Designing an interior space in Kathmandu—whether it’s a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or entire home—requires balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget. Costs vary depending on the scope, designer expertise, materials, and deliverables like 3D renders or technical drawings. This guide breaks down current rates, services, and factors influencing pricing in Nepal’s capital.
1. Interior Design Service Packages & Costs
Most firms/designers in Kathmandu offer tiered packages based on room type, square footage, and complexity. Here’s a general breakdown:
A. Basic Package (Entry-Level Designers)
- Cost: NPR 80–150 per sq.ft.
- Ideal for: Small spaces (e.g., single rooms) or tight budgets.
- Deliverables:
- Conceptual sketches (2D layout ideas).
- Basic material suggestions (local tiles, laminates).
- Rough budget estimates.
- Example: A 100 sq.ft. bathroom design costs NPR 8,000–15,000.
B. Standard Package (Mid-Level Firms)
- Cost: NPR 150–300 per sq.ft.
- Ideal for: Mid-range homes or offices.
- Deliverables:
- 3D renders (2–3 angles per room).
- Detailed floor plans with measurements.
- Electrical and lighting layouts (switch points, fixture placements).
- Material specifications (brands, finishes).
- Budget breakdown (labor + materials).
- Example: A 200 sq.ft. kitchen design costs NPR 30,000–60,000.
C. Premium Package (Luxury Design Studios)
- Cost: NPR 300–600+ per sq.ft.
- Ideal for: High-end villas, hotels, or custom projects.
- Deliverables:
- Photorealistic 3D renders (5+ angles, lighting simulations).
- Architectural drawings (elevations, sections, structural details).
- Custom furniture designs.
- Plumbing and HVAC layouts.
- Project management (site supervision, contractor coordination).
- Example: A 500 sq.ft. master bedroom suite costs NPR 150,000–300,000+.
2. How Square Footage Affects Rates
- Smaller spaces (under 200 sq.ft.) often have a higher per sq.ft. rate due to fixed costs (e.g., drafting time).
- Larger projects (500+ sq.ft.) may qualify for discounts (e.g., NPR 10–20% off per sq.ft.).
- Example: A 1,000 sq.ft. apartment at NPR 250/sq.ft. totals NPR 250,000, but bulk rates could reduce it to NPR 225,000.
3. Detailed Deliverables: What You’ll Get
Design Phase
- Conceptual Drawings: Rough sketches to visualize layout options.
- 3D Renders: Critical for kitchens/bathrooms to check storage, lighting, and workflow.
- Architectural Drawings:
- Floor plans with dimensions.
- Elevations (wall designs, cabinetry details).
- Electrical plans (outlets, light points, fan placements).
- Material Boards: Samples of tiles, countertops, paint colors, and fabrics.
Technical Documents
- Budget Estimates: Itemized costs for materials (e.g., Chinese vs. Italian tiles) and labor.
- Lighting Plans: Types of fixtures (ambient, task, accent) and wiring diagrams.
- Furniture Layouts: Optimized placement for comfort and space efficiency.
4. Additional Costs to Consider
- Custom Carpentry: NPR 2,500–6,000/sq.ft. for built-in wardrobes or kitchen cabinets.
- Lighting Fixtures: Basic LED setups cost NPR 20,000–50,000; luxury chandeliers run NPR 100,000+.
- Permits: Rarely required for interiors unless altering walls/plumbing.
5. Room-Specific Cost Estimates
Kitchen Design
- Basic: NPR 1–2 lakhs (modular cabinets, local countertops).
- Premium: NPR 5–10 lakhs+ (custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, smart appliances).
Bathroom Design
- Basic: NPR 50,000–1.5 lakhs (ceramic tiles, standard fittings).
- Luxury: NPR 3–5 lakhs+ (heated floors, imported sanitaryware, rain showers).
Bedroom Design
- Basic: NPR 70,000–1.2 lakhs (built-in storage, paint, lighting).
- High-End: NPR 2–4 lakhs+ (custom headboards, acoustic panels, mood lighting).
6. Choosing a Designer: Tips for Kathmandu
- Verify Portfolios: Look for experience in your room type (e.g., kitchens require plumbing expertise).
- Ask for Breakdowns: Ensure quotes include GST (13%) and clarify revision fees.
- Local vs. Imported Materials: Italian marble costs 3x Nepali stone—confirm sourcing.
Final Thoughts
Interior design costs in Kathmandu range from NPR 80–600+ per sq.ft., depending on your vision and the designer’s skill. Always request a contract detailing deliverables, timelines, and payment milestones. For accuracy, consult firms like AS Design.
Note: Rates are approximate and subject to market changes. Site conditions (e.g., existing plumbing) may increase costs.
