What does interior design really cost in Kolkata?

Almost every prospective client we meet has been quoted three radically different prices by three different studios for the same scope of work. The variance is rarely because of design quality — it is because of how each studio defines what is and isn't included.

The honest range — by home type

• 2BHK apartment (700–900 sqft): ₹6.5 L – ₹14 L
• 3BHK apartment (1100–1400 sqft): ₹11.5 L – ₹25 L
• 4BHK apartment / duplex (1700–2400 sqft): ₹22 L – ₹45 L
• Independent villa (3000+ sqft): ₹45 L – ₹1.2 Cr+
• Modular kitchen only: ₹2.8 L – ₹6.5 L
• Master bedroom only: ₹2.2 L – ₹4.5 L
• Single bathroom renovation: ₹1.2 L – ₹3.5 L

Where the money actually goes

A typical 3BHK package (~₹12 L) breaks down as follows:

• Modular kitchen — ₹3.2 L (27%)
• Wardrobes (3 rooms) — ₹2.6 L (22%)
• False ceiling + lighting — ₹1.4 L (12%)
• TV unit + study + crockery — ₹1.6 L (13%)
• Painting + polishing — ₹0.8 L (7%)
• Civil + electrical rework — ₹1.1 L (9%)
• Soft furnishing + decor — ₹0.6 L (5%)
• Design fees + PM — ₹0.7 L (5%)

Beware any quote where 'design fees' is more than 12% of the total — you are paying for an Instagram page, not a project manager.

What is NOT typically included

• Loose furniture (sofas, beds, dining sets) — usually 15–25% additional
• Smart home automation — ₹80k – ₹3.5 L depending on scope
• Curtains and blinds — ₹40k – ₹1.2 L
• Air conditioners and appliances
• Imported marble or Italian flooring upgrades

Three red flags in a Kolkata interior quote

• Per-sqft pricing without scope detail — ₹1,800/sqft means nothing if the BOQ isn't itemised.
• 'Hettich-grade' hardware — either it's Hettich or it isn't. There is no 'grade'.
• '70% advance' — fair payment is 10% on signing, then milestone-based. Walk away from anyone asking more upfront.

What Decorlane does differently

Every Decorlane quote is a line-item BOQ. You can see exactly what each shutter, each drawer, each fitting costs. No 'package'. No vague rounding. And the BOQ is locked in at signing — we absorb any cost overrun caused by our design, not yours.