Interior design project costs in 2026 | SelfDezign
The question “how much does it cost?” appears in almost every first conversation with a client. And it is a fair question. The problem is that, in interior design, the right answer cannot be reduced to a number given on the spot, without context.
The cost changes depending on what you include in that question: only the design project, the full fit-out, or implementation management as well.
Below, you will find realistic market ranges for Romania in 2026, structured around three types of spaces: residential, office, and HORECA.
In short
- Consultation or entry package:10-20 €/sqm or 50-100 €/hour
- Full design project:20-40 €/sqm
- Full service with management and implementation:40-90 €/sqm
- Complete office fit-out:800-1,600 €/sqm
- Complete HORECA fit-out:1,500-1,800 €/sqm
- Complete residential fit-out:90-180 €/sqm entry, 300-600 €/sqm standard, 900-1,500+ €/sqm premium
What you are actually paying for: design fee vs. fit-out budget
Before any numbers, one distinction matters most.
The design fee
The design fee is the cost of the design service itself. Depending on the package, it may include the creative concept, layouts, 3D renders, technical drawings, materials selection, and implementation coordination.
In most projects, this fee represents roughly 3% to 8% of the total investment.
The fit-out budget
The fit-out budget is the total investment in the space: finishes, furniture, lighting, installations, labor, logistics, and special equipment where applicable.
In other words, the design fee is part of the total investment, not the total investment itself.
How much interior design costs in 2026
Residential
For a standard residential project, the common range is 20-40 €/sqm. At the lower end of the market, more basic packages may still appear around 10-15 €/sqm, while more complex projects can move toward 40-50 €/sqm.
For full-service delivery, with procurement, supervision, and implementation management, the range naturally moves toward 40-70+ €/sqm.
Office
For office spaces, standard design services generally sit between 20 and 35 €/sqm. When the scope includes project management, on-site coordination, and implementation support, the realistic range becomes 40-60+ €/sqm.
HORECA
In HORECA, the standard design range is 20-35 €/sqm. Full-service involvement typically rises to 60-90 €/sqm.
This happens because HORECA projects must perform operationally, not just visually. Service flows, professional kitchen requirements, ventilation, acoustics, fire safety, and heavy day-to-day use all add complexity.
Quick fee summary
|
Service level |
Indicative range |
|---|---|
|
Consultation / entry |
10-20 €/sqm or 50-100 €/hour |
|
Full design project |
20-40 €/sqm |
|
Full service with management and implementation |
40-90 €/sqm |
How much the full fit-out costs, not just the design
Residential
Typical ranges for complete residential fit-out are 90-180 €/sqm for entry level, 300-600 €/sqm for standard, and 900-1,500+ €/sqm for premium.
Office
For office, a healthy planning range is 800-1,600 €/sqm. In many cases, around 50% goes to works and installations, 25-30% to furniture, and the rest to AV, IT, design, and project management.
HORECA
For a strong restaurant or hospitality venue, a realistic starting range is 1,500-1,800 €/sqm. In HORECA, investment levels are higher because projects include complex installations, equipment, and solutions built for real operational pressure.
How to calculate the budget correctly
1. Start from the cost per square meter
Choose the type of space and the desired quality level. Multiply by the usable area and you get a rough starting budget.
Example: a 250 sqm restaurant at 1,500 €/sqm means an estimated total investment of €375,000, excluding VAT.
2. Break the budget into chapters
Do not treat the investment as one undivided total. A proper breakdown helps you understand where the money goes and where overruns usually appear.
- Residential:design 3-5%, finishes and sanitary around 20%, furniture and lighting 50-60%, implementation and logistics 20-25%, reserve 10-15%
- Office:works and installations around 50%, furniture 25-30%, AV and IT 10-15%, design and project management 3-8%
- HORECA:installations and special technical systems often over 50%, followed by finishes, heavy-duty furniture, and coordination
3. Validate the estimate with a professional
The figures above are market ranges, not fixed prices. A realistic estimate only appears after reviewing the space, the requirements, and the real business or lifestyle objectives.
Why design is not an optional luxury
When budgets are tight, the instinct is to cut the design scope. In reality, this is often the most expensive shortcut.
In office, design organizes how the remaining 95% of the investment will be spent. In HORECA, it shapes service flow, atmosphere, and memorability. In residential projects, it reduces buying mistakes and beautiful-but-impractical decisions.
How to read a design proposal correctly
If you receive two proposals, do not compare only the final number. Compare what each one includes, how many revisions exist, whether there are real technical drawings, procurement support, and implementation coordination.
Frequently asked questions
How much does only the interior design project cost?
In most cases, between 20 and 40 €/sqm, depending on the type of space, complexity, and level of detailing.
How much does a full restaurant fit-out cost?
A realistic range for a well-built restaurant is approximately 1,500-1,800 €/sqm, depending on equipment, installations, and concept complexity.
How much does an office fit-out cost?
For office spaces, the full fit-out budget is frequently between 800 and 1,600 €/sqm.
Why can’t you get a final price in the first conversation?
Because the final cost depends on area, the condition of the space, technical requirements, finish level, and the actual scope of services.
The next step
If you have a space you want to design, renovate, or reposition, a 30-minute discussion with the SelfDezign team can clarify what a realistic budget looks like and which cost structure makes sense before you commit to the wrong decisions.
We do not sell only beautiful visuals. We design spaces that support identity, function, and real objectives.