Interior design reflects every homeowner’s style and taste. To transform your home into a space that truly speaks your language, you must establish a clear budget upfront. Proper planning helps secure the desired aesthetics without overspending. Infinity Housing provides essential insights and tips to calculate and minimise interior design costs while achieving your vision.
1. How to Calculate Budget for Interior Design?
Calculating your interior design budget involves evaluating the size of the space, the complexity of the design, and your material choices. Costs are often estimated on a per square foot basis, which varies significantly by city and design category.
Per Square Foot Cost Estimates (India)
The table below shows approximate full-service interior design costs (including materials, labor, and execution) across different cities and quality tiers.
| Design Category | Typical Rate / Sq. Ft. (₹) | Inclusions |
| Basic / Economy | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | Simple wardrobes, basic modular kitchen, standard lights, paint. |
| Mid-Range / Primary | ₹1,200 – ₹2,500 | Quality laminates, customized furniture, layered lighting, false ceiling in most rooms. |
| Premium / Luxury | ₹2,500 – ₹5,000+ | Imported finishes (veneer/PU), bespoke furniture, branded hardware, designer fittings, home automation. |
Note: For a typical 2BHK (800-1000 sq. ft.), the total project cost can range from ₹4 Lakhs for basic interiors up to ₹18 Lakhs or more for premium/luxury finishes.
2. Things to Consider to Calculate Interior Design Cost
Careful planning can help you avoid overspending and unnecessary stress. Homeowners must weigh these factors to create an effective budget:
- 📏 Space Measurement (Carpet Area): The size of your home directly impacts expenses. A 3BHK design requires substantially more material, time, and labor than a 2BHK design. Accurate carpet area measurement is crucial for cost estimation.
- 🛠️ Materials Used (Quality vs. Cost): The cost of materials varies widely based on quality. Opting for cost-effective alternatives like standard laminates over imported veneers can significantly reduce overall expenses without compromising function.
- 🧑🏭 Labour Cost & Scope: This includes the fees for skilled professionals like carpenters, plumbers, painters, and the interior designer. Full-service/Turnkey projects (design + execution) cost more than design-only services.
- 💡 Your Vision (Design Complexity): Your personal preferences—be it contemporary, luxurious, or minimalist—greatly influence the cost. High-end elements and complex customisation (e.g., intricate false ceilings or bespoke furniture) raise the budget.
- 💰 Additional Expenses (Contingency): Always set aside an extra 10-15% of your planned budget for unforeseen costs, such as minor civil work modifications, project extensions, or unexpected taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Interior designers typically use one of four models to calculate their fees, depending on the scope of work and their experience:
- Per Square Foot Rate: The most common method in India, charging a fixed rate per square foot of the area designed (e.g., ₹40 to ₹300+ per sq. ft. for design services only).
- Percentage of Project Cost: Charging a percentage (usually 5% to 20%) of the total cost of materials and labor for a Turnkey project.
- Lump Sum or Fixed Rate: A single, fixed quote for the entire design and consultation scope, regardless of hours spent.
- Hourly Rate: Used mainly for quick consultations or minor advisory roles (e.g., ₹500 to ₹5,000 per hour).
A design budget is a detailed financial plan that outlines the total expected expenditure for an interior design project. It is crucial because it sets clear financial boundaries, guides the selection of materials and finishes, and ensures the homeowner’s vision can be realized within their financial feasibility.
A. The minimum budget depends on the home size and scope. For basic, essential interiors (functional storage, paint, basic lighting, modular kitchen):
- 1BHK (500-700 sq. ft.): ₹2 Lakhs – ₹4 Lakhs
- 2BHK (800-1000 sq. ft.): ₹3.5 Lakhs – ₹6 Lakhs
