You may face a decorating dilemma if you recently moved into a new home. We can help you with any interior decorating project, whether you are trying to fit existing furniture into a unique home style or layout… or starting from scratch. We will show you how to achieve an interior designer-like look at a lower cost. Our internal design guide on a budget for new homeowners includes everything from interior designer hacks to top tips.
Tip 1: Prioritise and plan
Most people can only decorate a house at a time. Whether time or money is the biggest issue, they must stage their decor. Our top tip to avoid buyer regret – where you purchase a piece in the spur of the minute that seems reasonable, but when the room is taking shape, you realize it’s not right – is to make a plan. There are two plans!
First, make a list of your priorities. Which areas of your house are the most important for you? Would you prefer a bedroom as a refuge or a living room that is inviting to guests? Walk through your home and note the areas you are most concerned about. You can use this information to prioritize projects or budgets.
The second plan you should create is a mood board. What is the vision for your interior design? While you don’t need to stick to a strict style, knowing your style is essential. A mood board can help you narrow down your preferred colors, materials, and design elements. Creating a mood board allows you to visualize your ideas on a smaller scale. This will allow you to edit and refine your choices before making financial commitments.
These plans allow you to make incremental changes, eventually leading to a larger project.
Tip 2: Repurpose your old items and reuse them.
We want to let you in on something. We are huge fans of upcycling and thrifting! You can transform a piece of furniture or decor with creativity. This is a great way to save money and create something unique.
Before you go shopping, take a look at what you already have. Can you repurpose, upcycle or restyle something that matches the style of your mood board? New hardware or a fresh coat of paint will transform old furniture into an attractive and functional piece for your home.
Tip 3: Choose affordable alternatives
Search for alternatives that are affordable when you’re decorating your home. Many furniture and decor options offer a ‘luxe look for less,’ just like in fashion.
We don’t like fast-fashion homewares, which can end up in landfills. However, many affordable alternatives are of good quality and appear similar. Online shopping for rugs and large-scale art can help you save hundreds. You can find inexpensive blinds for your windows in place of custom draperies. You can achieve a stylish look by choosing budget-friendly alternatives.
Tip 4: Repetition is a designer’s tip.
The design principle of repetition is a top tip for interior designers to create a high-end appearance on a budget. The simple repetition of colors, shapes, or materials can help create rhythm and balance in a room. The repetition of elements, such as accents in black, can help direct the eye to a particular area or give it a more enhanced feeling.
Tip 5: Investing in key pieces
It’s important to save where you can, but investing in key pieces that last is also wise. A comfortable sofa, an elegant dining table, or a high-quality mattress are all quality pieces. Spending on these essentials will create a solid base for your interiors which can then be updated with inexpensive accessories.
Tip 6: DIY your decor
We promise that this can be done in style! It’s easy to DIY or hack many of the latest home decor items. Just remember to use it in moderation and as part of an arrangement on your sideboard. Think about upcycled vases or minimalist wall decor. There are many DIY blogs and Pinterest that offer inspiration.
Why not let your inner artist out and decorate your home? Feel free to experiment with new techniques. You’ll end up with unique items and add your personal touch and save money by creating your pieces.
Tip 7: Use color strategically
Fresh paint can have a significant impact on the atmosphere of your home. It’s a great way to refresh tired interiors. If you’re working on a tight budget, choose a color palette that compliments your furniture and accessories. Neutrals are a good choice for most rooms, but you can add accent colors to create visual interest.
Tip 8: Mix styles
Mixing and matching styles is another designer tip for achieving a stylish interior on a tight budget. Instead of creating a showroom-style interior, embrace eclecticism and style different pieces such as vintage home decor, items you collected during your travels, and unique pieces you were given.
You can incorporate budget-friendly items and create a unique aesthetic with this approach. Finding harmony and balance between your pieces is critical to creating a visually pleasing and cohesive space. Your mood board can be a great guide to help you find the right balance.