Quick Answer
Interior design in Dubai is usually priced as a design fee of ~8–15% of the build cost, or folded into a fixed design-and-build package. Full villa interiors typically run from AED 250,000 including build; apartments from AED 80,000. FF&E (furniture, lighting, décor) is separate and scope-dependent. First Unicorn gives a transparent design fee plus a fixed build BOQ — so you see exactly what you're paying for.
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Luxury residential interior design for Dubai villas
Commercial interior concept and turnkey fit-out
Custom joinery and cabinetry installationWhat Interior Design Cost Includes
- Design feeConcept, space planning, 3D visuals and material selection — often 8–15% of build, or a package rate.
- Build / executionThe actual works — a design-and-build studio prices this as a fixed BOQ so it doesn't balloon at tender.
- FF&EFurniture, lighting, curtains, rugs, art — sourced separately and scope-dependent.
- Finish levelStandard vs premium vs luxury materials and joinery drive the biggest swing.
- Property type & sizeVilla vs apartment vs commercial, and the area, set the base number.
Transparent Pricing, Design + Build
Fee + BOQ
A transparent design fee plus a fixed build quote — no hidden costs.
In-House Design
Concept, 3D visuals and sourcing from a real design team.
We Deliver It
Our own team builds the design — no design-vs-contractor cost creep.
Right Spend
We guide budget to what shows and lasts — with warranty.
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800+ projects delivered · 4.9★ from 127 client reviews · Dubai Municipality Grade-1 licensed · 3-year workmanship warranty. See our client reviews and portfolio.
From First Call to Handover
Free Site Survey
We visit your property, understand the scope and take real measurements — before any number is quoted.
Design & Fixed BOQ
Concept design plus a line-by-line fixed quote and a written programme with your handover date.
Approvals & Build
We secure every NOC and permit, then build with weekly progress updates and one project manager.
Handover & Warranty
Snag-free handover, final walkthrough and a written multi-year workmanship warranty.
Get a Transparent Interior Design Quote
Tell us about your space and style — we'll give a clear fee + fixed build proposal. See interior design and villa interior design.
Related Interior Design Services in Dubai
Interior Design Cost in Dubai — FAQ
How much does interior design cost in Dubai?
Design fees typically run 8–15% of the build cost, or a fixed design-and-build package. Full villa interiors start from ~AED 250,000 including build; apartments from ~AED 80,000. FF&E is separate. First Unicorn gives a transparent fee + fixed build BOQ.
Do interior designers charge a fee or a percentage?
Both models exist — a flat design fee or a percentage of build cost (often 8–15%). As a design-and-build studio, we can fold design into one fixed package so there's a single, transparent number.
Is FF&E included in the cost?
FF&E (furniture, lighting, curtains, décor) is usually quoted separately because it's highly scope-dependent. We itemise it clearly so you control that budget.
Does design-and-build cost less than hiring separately?
Usually — pricing the design in-house avoids the cost creep when a separate contractor re-prices a designer's drawings, and you avoid variation claims between two firms.
Interior Design Fees in Dubai: What You'll Pay for Professional Design Services
Interior design fees in Dubai typically range from 8% to 15% of the total build cost, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. For a full villa interior, design fees alone can be AED 20,000 to AED 75,000, while an apartment might cost AED 6,400 to AED 24,000. Some firms, like First Unicorn Interiors, offer a fixed design-and-build package that bundles design fees with construction, eliminating separate percentage-based charges. This model provides cost certainty and often includes project management, permits, and supervision. For example, a full villa design-and-build package starts at AED 150,000, covering both design and construction. Design-only fees are separate and quoted based on square footage or a flat rate. Always request a detailed breakdown of design fees versus build costs, and ensure the contract specifies deliverables like mood boards, 3D renderings, and construction drawings. Dubai Municipality approval is required for structural changes, and DEWA connections may affect timelines. Master community approvals (e.g., Emaar, Nakheel) add 2-4 weeks. Most projects take 8-16 weeks for design and 12-24 weeks for construction.
What is the typical interior design fee percentage in Dubai?
Interior design fees in Dubai usually range from 8% to 15% of the total build cost. For a villa with a build cost of AED 500,000, design fees would be AED 40,000 to AED 75,000. For an apartment with a build cost of AED 100,000, fees range from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000. Some designers charge a flat fee per square foot, typically AED 15 to AED 50 for residential projects. High-end or bespoke projects may exceed 15%. Always compare quotes and check what's included: concept design, detailed drawings, material selection, and site supervision. First Unicorn Interiors offers a fixed design-and-build package that eliminates percentage-based fees, providing a single price for design and construction.
Are interior design fees separate from construction costs in Dubai?
Yes, in most cases interior design fees are separate from construction costs. Design fees cover creative work, drawings, and project management, while construction costs include materials, labor, and permits. However, some companies like First Unicorn Interiors offer a combined design-and-build package where both are included in one fixed price. This can be more cost-effective and transparent. For example, a full villa design-and-build package starts at AED 150,000, covering design, construction, and project management. Separate design-only fees typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 50,000 for a villa. Always confirm the scope: some designers charge extra for FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) procurement, which is typically 10-20% of the furniture budget.
What additional costs should I expect besides interior design fees in Dubai?
Beyond design fees, expect costs for construction (labor and materials), permits (Dubai Municipality fees typically 1-2% of build cost), DEWA connection fees (AED 1,000-5,000), and community approvals (AED 500-2,000 per application). FF&E (furniture, lighting, décor) is separate and can range from AED 20,000 for an apartment to AED 100,000+ for a villa. Project management fees (if not included) add 5-10%. First Unicorn Interiors includes project management in their fixed packages. Also budget for contingencies (10-15% of build cost) for unforeseen issues. For a villa renovation, total costs (design + build + FF&E) typically start at AED 250,000.
- Design fees: 8–15% of build cost or fixed package from AED 150,000 for full villa
- Dubai Municipality permits required for structural changes; fees ~1-2% of build cost
- Master developer approvals (Emaar, Nakheel) add 2-4 weeks to timeline
- FF&E separate: budget AED 20,000+ for apartment, AED 100,000+ for villa
- First Unicorn offers 3-year warranty and free quote via WhatsApp +971 58 565 8002