With so many interior design ideas, beautiful furniture, fixtures, and fittings available, it’s easy to overspend and spoil the budget when remodeling your home.
When considering modern interior design, the bills can skyrocket and what started out as an exciting dream can become a huge and stressful expense.
Interior designers are worth their weight in gold. Hiring someone may seem like a waste, but they’re adept at staying within budget, while creating a beautiful home.
Not only do they have a mine of amazing contacts, they have clever tips and tricks that will keep the project on the right track both financially and aesthetically.
We’ve plundered our little black book for top interior designers, to ask them how they achieve the look within a budget.
ready pens…
be old
We often collaborate with Studio27, One Brick Lane and The Restoration. All three specialize in upgrading mid-century pieces to add warmth, color, and individuality while keeping design and budget in mind.
Case Myers, cazmyers.com
(Photo credit: Studio 27 for Caz Myers)
Get off the beaten path
For affordable and inspiring fabrics, I recommend The Cloth Shop and Warris Vianni, both in west London.
Georgina’s Cave, caveinteriors.com
(Image credit: Canvas The Cloth Shop / Cave Interiors)
fabric frame
‘The simple trick is a tabletop covered in fabric – whether it’s a console, center table, or side table. This can be a traditional treat with a large alloy fringe around the bottom or more modern, with pleated or graphic fabric. The tall cover is also useful for hiding things behind you.
Nicole Salvesen, salvesengraham.com
(Photo credit: Salvesen Graham/Jennifer Manners)
take a look
Be careful with window treatments. It is not always necessary to have bulky, lined, interlocking fabrics. Simple unlined blinds can be very effective and much less expensive.
Emily Todhunter, todhunterearle.com
(Photo credit: Todhunter Earle)
Hide Utilities
“In the open kitchen and living area, I hide away from as many amenities as possible. I have a wall of built-in cupboards and behind the doors is the fridge freezer, washer and dryer, and all the cleaning products. I’ve decorated the fronts with framed botanical prints that add a pretty focal point to my small kitchen space.”
Martin Brudnsky, mbds.com
(Image credit: Martin Brudnsky)
Be smart with colors
A bold color choice can really elevate a scheme, especially in a small guest room. Focus it on one area—the headboard or the bedspread—to pack a distinctive punch.
Tiffany Duggan, studiodugan.com
(Image credit: Studio Duggan)
Simplify your storage
‘Creativity in storage can make a room feel larger and leave the finishes coming to life. Carve out a small laundry room or laundry room: This creates a task-driven area and keeps kitchen walls clear of cabinets. An unexpected benefit is that it’s less expensive, too.
Philippa Thorp, thorp.co.uk
(Image credit: TI Media content)
Seasonal updates
Small changes can have an immediate effect. Follow the seasons: add pillows, throws, and rugs as winter sets in; In the summer, hang vibrant silks and soft linen on the windowsills.
Tricia Guild, designersguild.com
(Image credit: Designers Guild)
Draw on your creativity
Decorate the walls with a stencil. It’s an inexpensive but effective way to create a beautiful backdrop, as shown with this elegant diamond design in a children’s room.
Katie Glaster and Henry Miller Robinson, kandhdesign.co.uk
(Image credit: K&H Design)
Unique Investments
A combination of formal and statement pieces can be especially effective for getting the most out of your budget – just make sure the investment element is really a one-time deal. Edition 94 in South Kensington, London, is a treasure trove of antique furniture and handcrafted household items. Her founder, India Whalley, has a keen interest in individual designs, which she gets from hidden corners around the world. I love the
Antique side tables deliver lacquer in bold colors – each piece is unique and can be made any color you like.
Beataheuman, beataheuman.com
(Image credit: Version 94)
Shop around
‘We’re wandering flea markets and looking down High Street for hidden gems – and looking forward to an interesting collaboration. A recent favorite find was the manufactured Sebastian Cox bedside table.
Sophie Collier, kitesgrove.com
(Image credit: Made.com)