Flicking through glossy magazines, real estate photos online or visiting display homes, you can’t help but get a bit jealous and then disheartened that you don’t have the budget to achieve that with your home!

My approach to interior design is really seeing a home for what it has to offer in the way of features, space and character. Every home can look beautiful and sophisticated by following some simple rules without emptying your wallet!

Let’s look at my 7 tips below to help you on your way to redecorating your space!

1. Start with a Solid Plan

One of the most important things about redecorating on a budget is the value of a well thought out plan. Before you dive into your project, take the time to create a clear vision of what you want. If you are a visual person, it might be investing in a corkboard and cutting pictures out of magazines and pinning them to a board. Or if you are a computer whiz, you could create a mood board by inserting images from different sources onto a blank page. Why even try downloading the free version of CANVA as this application has a template for mood boarding and a database of images you can pull from or you can upload images from your computer.

2. Embrace the Power of Paint

Paint is a budget conscious renovator’s best friend! A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space. If you take the two images above, you can see how the soft green feature colour added so much warmth and character to this bedroom and a simple change of lamp shade from black to white!

Paint is one of the most affordable ways to breathe new life into a home. Experiment with different colour palettes to find the perfect one that suits your style.

3. Thrifty Shopping and Repurposing

Thrift stores, garage sales and online marketplaces are goldmines for budget-friendly finds. You tend to find second-hand quality pieces at bargain prices, and you might get something quite unique for your home! Don’t hesitate to upcycle and repurpose furniture and décor items to your design vision. With the above project, we actually spray painted the bases of the existing lamps an antiqued gold colour and changed the shade colour. It made such a difference to this space, coupled with the soft green feature wall.

In this photo below, the client loved the dining table shape and size, but the yellow colour had grown tired and was not really working with her new refresh of the home. So, we decided to paint it and give it a new life – and wow how does it look now!

BEFORE

AFTER

4. Focus on High Impact Areas

When working with tight budgets, its essential to allocate your resources strategically. Concentrate on high-impact areas like the kitchen backsplash or statement pieces of furniture. By investing in these key elements, you get more impact for the money spent. Don’t get swayed by cheap prices when it comes to main pieces of furniture as you get what you pay for! Spend the money on a quality sofa that will be durable for everyday use where decorator items such as vases, cushions, artwork you can buy with lesser quality to make your dollar go further!

5. DIY and Get Creative

There is something incredibly satisfying about a DIY project! By getting in and tackling some tasks yourself, you can save money and infuse your personal touch into your design. There are many DIY items at discount and craft stores from making your own artwork ie. you don’t have to be a painter; you could frame fabric pieces that you like or old jewellery you inherited from your grandma for something quite unique! You could buy cheaper cushions and then add embellishments of your own to create a unique piece for your lux décor! There are countless possibilities to explore so try getting creative!

6. Be Mindful of Materials

Opt for budget friendly materials that mimic the high-end look! There are plenty of laminate and vinyl flooring products that can replicate quite convincingly hardwood or natural stone. There are different paint effects that can be used to create a faux texture of leather, marble or stone. Adding items with metallic finishes to your colour scheme can enhance your space and give it the appearance of luxury without the hefty price tag.

7. Seek Professional Guidance

While it may seem counterintuitive when you are on a budget, hiring an interior designer or decorator can be a smart investment. A designer or decorator can help make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and maximise the impact of your budget and what you may already have. As designers we are able to work within financial constraints and help achieve the best results plus we have many trade sources to seek out.

In summary planning carefully, embracing creativity and seeking affordable alternatives, you can create a beautiful space without compromising on your style or financial stability. Remember, its not about how much you spend, but how wisely you spend it! Your dream space is within reach, and RJP Design and Décor are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance with your affordable decorating project! Together we’ll turn your vision into a budget-friendly reality!