When I first started designing my home, I wanted it to look fresh, bright and beautiful. But, like most people, I didn’t have tons and tons of money to spend. I had to come up with creative ways to achieve what I had in mind…without bankrupting myself!!
And you know what…it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be!! So I wanted to share my learnings on designing on a budget with you…so that you can create a gorgeous home without breaking the bank!
Ready? Let’s get started!
Tip 1: Don’t be afraid of DIY!
The easiest place to save money is on labour…and the result will still be amazing!! We are capable of so much more than we think, so why not expand your horizons and Do It Yourself!
YouTube is an amazing source of information, with tips and tutorials on wallpapering, upholstering, painting, drilling. This is where I learnt all of the skills that I needed to create the home of my dreams…and you will save a bunch of money by doing so. Check out my blog posts on re-covering lampshades and upholstering chairs, easy ways to add unique design elements without paying a fortune!
But remember…sometimes you can’t get around it and you have to hire a contractor. A good electrician is definitely worth the cost!
Tip 2: Smart (online) shopping!
Just because you are sticking to a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t have quality, high-end items. Check out websites such as eBay or your local equivalent and sign up for alerts on ‘floral wallpaper’ or ‘vintage desks’. If you’re patient, you can snap up some amazing deals!
Sign up for the newsletters of your favourite stores and bookmark the items you love but are a little out of your price range. The second a sale is announced, go to your saved pages and buy them at 20%, 30% or even 50% off. Bargain!
Some of my favourite shops to raid in the sales are Anthropologie and Designers Guild…bookmark your faves already!
Tip 3: Don’t write off old furniture
Often we see a piece of furniture and say to ourselves, ‘this isn’t what I have in mind’. But, you know what, with a bit of TLC it could be EXACTLY what you want!
You can use chalk paint to brighten up old cabinets, bookshelves, any piece of furniture made of wood. You can upholster old chairs in funky new fabrics. Don’t write off an old piece of furniture just because of its colour or fabric. This can be easily changed and you will have a gorgeous piece of quality furniture that feels new and matches your aesthetic!
Tip 4: Go hunting!
Visit charity shops, flea markets, and vintage fairs… you can find some real gems!!
You have to go prepared though, otherwise, you’ll go crazy, buying loads of stuff that might not even fit in your home (exactly like I used to!) If you are looking for furniture, make sure that you check for bugs and woodworms, and that all doors and drawers are working well – it can be a bit of a pain fixing them!
Check out this gorgeous piece of embroidered art I picked up at a flea market – so unique and perfect for my home!
I hope that my tips have inspired you to realise that designing on a budget is possible, and can lead to some amazing results!
Want more decor tips? Join The Blooming Home Society wait list to be part of an amazing community of like-minded creative women, and get all the insights that you need to make YOUR feel-good, cosy home! 🎉
To a colourful life,
Ju xx
P.S Don’t forget to join my Facebook group to share your interior design journey with me!
