To estimate the cost of interior design, you need to consider various factors like space size, material selection, furniture, and labor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the interior cost for your home or office.
Step 1: Choose a Cost Estimation Method
1. Per Square Foot Calculation (Common for full-home interiors)
- Basic Interiors: ₹700 – ₹1,500 per sq. ft.
- Mid-Range Interiors: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per sq. ft.
- Luxury Interiors: ₹3,000+ per sq. ft.
🔹 Example:
For a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment with a mid-range design (₹2,000 per sq. ft.):
Total Cost = 1,000 × 2,000 = ₹20,00,000
2. Room-Wise Cost Calculation
Room Type | Basic (₹) | Premium (₹) |
---|---|---|
Living Room | ₹2 – ₹5 Lakh | ₹5 – ₹10 Lakh |
Bedroom | ₹1.5 – ₹4 Lakh | ₹4 – ₹8 Lakh |
Modular Kitchen | ₹2 – ₹6 Lakh | ₹6 – ₹15 Lakh |
Bathroom | ₹1 – ₹3 Lakh | ₹3 – ₹6 Lakh |
🔹 Example:
For a 2BHK Apartment:
- Living Room: ₹4,00,000
- 2 Bedrooms: ₹3,00,000 × 2 = ₹6,00,000
- Modular Kitchen: ₹4,00,000
- Bathrooms: ₹1,50,000 × 2 = ₹3,00,000
Total Interior Cost: ₹17,00,000
Step 2: Breakdown of Interior Costs
Category | Basic (₹) | Premium (₹) |
---|---|---|
Furniture & Carpentry | ₹3 – ₹6 Lakh | ₹6 – ₹12 Lakh |
Modular Kitchen | ₹1.5 – ₹6 Lakh | ₹6 – ₹15 Lakh |
False Ceiling | ₹50 – ₹150 per sq. ft. | ₹200 – ₹500 per sq. ft. |
Painting & Wall Finishes | ₹15 – ₹50 per sq. ft. | ₹100 – ₹500 per sq. ft. |
Lighting & Electrical | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakh | ₹2 Lakh+ |
Flooring & Tiles | ₹60 – ₹150 per sq. ft. | ₹200 – ₹800 per sq. ft. |
Bathroom Fittings | ₹30,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh | ₹2 Lakh+ |
Step 3: Additional Costs to Consider
✅ Designer Fees:
- Flat Fee: ₹50,000 – ₹10,00,000
- Hourly Rate: ₹500 – ₹5,000 per hour
- Percentage of Project Cost: 5% – 20%
✅ Civil Work (Demolition, Plumbing, Electrical): ₹1 – ₹5 Lakh
✅ Custom-Made Furniture: Adds 20% – 50% to total cost
✅ Luxury Additions (Smart Home, Imported Materials): ₹5 Lakh+
Step 4: Final Cost Calculation Formula
Total Interior Cost = (Space Size × Per Sq. Ft. Rate) + Designer Fee + Customization + Civil Work
🔹 Example for a 1,200 sq. ft. home with premium interiors:
- Base Cost: ₹1,200 × ₹2,500 = ₹30,00,000
- Designer Fee (10% of project cost): ₹3,00,000
- Custom Furniture: ₹5,00,000
- Civil Work: ₹2,00,000
- Final Cost Estimate: ₹40,00,000
Step 5: Get Multiple Quotes & Plan Your Budget
✔ Compare prices from multiple interior designers
✔ Prioritize essential spaces (kitchen, storage, lighting)
✔ Mix budget-friendly and luxury materials for cost efficiency
Would you like a custom budget estimate for your project? 😊
Here’s a detailed FAQ-style guide on How to Calculate Interior Design Cost:
🏡 FAQ: How to Calculate Interior Design Cost
1. What factors determine the cost of interior design?
- Area (sq. ft.): Larger spaces require more materials and labor.
- Design Style: Minimalist is usually cheaper; luxury or bespoke designs cost more.
- Materials & Finishes: Laminates vs. wood, tiles vs. marble, budget vs. premium brands.
- Furniture & Fixtures: Custom-built furniture adds to the cost, while ready-made options are cheaper.
- Labor & Execution: Skilled labor, carpenters, painters, and electricians impact costs.
- Project Scope: Full home vs. select rooms, structural changes, and special installations.
2. What are the common pricing models?
- Per Square Foot: Most common method.
- Example: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per sq. ft., depending on materials and style.
- Fixed Project Cost: A designer quotes a lump sum based on the entire project.
- Percentage of Project Budget: Usually 10–15% of the total budget allocated for interiors.
- Hourly Rate: ₹500–₹2,000 per hour for consultations or design work.
- Per Square Foot: Most common method.
3. Step-by-Step Method to Calculate Interior Design Cost
Step 1: Measure the Area
- Calculate the total square footage of all rooms you want to design.
Step 2: Decide on Design Quality
- Budget, mid-range, or luxury. This influences material selection and finishes.
Step 3: Estimate Material Costs
- Flooring, paint, tiles, lighting, furniture, and decor.
Step 4: Add Labor Charges
- Carpentry, painting, installation, and electrical work.
Step 5: Include Designer Fees
- Either as per sq. ft., fixed, or hourly, depending on the designer.
Step 6: Add Contingency & Taxes
- Usually 5–10% extra for unforeseen expenses.
- Add GST or any applicable local taxes.
Step 7: Calculate Total
- Total Cost = Material Cost + Labor Cost + Designer Fee + Contingency + Taxes
4. Example Calculation (for a 3 BHK, 1,200 sq. ft.)
Component | Estimated Cost (₹) |
---|---|
Materials & Furniture | 8,00,000 |
Labor | 2,00,000 |
Designer Fee (10%) | 1,00,000 |
Contingency (5%) | 55,000 |
Total | 11,55,000 |
5. Tips to Keep Costs Manageable
- Prioritize essential rooms first.
- Opt for ready-made furniture where possible.
- Use cost-effective materials without compromising aesthetics.
- Compare multiple designers and get itemized quotes.
- Avoid frequent design changes mid-project.
If you want, I can also make a ready-to-use calculator template where you just input square footage and quality level to instantly get an estimated interior design cost. Do you want me to create that?

Planning your dream home interiors is exciting, but the first question most homeowners ask is: “How much will it cost?” The truth is, there’s no single fixed amount. The interior design cost depends on your home size, requirements, material choices, and finish quality. Here’s a complete guide to help you calculate your interior budget with clarity.
Factors That Affect Interior Design Cost
Carpet Area (sq ft)
The bigger the house, the higher the cost.
Interior costs are usually calculated on a per sq ft basis.
Scope of Work
Full turnkey (kitchen, wardrobes, furniture, flooring, false ceiling, décor)
Partial interiors (kitchen + wardrobes only)
Material & Finish
Basic: Laminates, MDF, standard hardware
Mid-range: Veneer, matte finishes, quartz counters
Premium: Acrylics, marble, imported fittings
Design Complexity
Custom furniture, curves, luxury detailing increase costs.
Location & Labor Charges
Rates in Delhi NCR, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad may differ slightly.
Interior Design Cost Per Sq Ft
As of 2025, here are the average rates in Delhi NCR:
Basic Interiors: ₹800 – ₹1,200 per sq ft
Mid-Range Interiors: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per sq ft
Premium Interiors: ₹3,000+ per sq ft
👉 Example: A 2BHK flat with 1,000 sq ft carpet area and mid-range interiors = 1,000 × ₹1,800 = ₹18 lakh approx.
Typical Costs for Key Interior Components
Modular Kitchen: ₹1.5 – 4 lakh (depending on size & finish)
Wardrobes: ₹1,200 – ₹3,500 per sq ft
False Ceiling & Lighting: ₹80,000 – ₹2 lakh (for 2–3 rooms)
TV Unit / Living Room Setup: ₹60,000 – ₹1.5 lakh
Painting & Wall Finishes: ₹40 – ₹120 per sq ft
Furniture & Décor: ₹1 – 5 lakh (optional, depends on style)
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Interior Design Cost
Measure your carpet area (sq ft).
Decide scope – full interiors or selected rooms.
Choose finish level – basic, mid, or premium.
Multiply carpet area × per sq ft rate.
Add extra costs – appliances, furniture, décor.
Keep a buffer (10–15%) for changes or contingencies.
Tips to Control Interior Costs
Finalize your budget before starting.
Choose modular furniture for cost efficiency.
Mix and match materials (laminate + veneer).
Phase your interiors – start with essentials, add décor later.
Compare quotes from multiple designers.
Final Word
Understanding how to calculate interior design cost helps you plan realistically and avoid surprises. Whether you’re doing a basic 2BHK setup in Noida or a luxury villa in Gurgaon, knowing the per sq ft rate and key component costs will guide your budget better.
👉 Want a quick estimate? Try our Interior Price Estimator and calculate your home interiors in minutes!