Transforming an empty apartment into a beautiful home or renovating an old property requires careful planning, realistic budgeting, and smart design choices. In Delhi NCR’s competitive interior market where quotes range from ₹3 lakh to ₹30 lakh for the same 2BHK, understanding actual costs and avoiding common mistakes becomes crucial for homeowners.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from budget allocation and room-wise planning to contractor selection and material choices, helping you create your dream home without overspending or compromising on quality.
Understanding Interior Costs: What’s Realistic for Delhi Homes
Budget Classification by Apartment Size
2BHK Apartment (900-1100 sq ft):
- Basic Interior: ₹4-7 lakh
- Mid-Range Interior: ₹7-12 lakh
- Premium Interior: ₹12-20 lakh
- Luxury Interior: ₹20-35 lakh
3BHK Apartment (1200-1500 sq ft):
- Basic Interior: ₹6-10 lakh
- Mid-Range Interior: ₹10-16 lakh
- Premium Interior: ₹16-28 lakh
- Luxury Interior: ₹28-50 lakh
What Each Budget Level Gets You
Basic Interior (₹4-7 Lakh for 2BHK):
- Simple modular kitchen with laminate finish
- Basic wardrobes in bedrooms (laminate or veneer)
- Standard bathroom fittings (Cera, Hindware)
- Simple false ceiling in living room only
- Basic lighting (simple LED panels)
- Wall paint throughout
- No premium flooring or extensive woodwork
Mid-Range Interior (₹7-12 Lakh for 2BHK):
- Good quality modular kitchen with soft-close drawers
- Proper wardrobes in all bedrooms with internal organizers
- Decent bathroom fittings (Jaquar, Kohler)
- False ceiling in living room and bedrooms
- TV unit and crockery unit
- Designer lighting in common areas
- Vinyl/laminate flooring or good quality tiles
- Wallpaper accent walls
Premium Interior (₹12-20 Lakh for 2BHK):
- High-end modular kitchen with imported hardware
- Full-height wardrobes with premium finishes
- Luxury bathroom fittings (Grohe, Hansgrohe)
- Complete false ceiling with cove lighting
- Custom furniture pieces (study table, bar unit)
- Designer lights and smart home integration
- Premium flooring (wooden/Italian tiles)
- Extensive woodwork and wall paneling
Luxury Interior (₹20-35 Lakh for 2BHK):
- Designer kitchen with built-in appliances
- Walk-in wardrobes with custom organizers
- Imported sanitary ware and fittings
- Complete home automation
- Custom-designed furniture throughout
- Premium materials (marble, imported wood)
- Professional interior designer fees
- Artistic elements and statement pieces
Room-Wise Cost Breakdown: Planning Your Budget
Modular Kitchen: The Heart of Your Home (₹1.5-8 Lakh)
The kitchen typically consumes 25-35% of your interior budget and deserves careful planning.
Basic Kitchen (₹1.5-3 Lakh):
- Simple straight or L-shaped layout
- Laminate finish cabinets
- Standard granite countertop
- Basic hardware and fittings
- 2-burner hob and chimney
- Simple sink and faucet
- Total: ₹1,500-3,000 per running foot
Mid-Range Kitchen (₹3-5.5 Lakh):
- L-shaped or parallel layout
- Acrylic or membrane finish
- Good granite or quartz countertop
- Soft-close drawers and tandem units
- 3-4 burner hob with auto-clean chimney
- Stainless steel sink with pull-out faucet
- Built-in microwave provision
- Total: ₹2,800-4,500 per running foot
Premium Kitchen (₹5.5-8 Lakh+):
- U-shaped or island kitchen
- High-gloss lacquer or PU finish
- Imported quartz or marble countertop
- Premium German hardware (Hettich, Blum)
- Built-in hob, oven, dishwasher
- Designer backsplash with LED strips
- Undermount sink with filtered water system
- Complete pantry organization
- Total: ₹4,500-7,000+ per running foot
Money-Saving Kitchen Tips:
- Measure twice before finalizing layout to avoid wastage
- Choose acrylic finish over PU (looks similar, costs 30% less)
- Buy appliances separately rather than from kitchen vendor
- Maximize storage with corner units and tall units
- Standard granite costs ₹180-350 per sq ft vs quartz at ₹350-600 per sq ft
Wardrobes: Essential Storage Solutions (₹80,000-4 Lakh)
Per Bedroom Basic Wardrobe (₹60,000-1.2 Lakh):
- 7-8 feet width, floor to ceiling height
- Laminate exterior with laminate interior
- Basic shelves and hanging rods
- Simple sliding or hinged doors
- Approx ₹800-1,200 per sq ft
Per Bedroom Mid-Range Wardrobe (₹1.2-2 Lakh):
- 8-10 feet width with loft
- Veneer or membrane finish exterior
- Internal organizers (drawers, shoe racks)
- Soft-close mechanism
- Mirror panels on doors
- Approx ₹1,200-1,800 per sq ft
Per Bedroom Premium Wardrobe (₹2-3.5 Lakh+):
- Full wall wardrobe with accessories
- High-gloss or wood finish
- Complete internal organization
- Premium hardware
- LED lighting inside
- Approx ₹1,800-2,500+ per sq ft
Wardrobe Planning Tips:
- Plan internal layout based on actual clothing (hanging vs folding space)
- Add loft storage for seasonal items
- Include drawers for accessories (saves buying separate furniture)
- Sliding doors save space in compact bedrooms
- Light-colored interiors make finding items easier
False Ceiling and Electrical Work (₹80,000-3 Lakh)
Basic False Ceiling (₹80,000-1.5 Lakh):
- Simple gypsum false ceiling in living room
- Basic cove lighting with LED strips
- Standard ceiling fans and lights
- Essential electrical points (15-20 points)
- Approx ₹85-130 per sq ft
Mid-Range Ceiling (₹1.5-2.5 Lakh):
- False ceiling in living room and all bedrooms
- Designer patterns with multiple lighting layers
- Recessed spotlights and ambient lighting
- Additional electrical points (25-30 points)
- TV panel with cable management
- Approx ₹120-180 per sq ft
Premium Ceiling (₹2.5-4 Lakh):
- Complete home false ceiling with designer elements
- Smart lighting with dimmer controls
- Premium fixtures and chandelier provisions
- Extensive electrical points with USB charging
- Home theater wiring and setup
- Approx ₹180-250+ per sq ft
Flooring: Foundation of Interior Design (₹60,000-4 Lakh)
Vitrified Tiles (₹60-120 per sq ft installed):
- Most popular choice in Delhi homes
- Good durability and easy maintenance
- Wide variety of designs
- Total for 1000 sq ft: ₹60,000-1.2 lakh
Wooden/Laminate Flooring (₹120-300 per sq ft):
- Premium look and feel
- Warmer underfoot than tiles
- Requires careful maintenance
- Total for 1000 sq ft: ₹1.2-3 lakh
Vinyl/SPC Flooring (₹80-180 per sq ft):
- Water-resistant alternative to wood
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Good for bedrooms
- Total for 1000 sq ft: ₹80,000-1.8 lakh
Marble/Granite (₹200-600+ per sq ft):
- Luxury option for premium homes
- Excellent durability and aesthetics
- Requires professional installation
- Total for 1000 sq ft: ₹2-6 lakh+
Flooring Selection Tips:
- Use tiles in kitchen and bathrooms (water resistance)
- Wooden/vinyl flooring in bedrooms (comfort and warmth)
- Large format tiles (2×4 feet) create spacious feel
- Match grout color to tiles for seamless look
- Anti-skid tiles essential for bathrooms
Bathroom Renovation (₹60,000-3.5 Lakh per bathroom)
Basic Bathroom (₹60,000-1.2 Lakh):
- Standard wall and floor tiles
- Basic fittings (Cera, Hindware, Parryware)
- Simple shower and faucets
- Wall-mounted WC
- Basic vanity or shelf
- Standard geyser
Mid-Range Bathroom (₹1.2-2.2 Lakh):
- Designer tiles with accent walls
- Good fittings (Jaquar, Kohler)
- Rain shower or overhead shower
- Wall-hung WC with concealed cistern
- Custom vanity with storage
- Instant geyser or storage heater
- Exhaust fan and adequate lighting
Premium Bathroom (₹2.2-3.5 Lakh+):
- Premium tiles or marble
- Luxury fittings (Grohe, Hansgrohe)
- Shower panel or jacuzzi
- Smart WC with bidet features
- Designer vanity with dual sinks
- Underfloor heating
- Premium mirrors and lighting
Living Room Furniture and TV Unit (₹1-5 Lakh)
Basic Setup (₹1-2 Lakh):
- Simple TV unit with storage
- Standard sofa set (3+2 or L-shaped)
- Coffee table and side tables
- Curtains and basic decor
Mid-Range Setup (₹2-3.5 Lakh):
- Designer TV unit with display shelving
- Premium fabric or leather sofa
- Coordinated furniture pieces
- Designer curtains and wallpaper
- Decorative lighting
Premium Setup (₹3.5-5 Lakh+):
- Custom-designed TV wall panel
- Imported furniture or custom pieces
- Complete living room coordination
- Artwork and statement pieces
- Smart home integration
Choosing Between Interior Designer, Contractor, or DIY
Interior Designer Route (Most Expensive, Professional Results)
Cost Structure:
- Design fee: ₹50-200 per sq ft (₹50,000-2 lakh for 1000 sq ft)
- Execution cost: 10-25% markup on materials and labor
- Total markup: 15-35% over direct contractor pricing
When to Choose Designer:
- Budget above ₹10 lakh for complete interiors
- Complex layouts requiring professional planning
- No time to manage contractors yourself
- Want coordinated, magazine-worthy results
- New to home interiors and need expert guidance
Top Interior Designers in Delhi NCR:
- Livspace: ₹6-15 lakh average projects, good warranty
- HomeLane: ₹5-12 lakh projects, modular focus
- DesignCafe: ₹8-18 lakh projects, premium positioning
- Local boutique designers: ₹8-20 lakh, personalized service
Direct Contractor Route (Cost-Effective, Requires Management)
Cost Savings: 20-35% less than designer route
When to Choose Contractor:
- Limited budget (under ₹8 lakh)
- Have time to supervise work daily
- Clear idea about what you want
- Comfortable making design decisions
- Can source materials yourself
Finding Good Contractors:
- Referrals from friends who recently renovated
- Visit ongoing sites to see work quality
- Check completed projects in your locality
- Verify at least 3-5 references
- Start with small work before full project
DIY Route (Maximum Savings, Maximum Effort)
Possible Savings: 30-50% compared to designer route
What You Can DIY:
- Painting (save ₹25-40 per sq ft labor)
- Installing curtain rods and fixtures
- Basic furniture assembly
- Decorative elements and styling
- Minor electrical work (switches, lights)
What Needs Professionals:
- Plumbing and major electrical work
- Modular kitchen and wardrobe installation
- False ceiling work
- Flooring (marble, tiles, wood)
- Structural changes
Common Renovation Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Planning Storage Adequately
Most homes lack sufficient storage, leading to cluttered spaces. Plan for:
- Wardrobes that utilize full ceiling height
- Kitchen with tall units reaching ceiling
- Bathroom vanities with drawer storage
- Living room TV unit with closed cabinets
- Loft storage in all rooms for seasonal items
Mistake 2: Ignoring Electrical Points
Add electrical points liberally during renovation:
- Minimum 2-3 points per bedroom wall
- USB charging points near beds and workstations
- Provisions for AC, geyser, washing machine
- Living room points for TV, speakers, lamps
- Kitchen points for multiple appliances
Adding points later means breaking walls and matching paint/tiles—expensive and messy.
Mistake 3: Choosing Materials Without Testing
Always get physical samples before finalizing:
- See kitchen laminates/veneers in natural light
- Test flooring samples at home
- Check tile sizes in actual space
- Compare paint colors on your walls
- Touch and feel materials personally
What looks good in showroom may disappoint in your home’s lighting.
Mistake 4: Over-Designing Small Spaces
Avoid these in compact apartments:
- Heavy dark colors on all walls
- Too much furniture cramming space
- Excessive false ceiling reducing height
- Large furniture blocking movement
- Heavy curtains making rooms dark
Instead: Light colors, multi-functional furniture, strategic storage, minimal false ceiling, maximize natural light.
Mistake 5: Not Getting Written Quotations
Always insist on detailed quotations including:
- Exact materials and brands specified
- Measurement calculations shown
- Labor costs separated from materials
- Timeline for completion
- Payment schedule (30% advance, 40% mid-way, 30% completion)
- Warranty terms (typically 1-5 years)
Verbal quotes lead to disputes and unexpected costs.
Mistake 6: Paying Full Advance
Never pay more than 30-40% advance:
- Standard practice: 30% advance, 40% at 50% completion, 30% final
- This protects you if contractor abandons work
- Gives leverage for quality control
- Ensures timely completion
Timeline and Project Management
Typical Renovation Timeline (2BHK)
Basic Interior (₹4-7 Lakh): 45-60 Days
- Week 1-2: Planning, material procurement
- Week 3-4: Kitchen and wardrobe installation
- Week 5-6: False ceiling and electrical
- Week 7-8: Painting and flooring
- Week 9: Final touches and cleanup
Complete Interior (₹10-15 Lakh): 75-90 Days
- Week 1-3: Design finalization, demolition
- Week 4-8: Kitchen, wardrobes, bathroom work
- Week 9-11: False ceiling, electrical, plumbing
- Week 12-13: Flooring and tiling
- Week 14-15: Painting and finishing
- Week 16: Furniture, fixtures, handover
Project Supervision Tips:
- Visit site every 2-3 days minimum
- Take photos of work progress for records
- Verify materials delivered match specifications
- Don’t approve payments without checking work quality
- Keep WhatsApp group with contractor for quick communication
- Maintain checklist of pending items
Money-Saving Hacks for Home Interiors
Material Selection Strategies
Kitchen Savings:
- Acrylic finish looks 80% like PU at 40% less cost
- Standard granite instead of imported quartz saves ₹200-300 per sq ft
- Buy appliances during sale seasons (₹15,000-30,000 savings)
- Simple backsplash instead of full-height tiles saves ₹8,000-15,000
Wardrobe Savings:
- Laminate with veneer shutters instead of full veneer saves 25%
- Skip soft-close in less-used wardrobes saves ₹5,000-8,000 per wardrobe
- Opt for sliding doors in compact bedrooms (cheaper than hinged)
Bathroom Savings:
- Mix premium fixtures (shower, faucet) with standard fittings (health faucet, angle valves)
- Choose designer tiles only for accent walls, standard for rest
- Wall-mounted WC instead of floor-mounted saves ₹3,000-5,000
False Ceiling Savings:
- Skip false ceiling in bedrooms if ceiling height is already 10 feet
- Simple designs instead of multiple levels saves 30-40%
- Use gypsum instead of POP (better finish, similar cost)
Smart Shopping Tips
When to Buy:
- Diwali sales (October-November): 20-40% off on furniture, lights, appliances
- End of season sales: 30-50% off on curtains, furnishings
- Builder’s exhibition sales: 15-25% off on tiles, sanitary ware
Where to Buy:
- Tiles: Moradabad (wholesale), Daryaganj, Kirti Nagar
- Modular furniture: Kirti Nagar, Okhla, direct from manufacturers
- Lights and fixtures: Bhagirath Palace, Lajpat Nagar
- Sanitary ware: Karol Bagh, Kirti Nagar
- Fabrics and curtains: Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar
Negotiation Works: Expect 10-20% discount on quoted prices for tiles, lights, sanitary ware when buying in bulk.
Making Your Home Future-Ready
Smart Home Features Worth Adding
Essential Smart Features (₹30,000-60,000):
- Smart lighting with app/voice control
- Video doorbell with phone notification
- Smart AC controllers
- Motion sensor lights in common areas
- Smart locks for main door
Advanced Features (₹60,000-1.5 Lakh+):
- Complete home automation system
- CCTV with cloud storage
- Automated curtains
- Smart sensors (smoke, leak, motion)
- Voice-controlled ecosystem (Alexa/Google)
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices
- LED lighting throughout (saves ₹800-1,200 monthly)
- Energy-efficient appliances (BEE 5-star rated)
- Water-saving faucets and dual-flush WCs
- Good insulation to reduce AC usage
- Solar panels for common areas (apartments)
- Low-VOC paints for better air quality
Final Renovation Checklist
Before starting your project:
- ✅ Total budget finalized with 10-15% buffer for overruns
- ✅ Design and layout approved by all family members
- ✅ Contractor/designer selected with verified references
- ✅ Detailed quotation with materials, timeline, payment schedule
- ✅ Alternate accommodation arranged if staying elsewhere
- ✅ Neighbors informed about renovation work
- ✅ Material samples physically verified
- ✅ Warranty terms documented in writing
- ✅ Municipality permissions obtained if needed
- ✅ Insurance coverage checked for renovation period
Conclusion: Creating Your Dream Home
Home interior and renovation in Delhi NCR offers endless possibilities across every budget range. Whether you’re working with ₹5 lakh for a basic 2BHK setup or ₹20 lakh for a premium makeover, smart planning and informed decisions ensure you get maximum value.
The key is balancing aesthetics with functionality, investing in quality where it matters (kitchen, wardrobes, bathrooms), and being willing to compromise on purely decorative elements when budgets are tight. With careful contractor selection, material research, and project supervision, you can create a beautiful, comfortable home that reflects your personality without breaking the bank.
Remember: Good interiors aren’t about spending the most money—they’re about spending money wisely on things that improve your daily life and bring you joy every time you walk through your door.