Five Ways to
Stretch Your Design Budget
While browsing the internet the other day I came upon a link
entitled, “Five Ways to Stretch Your Interior Design Budget”. I was quick to
re-tweet and share it with all of my followers; however, once I sat down and
really read it I realized it my idea of small budget and there’s were two
different things. William-Wayne and Mocox Gardens, for instance, aren’t
cheap and definitely would not be worked in to one of my clients “small budget”
rooms.
That being said, I wanted to put together a couple of ways
that help me to work with smaller budgets. In fact, I even use these on the not
so small budgets, which is reiterating the focus of this post; stretching your
design budget.
1. Stencil instead of wallpaper:
http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/
I can explain to you how much money this
can save you, and it’s really no more difficult that applying wallpapers. Don’t
get me wrong. I love wallpapers and there are amazing ones out right now, but
if you’re working on a budget, this is going to save you.
2. Mix-and-Match different price points
Accessories and attention to details will
finish the room, and nowadays there are so many great home good stores that it
is easy to find great and affordable pieces. By mixing in some Tj Maxx finds
with a cashmere throw, you will create that sense of luxury while sticking to
the budget. The best part is, no one is going to know you got that lamp at Tj’s
;)
3. Ready-made draperies
Custom made draperies are gorgeous and
elegant, but they are a luxury. Store made draperies with added embellishments
are a great way to mimic custom made. I like to add decorative borders and
fringe work or beading to store bought draperies to achieve the same luxuriousness
as the customs.
4. Affordable
Art
I love turning things that have lost their
pizazz into something new again. Try using that leftover piece of fabric/wallpaper
in a frame, or spray paint some old flatware and frame it.
5. Add Color and Texture
You don’t have to spend a lot to add color
and texture. Add a couple decorative pillows that showcase the color palette of
the room and an area rug for texture.
A pretty entry boasts salmon pink walls and white upholstered stools. The zebra rug adds pattern to the space.
This is a favorite space of mine. I love the gallery wall and tufted red velvet sofa set against the salmon pink wall. The zebra divider is especially fun.
Light pink walls set the stage for this classic little corner. The gold of the mirror is carried through to the demilune below.
This Moroccan space is set against warm salmon walls. The space is anchored by the ottoman which ties all of the colors together and adds pattern. I love the muted colors on the shades atop the slender floor lamps.
The walls in this bathroom add lovely color to the space and warm the cool elements of the design. The console makes a beautiful vanity.
A lovely living room features salmon pink washed walls. The eye catching hanging lamp adds a contemporary touch to the space.
This beautiful living room is awash in color from the patterned wallpaper to the rugs. I love the lamps, but a crystal light fixture would be nice centered in the center of the room.
A serene and sophisticated bedroom in salmon is welcoming and looks quite relaxing. The differing shades of pink create a soothing palette. Images 
