How To Create a Designer Home on a Budget

Can You Really Get the Designer Look On A Budget

If you have the right do-it-yourself skills, tools and attitude you can achieve that look of an interior designer without having to break your budgetary requirements.

Anybody who owns a home is always adding to it in some way whether it be decorating, furniture or electronics to mention a few but not all of us have a limitless budget so finding a less expensive alternative is how most of us will design our homes and how they look.

However, we can get that interior designer look without breaking the bank or going over budget.

Some ideas are easy to achieve with a simple DIY project, and some may require the assistance of a skilled tradesperson but whichever you choose, the outcome you aspire to achieve can be the same.

 

 

Where Can You Get Good Budget Ideas From?

Most people in this day and age will have internet access and there are numerous sites that are available to all of us. One idea that I have used when undertaking any renovations is to aim high.

By this I mean to look at the high-end designs and see if I can emulate them with my own skills using more affordable materials that keep within your budget.

Simply searching on Pinterest, Instagram, and my personal favourite Houzz – Home Design, Decorating and Remodeling Ideas and Inspiration, Kitchen and Bathroom Design as they have insightful and up to date, stylish features about all rooms of your home including the garden which will inspire your creative juices and install great ideas and personality that you may never have thought of in the past.

You may think that if you are budgeting then the last place to search for ideas is in high-end publications or interior design websites, but these places can often give you inspiration.

Budget or no budget we all want our interior and exterior to look expensive and luxurious and we can easily achieve this goal without giving up on quality and style.

Do I Need a Complete Renovation

Not if you don’t have the time or budget. It can be a room-by-room renovation, or you can focus on those rooms which need the most attention, it is entirely up to you.

Taking your time to renovate and redecorate at your leisure will be less stressful but slightly more time consuming. However whichever type of renovation you undertake has to stay within budget.

Mood Boards

As any interior designer will tell you a good mood board can be full of images that help you to accentuate your themes and will help you to decide what does and doesn’t work well together.

This has not got to be a giant board like structure with cut outs from every interior design magazine on planet Earth as you can create an online mood board as well as your own saved ideas on your computer.

Set out the colour schemes you would like and think about the character and the style you are hoping to create whilst looking at the affordability of the materials and furnishings on your wish list.

Themes or Not?

Again, this is your choice but more and more these days the interior design world seems to like the idea of themes. Sometimes it is room specific and sometimes it entails the whole house.

Current trends are telling us that we should try and keep a certain theme running as opposed to completely different themes for each and every room.

The idea is to create balance in your choice of paint, furnishings and those all-important finishing touches that will show all elements of your personality.

Be careful of up to the minute trends when trying to create a theme as timeless and classic are the buzz words. After all you do not want to have to change the style with every passing fad.

That does not mean that you cannot mix contemporary with those older styles as quite often this will allow you to slightly stretch that budget.

Upcycling, statement lighting, bold feature walls and sustainability look like they are here to stay so you can really go to town if you have that desire.

Garden Ideas On A Budget

The first thing any visitor sees it the exterior of your home and this is as important as any of the rooms inside. Simple things like cleaning brickwork, rendering and the driveway with a pressure washer will make your house look fresher.

Adding lighting whether it be solar powered or wired into the mains will really add to the overall appearance.

Solar and low wattage bulbs are great if you have a limited budget as installation and maintenance will be much more in your price range.

Up lighting pathways or installing low wattage soft lighting into fascia’s or soffits really achieve that kerb appeal.

Cleaning guttering if it is white or even changing the colour completely as darker colours show up less dirt and grime on the whole will give your home a much more welcoming feeling.

If you do have a big front garden then big, bold evergreens are going to maintain that up market look all year round and again adding little bits of light to those plants or shrubs is going to freshen up the space that any designer would be proud of.

Have you ever thought about painting the windows and doors to bring the aspect into the here and now. Even uPVC can be painted nowadays and the current direction people are going for is darker and more specifically, anthracite grey.

All of the work done to your garden and exterior is going to future proof your house as a well maintained and elegant looking entrance will add value whilst being cost effective.

With exception to the lighting where you may need an electrician these are all ideas that can be done by the average do it yourself enthusiast.

Entrance Hallway On A Budget

For most homeowners the hallway is nothing more than a storage area for coats, bags and shoes so why not make it look like it does more than just serve a purpose.

Add great storage with vintage shoe racks and coat hooks, big and ornate mirrors that seem more at home in a country estate can turn this area into a work of art whilst being the busiest room in the house.

None of those items need cost too much as social media sites have marketplaces advertising cheaper and sometimes free items and don’t be afraid to buy slightly damaged pieces as simple restoration can save you money whilst retaining the designer styling you want to achieve.

As with all rooms in your newly decorated home the use of timeless pieces of furniture such as tables and unique furnishings will give you and your guest that feeling of luxurious quality.

Living Room or Lounge On A Budget

Gone are the days when this is a place to just sit and watch television. Even the smallest lounge can have more than one function.

Yes, you have the big screen TV but what is stopping you from adding features that turn this room into something else.

Have you heard of biophilic design as 2023 will be the year that you will? It is a simple and cost-effective way of bringing nature into your home.

If you need to make the budget last longer you can add pieces and elements over time which will also achieve the same impact you are after whilst allowing you to spend money on other beautiful products.

If you have a big room then why not add a big sofa, use your existing sofa to save money and reach out to an upholsterer for a new look, this year is all about green velvet and mustard velour.

Kitchens On A Budget

Replacing a kitchen is one of the most expensive commitments that we can do as proud homeowners, but you really do not need to go for the brand new in order to give it and updated and modern style.

Existing cupboards can be painted, worktops can be changed and simply adding big pictures, plants and vintage pieces of furniture will make what is essentially a workspace into a warm entertaining space.

Redecorating the walls is a simple way to update the room in a budget friendly way. Use a colour palette that brings out what features you already have in the kitchen.

If you have room add an island which doubles as a breakfast bar and can change the whole outlook and again that can be an old, upcycled workbench you found in a reclamation yard or on Gumtree.

Hide the washing machine in the garage or utility room as every available storage space is as important as how it looks and feels.

Kitchen Furniture On A Budget

One area of design that the designers are split on is the dining table and accompanying chairs.

Real wood tables have taken over the veneer that was once the cheapest option and mis-matched chairs are de rigour in almost every design catalogue at this point in in time.

Add some pillows to the dining room chairs to add a different texture whilst adding a new sensory touch to what can be a smooth textured room.

Bathrooms On A Budget

The second most expensive room in the house to redesign if you are going for the brand new.

A top tip for this one is to go to your local bathroom showroom or DIY store and ask if they have any ex-display items as they are inevitably going to be a whole lot cheaper.

Again, the big word is upcycling, instead of a new vanity unit why not buy an old merchants cabinet or pine chest and paint it a colour that is completely different to the toilet or bath to really make it stand out.

Use a butler sink from a charity store and some ornate taps to go for that luxurious feel. Why not just redecorate to really keep to your budget.

At least that way you may have more money to spend on other rooms!

Top tip: Plants, especially hanging plants not just look good but absorb some moisture which can protect against mould and limescale.

Bedrooms On A Budget

One major thing that every designer no matter who they are or where they come from is to declutter. Just finding somewhere to hide all that extra stuff we all seem to accumulate in our bedrooms can give that wow factor we are going for.

Get rid of those tired, flat-packed wardrobes and get something that is a statement piece that can be filled with all those unwanted clutter items.

Feature or accents walls in bold, bright colours or flamboyant wallpaper will automatically change it from a bedroom to a boudoir.

Search the internet for images on Pinterest for some fantastic ideas and try to emulate what you see other homeowners choosing for their bedrooms.

Overall Tips

Be brave in your choices and buy things you like. Remember that you have to live in the house so make sure your choice wins against current fashions whilst tipping your hat to new ideas.

• Upgrade lampshades with colour and size
• Avoid expensive items when there are more affordable options
• Timber flooring will age better than carpets
• New door handles can alter the look of a door
• No paint on hinges and door latches
• Big wall art that draws the eye
• Reuse furniture
• New light switches and plug sockets from a wholesaler
• Go for those finishing touches you see in magazines
• Keep it clean and tidy
• Keep an eye on the price
• Make it stylish for the future
• Take advice from friends