What is an Interior Design Fee? A Beginner-Friendly 2025 Guide by Shilpcar

What is an Interior Design Fee? A Beginner-Friendly 2025 Guide by Shilpcar

What is an Interior Design Fee? A Beginner-Friendly 2025 Guide by Shilpcar

Modern minimalist dining room with wooden furniture and pendant lights, promoting Shilpcar’s 2025 guide on interior design fees.
Explore Shilpcar’s beginner-friendly 2025 guide to understanding interior design fees with expert insights and real-world examples.

Interior design makes your space look beautiful, comfortable, and functional. But how much does it cost to hire an interior designer? This is where the concept of “interior design fee” comes in. In this article, brought to you by Shilpcar, we’ll break down what an interior design fee is, how it works, what’s included, and what you should expect in 2025.

Whether you’re a homeowner, student, or just someone curious about designing beautiful spaces, this guide is for you—even if you’re as young as 7 years old!


What is an Interior Design Fee?

An interior design fee is the amount of money you pay an interior designer for their time, creativity, and professional services. Just like a teacher earns fees for teaching or a doctor earns fees for check-ups, interior designers also earn money by helping make your space beautiful and functional.

They help you choose the right colors, furniture, lights, and even where things should be placed to make your space feel just right.


Why Do Interior Designers Charge a Fee?

Interior designers don’t just make things look pretty. They plan, measure, design, and guide the whole process from start to finish. This can include:

  • Meeting with clients (like you)
  • Making mood boards and 3D layouts
  • Visiting stores and showrooms
  • Coordinating with carpenters, electricians, and painters
  • Visiting the site regularly

The fee covers all this hard work and time spent on your project.


What Services Are Included in the Fee?

At Shilpcar, our interior design fee includes many things. This can vary depending on your project, but in general, it may include:

  1. Consultation – First meeting to understand your needs
  2. Concept Design – Creating a visual mood board or presentation
  3. Detailed Layouts – 2D/3D drawings of your space
  4. Material Selection – Choosing tiles, paints, lights, and fabrics
  5. Budget Planning – Helping you stick to your budget
  6. Site Supervision – Ensuring everything is done as planned
  7. Vendor Coordination – Talking to carpenters, painters, and electricians
  8. Final Styling – Adding the final touches like cushions, lamps, or décor items

Types of Interior Design Fee Models in India (2025)

Interior designers in India, including the experts at Shilpcar, use different ways to charge their clients. Here are the most common ones:

1. Flat Fee or Fixed Fee

  • The designer gives you one total price for the whole project.
  • Good for simple, small projects.

2. Per Square Foot Rate

  • You pay based on how big your space is (Rs. 40 to Rs. 400 per sq. ft.)
  • Most popular in India.

3. Percentage of Project Cost

  • The designer takes a percentage (usually 6% to 15%) of your total budget.
  • Best for large or high-end projects.

4. Hourly Rate

  • You pay based on hours the designer works.
  • Used for quick advice or consultations.

What’s Not Included in the Interior Design Fee?

Some things may not be included in the design fee. Always ask your designer in advance. Common exclusions:

  • Cost of furniture, lights, and accessories
  • Construction or renovation work
  • Taxes and legal permissions (if needed)

At Shilpcar, we keep our pricing transparent, so you always know what you’re paying for.


Why Choose a Professional Like Shilpcar?

Here’s why hiring a trusted name like Shilpcar makes a big difference:

  • Experienced designers with creative ideas
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
  • Professional project management
  • Timely delivery and quality checks
  • One-stop solution for design + execution

How to Know If the Fee is Fair?

Always compare services offered, the designer’s experience, and past work. Don’t choose only based on who charges the least. Sometimes a low fee means they might cut corners.

Ask these questions:

  • Is site supervision included?
  • Are 3D designs part of the package?
  • Who will be responsible for execution?
  • How many design revisions are allowed?

With Shilpcar, we’re always upfront and offer fair pricing based on your needs.


Interior Design Fee Range in India (2025 Estimates)

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand design fee ranges:

Project TypeFee ModelEstimated Fee (INR)
1 BHK ApartmentPer Sq. Ft.Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,20,000
2 BHK ApartmentPercentage/FlatRs. 80,000 to Rs. 2,50,000
3 BHK ApartmentPercentage/FlatRs. 1.5L to Rs. 4L
Villa/Luxury HomesPercentageRs. 3L to Rs. 10L+
Commercial Office SpacePer Sq. Ft./HourlyRs. 100/sq.ft. onwards

Note: These are estimates. Actual fees may vary based on your city, designer, and project complexity.


When Do You Pay the Interior Design Fee?

Usually, payments are done in parts:

  • 10% to 20% at project start
  • 30% to 40% after design approval
  • Remaining during execution phases

At Shilpcar, we offer flexible payment plans to make it easier for you.


Tips to Save on Interior Design Fees

  • Plan your design before starting
  • Choose modular solutions when possible
  • Avoid unnecessary changes during execution
  • Stick to your budget with help from Shilpcar

Summary: What You Need to Remember

  • Interior design fee = professional charges for design services
  • Different models: flat, per sq. ft., hourly, or percentage-based
  • Shilpcar offers fair, transparent, and value-driven pricing
  • Always clarify what’s included and compare services, not just cost
  • A good designer can help you save more in the long run

Final Thoughts from Shilpcar

Interior design is not a luxury anymore—it’s a smart investment in comfort and style. With Shilpcar, you get professional guidance, honest pricing, and beautiful results that last.

So, the next time you wonder, “What is an interior design fee?”—you’ll know it’s more than just a number. It’s the value you receive in making your dream space come true.

Connect With Shilpcar

Ready to transform your space? Let Shilpcar make it happen.

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