If you’re buying a new home in Pune—or planning to renovate an older one—one question always comes first:
“How much will the home interiors cost me?”
“What should be the ideal minimum budget for interior design?”
Unfortunately, most articles online either give unrealistic numbers or oversimplify the process. Interior design is not one-size-fits-all, especially in a city like Pune where:
- Home sizes vary drastically
- New-build apartments differ from older flats
- Materials and labour costs fluctuate
- Execution quality varies wildly between contractors
Based on our experience as interior designers in Pune, we have curated this guide. This will give you a realistic, experience-backed understanding of home interior costs in Pune based on actual projects, current market conditions, and practical planning experience. It is designed to help you budget clearly, avoid surprises, and make informed decisions—whether you’re working with a designer or executing independently.
Average Home Interior Costs in Pune (2026)
Here are the most accurate home interior cost estimates for Pune today. These include kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV units, loose furniture, painting, furnishings, decor and electricals.
2BHK Interior Cost (Pune 2026)
Basic: 10.5L-13L
Comfort: 11.5L-14L
Signature: 13L-16L
3BHK Interior Cost (Pune 2026)
Basic: 12.5L-14L
Comfort: 14.5L-16.5L
Signature: 16.5L-20L
The wide range depends on layout, finish choices, amount of custom carpentry, and civil work required. For a quick overview of these price ranges, please refer to our interior design services and pricing page.
Explore in detail how we can use these figures to budget for home interiors in Pune.
What Affects Home Interior Costs in Pune?
People often think home interior cost = home size. But in reality, the following major factors influence pricing:
Scope of Work
Are we doing just essential modules? Or a full interior transformation including flooring, lighting, and civil work?
- Furniture only + painting only: Lowest cost
- Furniture + electricals + painting: Mid
- Full renovation including furniture + electricals + painting with civil work: Highest
Carpet Area
More area impacts:
- Furniture work size
- Painting volume
- Civil work spread
- False ceiling requirements
Even a 100 sq. ft. difference can alter your budget by ₹50,000–₹1,00,000.
Location in Pune
Neighbourhoods like Kharadi, Baner, Koregaon Park often have:
- Higher labour rates
- Stricter society rules
- Limited working windows
Older areas like Camp or Aundh may need more civil corrections.
Material & Finish Choices
- Furniture structure material such as MR Grade commercial ply, BWP/BWR grade ply or HDHMR
- Furniture finishing material such as laminate, veneer, PU or acrylic
- Basic vs premium light fixtures
- Premium hardware vs basic functional hardware (channels, hinges, handles, knobs, etc)
- Basic emulsion paint vs premium paint finishes (texture paints, etc.)
- Fabric cost of furnishings (fabrics used in curtains, sofas, headboards, etc)
Quick guide on how to maintain and care for your interior surfaces
Degree of Customisation
Custom-made designs → higher labour time → higher cost
Minimal straight-line designs with standard accessories → lower labour time → controlled cost
Brand Preferences
Hardware brands, laminate quality, lighting brands, appliances, all affect the final budget. Hardware alone (hinges, channels) can change your budget by 30–40%.
Renovation vs New Home
Renovations almost always cost more. More on that below.
Detailed guide on how to plan interiors for small homes on a budget.
Case Study: 700 sq. ft 2BHK Project in Kharadi — ₹16 Lakhs
One of our most loved projects—and a clear example of how real-world home interior costs break down.
Home: 2BHK, approx. 700 sq. ft
Location: Kharadi, Pune
Age of Property: 10 years
Scope: Full interior + civil renovation
Final Project Value: ₹16 Lakhs
Why Did the Cost Reach This Range?
The client wanted a distinct aesthetic.
This required custom carpentry, textured finishes, and unique design detailing.
Older homes need civil corrections.
We had to upgrade plumbing, electricals, wall alignment, flooring and waterproofing.
Compact homes need intelligent design.
Every inch had to serve a purpose. We maximised storage, circulation space, natural lighting and furniture scale.
Functional hardware and accessories
Chosen for durability in a long-term home.
This case study proves that renovation + high customisation + compact layout optimisation leads to a higher budget.
Common Misconceptions Pune Homeowners Have About Home Interior Costs
These are real myths we hear in consultations:
“Interiors can be done very cheap if I find the right contractor.”
Contractors can execute tasks, but they don’t plan budgets, layouts, safety, or long-term durability. Cheap labour often means cheap materials, no supervision, and no accountability—costing more in repairs later. A well-designed project always saves money in the long run.
“Modular furniture from anywhere is the same as branded modular furniture.”
Not true. The difference lies in hardware quality, edge-banding, moisture resistance, load capacity, and after-sales service. A cheap modular wardrobe from Shivaji Nagar is not built the same as a branded system with warranties.
“I only need to finalise the design; execution will look exactly like the 3D.”
3D renders are visual guides. Real sites have beams, pipes, uneven walls, builder limitations, available materials, and practical constraints. Skilled designers bridge this gap so the final output matches the intention—not just the picture.
“Designers are expensive and unnecessary—I can coordinate everything myself.”
Coordinating carpenters, electricians, plumbers, vendors, deliveries, site sequencing, and quality checks is a full-time job. Designers prevent costly mistakes, negotiate fair pricing, maintain quality, and ensure your home looks cohesive—not patched together.
“All interior firms quote roughly the same thing.”
Not in Pune. Quotes differ widely based on material quality, hardware, type of finish, workmanship, whether civil work is included, supervision, warranty, etc
Always compare apples to apples, not just the final number.
“Interior cost depends only on the size of the home.”
A 1,000 sq. ft. Wagholi apartment and a 1,000 sq. ft. Kalyani Nagar apartment can have very different budgets. Costs depend on design style, scope, materials, level of customization, and brand preferences—not just square footage.
“Once work starts, there will be no changes in cost.”
Interior projects evolve. Hidden site issues, material upgrades, additional storage requests, or scope changes can all affect cost. A transparent design process helps minimise these surprises, but some variations are normal—especially in renovations.
“Online budget calculators show the real price.”
Most calculators use generic assumptions and don’t account for:
- Pune labour rates
- Your design style
- Civil work requirements
- Brand preferences
- Structural conditions
Use them for rough guidance only—not actual budgeting.
“Interior work can be completed in 20–30 days.”
This timeline is usually unrealistic unless the scope is extremely minimal. Quality interiors—especially full-home carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and painting—require 75–90 days depending on complexity. Rushing leads to defects and rework.
Explore our guide on which questions to ask before hiring an interior designer in Pune
Hidden Interior Costs Homeowners in Pune Should Know
Hardware upgrades
Soft-close hinges, drawer channels, and lift-up mechanisms can add ₹30,000–₹60,000 depending on the requirements.
Electrical rewiring
This is something that can easily add anywhere between ₹50,000–₹75,000 if one is planning to add a false ceiling, rewire switchboards as per the new layout, and add more lighting layers to the space.
AC ducting
Many homeowners are often unprepared for this additional expense. Properly planning the placement of indoor and outdoor AC units, determining the required duct length, installing MS racks for secure mounting, and carrying out core-cutting on external walls (if provisions don’t already exist) are all costs that should be anticipated in advance.
False ceiling levels
While multi-level ceilings and decorative coves can add visual interest and soft ambient lighting, homeowners often don’t realize how much these design elements increase the overall cost. A simple, functional false ceiling is significantly more economical compared to adding coves or multiple levels.
Site conditions
Uneven walls/floors require prep work. Walls may need a coat of PoP punning. If floors are uneven, or tiles are broken, they may require rework. Waterproofing issues may also increase costs significantly.
GST/transport/miscellaneous expenses
Transport costs, taxes, debris disposal, etc should be accounted for to avoid surprises later.
Let’s take a closer look at these hidden interior cost factors and how to avoid them.
How to Reduce Home Interior Costs Without Compromising Quality
Prioritize functionality over expensive materials
Most furniture in Pune can be built using cost-effective MR-grade commercial plywood, while moisture-prone areas may require BWP/BWR-grade options. Laminates offer durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. For everyday use, good-quality Indian hardware brands perform just as well as imported alternatives.
Stick to the original layout
This significantly reduces expenses related to electrical rewiring and repainting.
De-clutter
Simplifying your belongings is an often-underestimated way to save on interiors. With fewer storage requirements, you naturally reduce the need for extra carpentry. Periodically sorting and letting go of unused items can meaningfully cut down interior costs.
Design for your “every day,” not just for those occasional “special days”
While planning our homes, we often give undue importance to rare events, like hosting guests, adding elaborate showcases or crockery units for festive moments, or incorporating excessive open shelving that eventually gathers dust or leads to unnecessary purchases. These are costs that can be easily avoided. Instead, directing your budget toward a high-quality sofa or reliable kitchen hardware, items you use daily, offers far greater value. This practical approach enhances everyday living and helps keep overall interior costs in check.
Develop a good understanding of how to read 2D layouts and moodboards
These tools make it easier to plan and visualise your space and are extremely helpful for budgeting when coordinating with a contractor.
Quick guide on how to use 2Ds and 3Ds more effectively.
Quick guide on how to effectively use interior Moodboards.
Play the long game
If you’re planning with a long-term vision, begin collecting a few high-quality statement pieces, like beds, consoles, credenzas, artwork, or well-made rugs. These aren’t large investments but can significantly elevate your final interiors when you move into your forever home. By spreading out these thoughtful purchases over time, you avoid the financial strain of buying all your furniture at once, ultimately reducing your overall interior costs. This approach not only eases your budget but also adds a curated, eclectic charm to your space.
And finally, don’t underestimate the value of hiring an interior designer
With expert guidance, you can avoid unnecessary expenses, optimize every corner of your home, and bring your vision to life with clarity and confidence. A good designer saves you time, money, and stress throughout the entire process.
Read about common interior design budget mistakes that Pune homeowners make – and how to avoid them!
How To Stay Within Budget
Start With a Clear Ballpark Budget
Understand realistic ranges so you are not surprised later.
Prioritise What Adds Long-Term Value
Decide which elements deserve investment and what can be simplified.
Transparent BOQ + Cost Checkpoints
Ask for on line-item costs, material descriptions, work sequence or payment milestones. This reduces anxiety and builds trust.
Material Selection Based on Goals
Choose finishes that, age well, fit your lifestyle, balance cost and durability and avoid unnecessary complexity.
Highlight Hidden Costs Early
Electrical changes, outlet additions, plumbing corrections — estimate them early.
Avoid Overdesigning
Beautiful interiors aren’t about more elements — they’re about the right elements. Simplicity = longevity + lower cost.
Planning Home Interior Costs with Clarity
Home interior costs feel overwhelming only when planning is unclear. When scope, materials, and priorities are defined early, budgeting becomes predictable and manageable.
Whether you’re furnishing a new apartment or renovating an older home, understanding how costs are structured helps you avoid stress, delays, and unnecessary upgrades.
At New Leaf Designs, we believe a well-planned interior isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending intentionally.
