your space to be beautiful, functional, and stress-free. Their charges may vary depending on several factors like space size, project type, materials, and location. On average, interior designers in India charge between ₹40 to ₹1000 per sq ft or a percentage of your project cost.

Always talk clearly about pricing before starting. A written contract or agreement helps avoid misunderstandings later.

Interior design is not just about decoration — it’s about creating a space that feels like you.

If you’re planning a project, start by getting 2–3 design consultations. It’s often free or low-cost and helps you decide what’s right for your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How much do interior designers charge per sq ft?

Interior designers usually charge between ₹40 to ₹1000 per square foot depending on their experience, the type of project, and your city. For basic work, freelancers charge less, while premium designers with advanced styles charge more for their creativity and service quality.

Q2. Do interior designers charge extra for materials?

Yes, in most cases, the cost of materials is separate from the design fees. If your project includes furniture, lighting, and custom-made items, the designer will either give you a separate estimate or include material costs in a full turnkey package.

Q3. Is hiring an interior designer worth the cost?

Yes, hiring an interior designer is worth it if you want your space to look good and work well. They help you save time, avoid mistakes, and get better results. A good designer will also help you stay within your budget by selecting the right materials.

Q4. Can I hire a designer just for ideas?

Yes, you can hire a designer only for consultation. Many offer design advice, layout suggestions, or color ideas on an hourly basis. This is a good option if you want help planning but want to manage the execution yourself.

Q5. What affects interior design pricing the most?

The main factors that affect the price are the size of the space, the type of project, materials used, designer’s experience, and location. A bigger space with premium materials and full project execution will naturally cost more than a small design-only job.