You’ve just decided to hire an interior designer in Kenya and within hours, the whole process begins to move. When you make that first call, you don’t just book a meeting — you start a process that transforms ordinary spaces into elegance. This is how it unfolds, step by step, and why so many people decide to hire an interior designer when they want speed, taste, and sanity restored to a home.
The initial estimate stage
After the first phone call or form submission, the process begins with a free consultation where a certified interior designer carefully listens to your needs. They will want to know the size of the home, the number of rooms, and the specific areas you want to transform. Whether you are looking to help remodel an apartment, help renovate kitchen spaces, or even help add gypsum ceilings to a home, the designer collects these details to build an accurate picture of your project.
Need assessment
This stage also involves understanding your lifestyle preferences, inspirations, and expectations, ensuring that the final plan balances functionality, comfort, and style. Importantly, the initial estimate is always free, which allows you to explore ideas and possibilities without committing financially upfront. Compare quotes from different companies before you hire an interior designer in Nairobi.
Rough estimate
From here, the designer will draft a rough interior design cost estimate in Kenyan Shillings, usually based on square footage, material choices, and scope of work. For example, a basic interior design for a home project in Nairobi might begin at around KSh 2,000 to KSh 3,500 per square foot, while high-end finishes or specialized features can push the estimate higher.
Budget explanation
By breaking down potential costs into categories—like flooring, lighting, furnishings, and finishes—interior designers will help you get a clear view of what’s realistic within your budget. Whether you want to hire an interior designer in Nairobi for a luxury build or seek affordable interior designers in Kenya for a modest upgrade, this transparent estimate makes it easier to plan.
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Site visit and measurements
A site visit follows quickly. The professional trained interior designers take measurements, photographs, and notes, all while listening carefully as you explain how you want to live in the space. They’ll ask if you’re looking for interior design and architecture changes, a simple refresh to help decorate a home, or larger structural edits.
Mapping timelines and costs
For a quick visual change — such as new paint, furniture, and lighting — some spaces can feel renewed overnight. For bigger upgrades like feature ceilings, you may see skilled tradespeople scheduled for a few days of installation. Typical gypsum ceiling installations in Kenya cost between KSh 1,500–3,500 per square metre, depending on design complexity.
Mood board
During this stage, the designer also builds a mood board and a “must-have” list with you. These tools bring clarity, ensuring your goals stay at the center of every decision. If you want to help remodel an apartment, for example, the list might include reconfiguring spaces for storage or comfort. If the plan is to help renovate kitchen areas, the must-haves might cover new cabinetry, tiled backsplashes, or upgraded appliances. Clients who need a balance of beauty and budget often focus their list on essentials first, before layering in extras like wall art, smart lighting, or luxury finishes.
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Final estimate and contract stage
Within 24–72 hours after you hire an interior designer, you’ll receive an interior design quote that clearly outlines the scope of work. This includes design fees (often 10–20% of your total project or sometimes a fixed fee), material costs, labor charges, and a clear interior design cost estimate line for big-ticket items such as a fitted kitchen. In Nairobi, a medium-sized kitchen renovation typically ranges from KSh 500,000 to KSh 1,200,000, depending on finishes, cabinetry quality, and appliance selection.
Staged payments
Trusted firms use a staged interior designer payment plans to make financing easier and safer for both parties. A small deposit of around 10–30% is usually paid to initiate the project. Milestone payments then follow during procurement and major installation phases, with the final balance—sometimes called a retention—settled only upon project handover.
Visibility and flexibility
The staged system also gives you breathing room to confirm that every milestone matches the agreed vision. For example, before paying the next installment, you get to see installed cabinetry, flooring, or gypsum ceilings completed to standard. This balance of flexibility and protection is one of the benefits of hiring an interior design company, as it assures you that quality won’t be compromised midway.
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Work begins
Carpenters, electricians, painters, and fitters work in sequence, so every trade slots neatly into the schedule. For Wanjiku’s home, painting, cabinet refits, and lighting swaps were completed in just two days, and a decorative gypsum bulkhead was added by day three.
Structural changes
Large structural changes or full kitchen renovations naturally take longer, but the staged method ensures you always know what comes next. If you’re asking yourself when to hire an interior design company, the safest answer is to do so before buying major items or starting demolition, since their early guidance can prevent costly errors.
Styling
Styling is where the magic happens. The designer introduces elements that make the space tell a cohesive story. Clients often describe this stage as an “overnight” transformation because the home suddenly feels finished the moment the last accessory is set in place. This is when you truly experience the benefits of hiring an interior design company, because details are elevated beyond what most homeowners could achieve alone.
Final walkthrough
A final walkthrough closes the loop, with the designer checking lighting, finishes, and styling against the original vision. Any small snags are resolved immediately, giving you confidence that nothing has been overlooked. Whether you need help to remodel an apartment, renovate a kitchen, or simply decorate a home, this staged process delivers a polished result. It shows why choosing to hire interior designer Kenya makes a difference—not only in how your home looks, but in how smoothly the entire project unfolds.
The handover
At handover, you’ll walk the space with your designer to review the snag list, test new installations, and confirm that everything matches the agreed design. Manuals for appliances are provided, along with warranty details and maintenance guidance, so you know how to care for each item. You’ll also receive the final invoice and a detailed interior design cost estimate breakdown, with your interior designer’s payment plan clearly explained to ensure transparency at the last stage.
Checklist before you hire an interior designer in Kenya
Before you hire an interior designer in Nairobi or search “hire interior designer near me,” it’s wise to run through a short checklist. Confirm the project scope, delivery timeline, payment stages, and warranty on workmanship. Ask whether the firm can help renovate a kitchen, help remodel an apartment, or even handle add-ons like gypsum ceilings, since this ensures the team is equipped to manage your specific requirements from start to finish.
To add further assurance, request to see completed projects similar to yours and ask for a clear delivery timetable. A reputable company will not only share references but also explain how unexpected challenges are handled, such as material delays or last-minute scope changes.
Reach Out to Us
Looking to hire an interior designer in Kenya? Prime House Interiors offers clear quotes, staged payments, and a full team to help decorate a home, help add gypsum ceilings, or renovate kitchen spaces with certified professionals. Call Prime House Interiors today for a free consultation and an interior design quote tailored to your home. Call us at +254 721 502 251.
