“Budget-friendly interior design” in 2025 in India typically means balancing cost, aesthetics, and durability. You accept modest materials and limit custom work. Below is a realistic cost framework + levers + example. Use this to set your own estimate.
Cost benchmarks & recent data
- DesignCafé reports that interior designers may quote ₹3,00,000 to ₹7,00,000+ based on scale and finish level. (DesignCafe)
- In many guides 2 BHK interiors are estimated at ₹165 to ₹350 / sq ft depending on finishes and complexity. (Interior Company)
- In cities like Mumbai, basic to medium finishes for a 1 BHK may cost ₹2,00,000 to ₹3,50,000 (for standard finishes, excluding premium extras). (NoBroker)
These are for full interiors (walls, ceilings, floors, custom furniture, lighting, etc.).
What “budget-friendly” would mean
To aim for a budget-friendly interior:
- Use economical materials (plywood, laminates, MDF) over solid wood or natural stone
- Limit custom carpentry; prefer modular or semi-modular systems
- Minimize structural changes (no shifting walls, plumbing reroutes)
- Use standard lighting fixtures (LED downlights, strip lighting)
- Focus on one or two accent walls instead of full wall treatments
- Do some tasks yourself (painting, basic installations) if possible
Estimated cost ranges (2025)
Here are reasonable ranges for budget-friendly interiors in different scales. These are indicative; actuals depend on city, material choices, labour:
| Type / Size | Approx area or rooms | Target rate (budget-friendly) | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single room refresh (bedroom / living) | ~ 100 to 200 sq ft | ₹150 to ₹300 / sq ft | ₹15,000 to ₹60,000 |
| 1 BHK apartment (basic finishes) | ~ 300 to 550 sq ft | ₹200 to ₹400 / sq ft | ₹60,000 to ₹2,20,000 |
| 2 BHK (budget interior) | ~ 600 to 900 sq ft | ₹200 to ₹400 / sq ft | ₹1,20,000 to ₹3,60,000 |
If you go for higher finishes or more custom elements, costs can go above these bands.
If you tell me your city and the area (sq ft or layout) you’re working with, I can compute a specific budget-friendly estimate for your case. Do you want me to do that?