- How to Hire an Interior Designer in India (Without Getting Overcharged)
You’ve decided to hire an interior designer. Good move. But the wrong hire can cost you lakhs more than it should – not because of their fee, but because of how they make money behind the scenes. Here’s what to know before you sign anything.
The Commission Question
This is the part most guides skip.
Many interior designers in India earn a significant portion of their income through vendor commissions – a percentage (10%-30%) they receive from material suppliers, furniture vendors, and contractors for directing business their way.
This means your designer might recommend a particular tile brand, plywood supplier, or furniture maker not because it’s the best fit for your project, but because it pays them the highest commission.
How to spot commission-based pricing:
The designer insists you purchase all materials through them. No alternative brands are offered. The “discounted” price is suspiciously close to retail. There’s no transparent cost breakdown – just a lump sum.
What a no-commission model looks like:
A clear, upfront design fee. You see the actual cost of every material and vendor. You’re free to source independently. Recommendations are based on quality and budget – not kickbacks.
A no-commission designer may charge a higher design fee upfront, but the total project cost often comes out lower because material selections are based purely on what’s right for the project.
Always ask: “Do you take commissions from vendors?” If they hesitate, you have your answer.
How to Budget Smartly
Know your carpet area. Not super built-up. Your actual usable floor space. This is what designers work with.
Decide your tier honestly. Don’t plan a premium kitchen on a budget-tier overall budget. Allocate more to spaces you use most (kitchen, living room, master bedroom) and go simpler on guest rooms and utility areas.
Get 3 quotes – compare scope, not just price. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Compare what’s included, what materials are specified, and what’s left out.
Keep a 15% contingency. No interior project in India comes in exactly on budget. You’ll upgrade a finish, add a detail, or run into a site surprise. A buffer keeps you sane.
Questions to Ask Before Signing
- What’s your fee structure?
- Do you take vendor commissions?
- What’s included in the per-sq-ft rate?
- How many design revisions are covered?
- What’s the estimated timeline?
- What happens if the project goes over budget?
- Can I see your material specifications and vendor list?
What Good Design Actually Saves You
It’s tempting to skip the designer and go straight to a contractor. For very simple projects, that works. But for anything beyond basic modular fittings, a good designer saves money in ways that aren’t obvious:
Space planning prevents expensive furniture mistakes – buying a sofa that doesn’t fit, a dining table that blocks circulation.
Material knowledge means you don’t overpay for trendy finishes that won’t survive Indian conditions – humidity, heat, hard water.
Vendor networks give access to trade pricing on materials and furniture that retail buyers don’t get.
Project management catches contractor shortcuts before they become costly fixes.
Ergonomic design means your kitchen, wardrobe, and study that actually work.
The cheapest project isn’t the one with the lowest quote. It’s the one you don’t have to redo in three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a good interior done for under ₹3000 per sq ft? Yes, in tier-2 and tier-3 cities with standard finishes. In metros, very tight but possible if you prioritise function over finish.
Should I go modular or custom? Modular is faster and cheaper for standard layouts. Custom is worth it for non-standard sizes, unusual materials, or design-driven furniture.
How long does an interior project take? 45-90 days for a standard apartment. 3-6 months for larger homes or commercial spaces.
What’s the difference between an interior designer and a decorator? A designer handles spatial planning, technical drawings, material specification, and execution. A decorator works with existing spaces – styling, arrangement, soft furnishings. Both are valuable; different problems.
This guide is published by the studio of Mrunalini Nikte – an interior and furniture designer based in India, working on a strict no-commission policy since 2014.