“How much will it cost?” is the first question every client asks. And it’s fair. Interior design can feel like a big unknown – especially in Kenya, where prices vary wildly between informal decorators and high‑end firms.
At Nestora Interiors, we believe in transparency. Whether you’re renovating a single room in Kilimani or building a new Airbnb in Diani, here’s what you can expect to pay in 2026.
1. Hourly design consultation (Nairobi)
Many designers charge an initial consultation fee. This covers a site visit, listening to your needs, and a rough concept.
Typical range: KES 3,000 – KES 10,000 per hour
Nestora’s initial consultation: Free (first 1‑hour site visit)
When to choose hourly: You only need advice on paint colors, furniture placement, or minor changes.
2. Per‑square‑metre design fee (full design only)
If you want a complete design package – floor plans, 3D renderings, material boards, and specifications – designers often charge per square metre.
Basic design (no construction supervision): KES 500 – KES 1,200 per m²
Full design + construction management: KES 1,500 – KES 3,500 per m²
Premium/luxury design (custom furniture, imported finishes): KES 4,000 – KES 8,000+ per m²
Example: A 100m² three‑bedroom apartment in Westlands.
Basic design only: KES 50,000 – KES 120,000
Design + construction oversight: KES 150,000 – KES 350,000
Nestora includes construction management in all our full‑service packages – no extra per‑m² fee.
3. Fixed‑fee turnkey packages (design + construction + furnishing)
This is what most homeowners and Airbnb hosts want: one price for everything. Design, demolition, construction, finishes, furniture, decor, and installation – you walk into a finished space.
Budget turnkey (basic finishes, local furniture): KES 8,000 – KES 15,000 per m²
Standard turnkey (good quality, mixed local/imported): KES 15,000 – KES 25,000 per m²
Premium turnkey (high‑end materials, custom joinery, luxury brands): KES 25,000 – KES 50,000+ per m²
Real examples from Nestora (2025–2026):
35m² studio Airbnb, Kilimani – KES 380,000 (furnished, painted, smart lighting, full décor).
85m² family home, Runda – KES 1.4M (new flooring, kitchen cabinets, full living/dining set, curtains, wall coverings).
120m² office, Westlands – KES 2.1M (demolition of old cubicles, new partitions, ergonomic furniture, acoustic ceiling, lighting).
4. What affects cost the most?
Size of space – bigger area, more materials and labour.
Scope of work – paint‑only is cheap; structural changes (moving walls, new plumbing) are expensive.
Material quality – local laminate vs imported solid wood; basic ceramic vs Italian marble.
Furniture & fittings – ready‑made vs custom joinery; local vs imported.
Location – labour in Nairobi is cheaper than upcountry deliveries; remote sites add transport costs.
5. Hidden costs to watch out for (with other firms)
Design fee “separate” from construction – many firms charge design, then sub‑contract construction with a 20‑30% markup.
Site visits – extra KES 2,000 per visit after the first two.
Overtime – if construction runs late, you pay.
Materials “sourcing fee” – some add 15% on every tile, pipe, or curtain.
Nestora’s policy: All our turnkey quotes are all‑inclusive. No surprise add‑ons. We tell you upfront what’s included and what’s optional.
6. How to get an accurate quote
Follow these steps:
Define your scope – entire house? Just living room? New kitchen?
Set a realistic budget – be honest; we can design within almost any budget.
Share inspiration – photos, Pinterest boards, or even a rough sketch.
Ask for a fixed‑price proposal – not an “estimate”.
Check references – talk to past clients.
At Nestora, we provide a detailed line‑item quote before any work begins. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for – from cement to sofa.
7. Why cheaper isn’t always better
You’ll see quotes as low as KES 2,000 per m² for “design”. Those usually mean:
No 3D renderings.
No structural drawings.
No material sourcing.
No project management.
The result? Delays, poor quality, and a final cost that often exceeds a professional quote. Good design saves you money by avoiding mistakes.
Ready to get a real, no‑nonsense quote?
We offer free initial consultations (in person or via video call). We’ll look at your space, listen to your ideas, and give you a ballpark figure – all without pressure.
👉 Call or WhatsApp us at +254 705 721 612
👉 Or fill out our quick quote form
Let’s turn your vision into reality – at a price that makes sense.
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