Same design vision, different budget realities — here’s how apartment and villa projects diverge in cost.
Introduction
Whether you’re styling a sleek city apartment or a sprawling villa on the outskirts, interior design can make or break the experience of a home. But your total project cost can differ dramatically based on the type of property. In this article, we explore the key differences in interior design pricing for apartments and villas, so you can plan your budget with clarity.
1. Scope of Work: Apartments Are Compact, Villas Are Expansive
Apartments typically range between 500–2,000 sq. ft., while villas may exceed 5,000 sq. ft. This size difference affects:
- Number of rooms to design
- Material quantity (paint, flooring, carpentry)
- Custom furniture needs
- Time required for design execution
More space means more planning, supervision, and cost.
2. Complexity and Customisation
Villas often allow for more elaborate designs, structural changes, and luxury finishes. Apartment designs are usually more restricted due to building codes and shared infrastructure.
Implications:
- Villa projects may require civil changes, landscaping, or home automation.
- Apartments are more likely to involve modular solutions and limited ceiling work.
3. Design Fee Structures
Most designers adjust fees based on project size and complexity:
- Apartment Design Fees: Often start around ₹50–₹150/sq. ft. or fixed packages
- Villa Design Fees: Range from ₹150–₹350/sq. ft., depending on the scope
- Luxury villas with bespoke designs may go higher with hourly or premium turnkey pricing
4. Furniture and Decor Budgets
Furnishing a villa typically requires higher investment due to:
- Larger furniture pieces for spacious rooms
- More outdoor furniture, landscaping decor, and accessory layering
- Multiple living areas, family rooms, and entertainment zones
Example: A 3BHK apartment may need ₹10–₹20 lakhs for full furnishing, while a 5BHK villa may exceed ₹40–₹60 lakhs easily.
5. Project Timeline
Villas take longer — sometimes double or triple the timeline of an apartment. Time is money, especially if the designer charges by milestone or uses external contractors.
6. Logistics and Execution
Villa projects involve more intensive on-site work, which can raise labour, installation, and supervision costs. Additionally, remote villa locations may add travel and transportation fees.
Apartments in urban towers benefit from central delivery points and faster vendor access, making execution slightly more economical.
Conclusion: Plan Based on Property Type
Interior design pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Apartments offer convenience and predictability, often at a lower cost. Villas allow creative freedom but demand deeper pockets and longer commitments. Understanding the variables at play helps homeowners make better design decisions — and avoid budget shocks down the line.