Interior design costs in Dubai can range from AED 100 to AED 800+ per square meter, depending on the designer, scope, and finishes you want. But that’s just the starting point.
- Basic Design Consultation:
AED 500 – AED 2,000 (for a one-off session or advice, often not including drawings) - Full Interior Design Packages:
AED 5,000 – AED 50,000+ (for apartments or villas, covers concept, 3D designs, drawings, and sometimes project management) - Turnkey Fit-Out Services:
AED 50,000 – AED 1,000,000+ (from empty shell to ready-to-live, including furniture, decor, and execution)
Summary Table: Interior Design Cost in Dubai
Service Type | Price Range (AED) | What’s Included |
---|---|---|
Design Consultation | 500 – 2,000 | Advice, mood boards, tips |
Concept & 3D Design | 5,000 – 25,000 | Layout, 3D visuals, material selection |
Full Design & Drawings | 10,000 – 50,000+ | Full plans, FF&E lists, contractor specs |
Turnkey Fit-Out | 50,000 – 1,000,000+ | All above + build, furniture, decor |
What Changes the Price?
1. Project Size (Apartment vs. Villa vs. Penthouse)
The bigger your space, the higher the cost—makes sense, right? But it’s not just about square meters. Larger properties (think: villas and penthouses) usually mean:
- More rooms to design and furnish
- Complex layouts and unique features (double-height ceilings, outdoor terraces, etc.)
- More time spent by the designer on plans, sourcing, and site visits
Typical trend:
- Studio/1-bed apartment: Lower cost, faster turnaround
- Villas: Higher fees due to scale and custom requirements
- Penthouses: Top of the price chart—often totally bespoke, with luxury everything
2. Scope (Design Only vs. Full Execution)
This is a big one for your wallet. Here’s the difference:
- Design Only:
You get mood boards, layouts, maybe some 3D renders, and a shopping list.
You do the buying, hiring, and managing. - Full Execution (Turnkey):
Designer does it all—concept, buying, construction, furniture, decor, even the last pillow on your sofa.
You just move in.
Design only is cheaper and quicker, but you do more of the heavy lifting. Full execution is pricier, but it’s zero-stress and every detail is managed for you.
3. Designer’s Reputation (Famous Names Charge More)
Let’s be real: Brand names matter in Dubai. Some designers and studios (like 24 West Studio) have a big reputation—they’ve worked with celebs, been in magazines, or won awards.
- Famous designers:
Higher fees, longer waiting lists, and often a “wow” factor in their portfolio - Up-and-coming designers or boutique firms:
Lower prices, more flexible, often very creative (and hungry to impress)
If you care about “bragging rights” or want a certain look, expect to pay a premium for star designers.
4. Quality of Materials (Luxury = $$$)
You can fit out a living room with IKEA, or with custom Italian marble and designer furniture flown in from Milan. Guess which costs more?
- Entry-level:
Local materials, off-the-shelf furniture, simple finishes - Luxury:
Imported stone, custom cabinetry, designer brands, high-tech lighting
Some designers will show you two versions of a proposal—standard and luxury. The difference in cost can be huge, so always clarify what’s included.
5. Timeline (Urgent Projects May Have a Premium)
Need it done yesterday? You’ll probably pay extra.
- Standard timeline:
Lower cost, fits the designer’s normal workflow - Express delivery:
Higher fees for overtime, rush orders, and fast-tracked logistics
Most designers prefer at least 2–4 months for a medium-sized home. Anything less, and you’re asking them to pull strings—at a price.
6. Location (Prime Dubai = Higher Prices)
Where you live in Dubai can affect costs—seriously.
- Prime areas (Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina):
Designers know the clientele expect higher standards, and even suppliers may charge more for delivery or work in these locations - Newer suburbs or less central locations:
Sometimes cheaper, easier logistics, and more flexibility with scheduling
Permits, building access, and HOA requirements in luxury towers can also add to the bill.
What Do You Get for the Money?
1. Space Planning & Layouts
- Smart floorplans to maximize your space—no more awkward corners or wasted areas.
- Professional zoning for living, dining, working, and relaxing (even in small apartments).
2. Mood Boards & Design Concepts
- Visual roadmaps showing color palettes, style inspirations (Maximalist, Coastal…) and the “vibe” of each room.
- You’ll see exactly how everything ties together before buying a thing.
3. 3D Renders & Visualizations
- Photo-realistic images or “virtual walkthroughs” so you can picture your new home before any work starts.
- Super helpful for visual thinkers (and Instagram teasers).
4. Material, Color, and Furniture Selection
- Expert help choosing finishes, fabrics, flooring, lighting, and furniture—coordinated so nothing clashes.
- Access to suppliers and brands you might not find on your own (including “trade only” deals).
5. Technical Drawings & Documents for Contractors
- Detailed construction drawings, lighting plans, electrical layouts, and specs.
- These are what contractors use to actually build your vision—no guesswork, no expensive mistakes.
6. Site Visits & Supervision
- The designer (or their team) checks up on work, handles any surprises, and makes sure things are built as planned.
- Some packages include regular site visits; for others, this is an add-on.
7. Project Management
- Scheduling, budgeting, supplier coordination, and keeping everyone on track.
- Less stress for you—because chasing carpenters isn’t on your bucket list.
8. Procurement & Installation
- Ordering, quality checks, deliveries, and final installation of all furniture and decor.
- No “missing sofa” or “wrong color curtains” disasters.
9. Turnkey Handover (for full-service packages)
- You walk into a finished, styled, and sparkling space—down to the throw pillows and candles.
- Perfect if you want a move-in ready experience.
The Real Secret: Get Multiple Quotes
Here’s something most people won’t tell you: interior design prices in Dubai aren’t fixed. One designer might give you a price that sounds like a bargain, while another throws out a number that makes your jaw drop. Same space, totally different quotes.
That’s why it’s smart to get at least two or three quotes before you commit. Not only will you get a feel for what’s fair, but you’ll also spot who actually “gets” your style and who’s just tossing you a template.
And hey, if you’re doing your homework anyway, it doesn’t hurt to see what some of Dubai’s more creative studios are offering. A little bird told us 24 West Studio is known for delivering killer concepts without the sticker shock. Just saying 🙂
Compare, question, and see who makes you feel confident (and maybe a little bit excited) about your space. The right studio will make it feel easy.