Interior designers charge fees based on different models, depending on the project scope, complexity, and location. Below are the most common fee structures and how to calculate them.
1. Percentage of Total Project Cost (Most Common for Full-Service Design)
- Designers charge 5% – 15% of the total project cost.
- The higher the project cost, the lower the percentage.
Formula:
📌 Interior Design Fee = Total Project Cost × Percentage Charged
🔹 Example:
- If your interior project costs ₹20 lakhs, and the designer charges 10%,
👉 Fee = ₹20,00,000 × 10% = ₹2,00,000
2. Per Square Foot Rate (Best for Residential & Commercial Spaces)
- Rates range from ₹50 – ₹500 per sq. ft., depending on design complexity.
Formula:
📌 Interior Design Fee = Total Area (sq. ft.) × Per Sq. Ft. Rate
🔹 Example:
- For a 1,000 sq. ft. home at ₹200 per sq. ft.,
👉 Fee = 1,000 × ₹200 = ₹2,00,000
3. Fixed Lump-Sum Fee (Best for Small or Specific Projects)
- A fixed price is agreed upon for the full project, covering design, supervision, and execution.
- Used for consultation-based or one-time projects.
🔹 Example:
- A designer may charge ₹3 lakhs for a 2BHK full interior design package, regardless of size.
4. Hourly Rate Model (For Consultation-Only Projects)
- Designers charge ₹500 – ₹5,000 per hour for advice, layouts, or 3D designs.
🔹 Example:
- If a consultation takes 20 hours at ₹1,500 per hour,
👉 Fee = 20 × ₹1,500 = ₹30,000
5. Cost-Plus Model (Common in Luxury Projects)
- The designer manages purchases and charges a markup (10-25%) on materials, furniture, and labor costs.
🔹 Example:
- If material costs ₹10 lakhs and the designer adds 15% markup,
👉 Fee = ₹10,00,000 × 15% = ₹1,50,000
Which Fee Structure is Best for You?
| Fee Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| % of Project Cost | Full-Service Design (Luxury Homes, Offices) | Clear pricing, full control | Can be expensive |
| Per Sq. Ft. Rate | Homes, Retail Spaces | Simple and scalable | Not flexible for custom projects |
| Fixed Fee | Small/Single-Room Projects | Predictable cost | May not include revisions |
| Hourly Rate | Design Consultations | Cost-effective for quick guidance | Can add up if project takes long |
| Cost-Plus Model | High-End Custom Interiors | Designer handles everything | Costs can go higher than expected |
Conclusion
- For home interiors, per square foot or percentage-based fees are common.
- For luxury homes or large offices, the cost-plus model is best.
- For consultation-only, the hourly rate model is preferred.
Would you like help estimating your interior design fees based on a specific project (Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi NCR)? 😊