A reasonable interior design budget depends on home size, scope (design-only vs execution), and finish level. Below are practical, industry-accepted ranges that homeowners actually spend—not marketing numbers.
Reasonable Design Budget (Design Fees Only)
| Home Type | Reasonable Design Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 BHK | ₹60,000 – ₹1.2 lakh |
| 2 BHK | ₹1.0 – ₹2.0 lakh |
| 3 BHK | ₹1.5 – ₹3.0 lakh |
| Villa / Large Home | ₹3.0 – ₹6.0 lakh+ |
What this includes: space planning, 3D views, working drawings, material selection.
May exclude: site supervision (often extra).
Reasonable Total Interior Budget (Design + Execution)
| Budget Level | Cost (3BHK, ~1,100–1,400 sq ft) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | ₹7 – ₹10 lakh | Modular kitchen, wardrobes, basic lighting & paint |
| Comfort / Mid-range | ₹12 – ₹18 lakh | Better finishes, partial false ceiling, coordinated look |
| Premium | ₹20 – ₹30 lakh+ | Custom furniture, premium materials, designer details |
Rule of thumb: Design fees usually fall around 8–15% of the total interior cost.
Common Ways Designers Charge (and what’s reasonable)
- Per sq ft: ₹150–₹300/sq ft (design); ₹250–₹400/sq ft (design + supervision)
- Fixed fee: ₹1.5–₹3 lakh for a typical 3BHK
- Percentage: 8–15% of execution cost
How to Decide What’s Reasonable for You
- If you want clarity & control → fixed fee or per sq ft
- If the project is large or evolving → percentage-based
- On a tight budget → design-only + partial supervision
Bottom Line
- A reasonable design budget for a 3BHK is ₹1.5–₹3 lakh.
- A reasonable total interior budget most homeowners choose is ₹12–18 lakh for a comfortable, well-finished home.
If you share your home size, city, and whether you want supervision, I can recommend the most reasonable option for your case.