Home designing on a budget

As a qualified Interior Designer I can tell you, it becomes quite costly to furnish a home. But there are ways you can spend your dollar to make the most of it. So whether you are at home, renting or own your home these interior design tips will make your house feel like home.

Start with a list & budget

If you don't know where to start, this will let you know where you stand and what you can do. It's surprising how much you need to buy for a home. Get some inspiration boards going on Pinterest to get a rough idea of the style you like and incorporate this into things you can afford.

Sort your list out by room and then essentials (immediately), needs (soon) then wants. This will make an overwhelming process look as simple as it can and you can cross items off as you go.

Example:

Room: Bedroom

Essentials:

• Bed Frame
• Mattress

Needs:

• Bedside Tables
• Storage

Wants:

• Decorative Cushions
• Plants

A neutral base will go far

Keeping most of your walls, floors, tiles and large items a neutral (or a base that you like) will increase the longevity of the design and lets you go wild with your other smaller items and accessories.

TIP: It's astonishing what a little bit of paint can do! If you want to update a room a quick coat of paint can transform the space completely. This can also work out cheaper than having to change large ticket items.

Spend a larger part of your budget on items you use daily.

Depending on your lifestyle, this will come down to paying for what you use so items such as:

• Lounge or seating
• Dining Chairs
• Comfy Mattress
• Kitchen Appliances

These will become the design and anchor points for your home. Try not to cheap out on items that will give you discomfort. A good nights sleep will benefit you more than an expensive rug! These are items that you can bring with you wherever you go.

TIP: Dining tables can get ruined over time from constant use, but cheap dining chairs can be a nightmare. Buying a cheaper table but better quality chairs can be the way to save money without compromising on comfort or quality. The mix of chairs and tables can also give a lovely design flair too!

Cheaper accessories are the key to a healthy budget.

Items such as rugs, plants, lamps, cushions and everything in between is important to pump style and character into a home, but they don't need to be expensive. Look out for budget homeware stores which are just as good as any other high-end store. Even finding hidden treasures at thrift/op shops. This means they can also be swapped out easily for an updated look without breaking the bank for a whole new dining set! Just change the tableware or vase.

Don't be afraid of second hand

lots of people get rid of stuff just because they are upgrading, downsizing or for some extra cash. These are great for some bigger items such as dining tables, bedsides and storage units. So keep an eye out on your local selling websites. You may find a brand new item for a quarter of the cost!

It may also be fun for you to upcycle or refurbish older items that need a little bit of love to bring them back to their former glory. You can also make items from scratch or DIY if you're crafty or call yourself a handyman.

What Sparks Joy?

Remember to have fun with the process as this is the place where you will call home! If you see an item and it truly gives you joy or brings your whole design together, buy it! just remember to keep up to date in your overall budget.

TIP: Keep a saved photo album on your phone of all items you have bought/wanting to buy. Do these items work together in harmony or are they all fighting for attention?

Happy Designing x