It can feel like everyone is designing or decorating their homes on huge budgets, especially when social media, television and magazines continually flaunt such beautiful and seemingly extravagant designs. Perhaps this is the case for some people, but it can be guaranteed that many also work within tight budgets too. Here are some of our favourite tips from the Colleen Johnston Marketing Manager at Satara for designing and decorating on a budget.

Prioritise

Sometimes it’s best to be realistic about what’s possible with the budget you have. Do you know what your budget is, or is it a vague amount you would like to stick to? Start a spreadsheet to track your costs, even placing estimates in as you get them to create a realistic budget. Somethings will be more expensive than you were expecting, while others may be a pleasant surprise. If you’re completing structural renovations or building, get your quotes happening so you can gain insight into how much things will cost. Remember to always allow for a buffer, things rarely go to plan!

If you’re working towards indoor and outdoor furnishings, accessories and art start doing some research. Jump online and have a look at how much things cost.

Lastly, work out what’s the most important aspect of your project. If your kitchen is in dire straits, spend the money there, not on that artwork you’ve been eying off.

Use a Designer

Engaging a designer may seem like a strange suggestion when the pockets are not so deep, but sometimes it can be an excellent financial investment, particularly if you find a designer who is willing to work hard to ensure the budget is met. The wonderful things about designers, particularly ones who “get” your project budget, is they have their fingers on the pulse and know the industry and wholesalers.

Finally, doing something right and doing it once is far more cost effective than making mistakes and having to re-do it all a year down the track.

Don’t Skimp on the Important Things

There are certain things which shouldn’t be driven entirely by price. In the interiors game, this would include quality appliances, tradespeople and furniture items like sofas, beds and chairs. Cheaper tiles, timber imitations and plastics also are inexpensive for a reason, you may be replacing them sooner than you would like.

This can also be said for key pieces. Investing in one or two statement items in the home will have maximum impact, Colleen Johnston suggests pieces such as the beautiful Elwood Sofa pictured here or Max Buffet. Having these “hero” pieces will allow for other items to be more discrete and often less expensive.

Mixing Old and New

One of the great current trends of interior design today is the mixing of old and new. It’s charming way to add character to your home in a meaningful way. Pairing new, practical and contemporary items (say, a sofa) with a vintage armchair or antique lamp equals instant appeal without any pretentiousness. It’s a fun way to create stories in your interior, collecting things as you go on your travels or grow as a family. Keep your eyes peeled for items your family may want to throw out, visit an auction house or flea market to find items which complement but contrast your more modern pieces. It’s also a cost effective way of keeping the budget down. Invest in your key pieces, such as a new bed, but balance out the costs with mismatched bedsides, or vintage pieces.

Get Creative

While getting creative is not going to help you with your dream kitchen or designer dining chairs, it can help if there is very little left over after making big purchases. These are the things like art, accessories and the smaller items in the home. Colleen suggests Satara’s New Spanish designed teak homewares, new Geometric black plant holders, Eadie cushions and throws or Classic and Merricks baskets as a place to start. Pinterest is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in this area too- have fun!

Be Timeless

Classic interiors will never date. Or, if they do it will take a very long time to do so! Not being a stickler to trends will help your home to feel fresh and modern for a much longer time which in the end, relates closely to money. Avoid “on trend” colours or materials and stick to classic materials, colours and designs. Perhaps this is boring? No, Colleen doesn’t think so! If you fall in love with this seasons colour, go for smaller, less expensive splashes, such as cushions or a print. Replacing these in a few years will not feel so bad, rather than replacing your whole dining area furnishings.

Classic and great quality items of furniture such as those at Satara will remain classic for a long time; they’re named that for a reason. Enlisting a professional to help guide you through finding these pieces which will stand the test of time will always be a great way to go. Remember to always be open and honest with your designer and supplier, that way they can work for you successfully and in your parameters, no matter how tight those purse strings may be.

Source: Satara Australia

Image courtesy of Satara Australia