Five Ways to Stretch Your Design Budget

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.

Attractive and Afforable Neutral Sofas

How chic would this Halloween party be?!

Salmon Pink Walls

Hello. I’m Joanna, a blogger for Arcadian Lighting, a terrific source for beautiful interior and exterior lighting fixtures.  I adore interior design and look forward to my day each morning as I get to write on decorating topics. In particular, I love pink everything, chairs and zebra rugs. What is your favorite décor element? Today, I’ve collected decorating ideas and images centering on salmon pink walls.  I’d like to thank The Interior Design Blog for letting me share. 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  1  |  2  |  3  |  4 |  5  |  6 |  7 |  8 What do you think about Salmon Pink walls? We at Arcadian Lighting love a pop of color, don't forget to check us out!

How to Thrift Shop

Who doesn't love finding hidden treasures? It's become an obsession of mine, thrift store shopping that is, and how could it not? The satisfaction of finding a piece of furniture, with a small price tag, that just needs a coat of paint to become a staple in my home is beyond fulfilling.  And let’s face it.

We live in inexpensive times and any help we can get we'll take. I know the idea of a thrift store can be daunting, and a lot of us have this idea in our head of a dark, dusty dungeon with people's old possessions. While this can be true, there are those thrift stores that maintain a clean and organized store.  

That being said, not everything in a thrift store is acceptable to take home. There are some guidelines that you're going to want to follow especially if you're new to this.

           

      1. Be nice. Not that you aren’t in the first place…but the people who work in thrift stores, are usually not paid very well or they may not be paid at all. Many thrift stores provide vocational training or rehabilitation services to people on some form of state aid. Being pleasant could really benefit you. Not only with your health and well-being, but if this is a store you truly enjoy it’s good to build relationships with the employees. After time they may pick up on your style and be able to help you in your future endeavors.

    

          2. Go with a plan. Make a list of what exactly you need. The stores can usually be a bit overwhelming so it helps to know ahead of time what exactly it is that you’re looking for. It also decreases the chance of you coming home with a bunch of crap that you don’t need, therefore defeating the purpose of “thrift shopping”.

         

          3. Be open minded. Now, I know I just said don’t grab crap, but there are some exceptions. Keep your eyes open for that piece you’ve been dying to find, or that pillow that goes perfectly with your living room.

        

          4. Leave the kids. Quality time is important, just not here. There is too much for their little heads to wrap around and too much for their little hands to grab. Not to mention it’s really hard to focus on        

       

       5. Be creative. You have to keep in mind that most of the items you find in a thrift store are going to need some TLC. Keep in mind that you’re getting this piece at a bargain so a coat of paint or some new hardware isn’t too much to ask.  And hello *cough cough* PINTEREST! Use it! There are millions of DIY projects and tips for furniture and accessories.

      

       6. Go with cash. This will force you to stick to your budget and be more selective in your purchases.

       

       7. Go often. If you don’t find anything this week, go back next week. A thrift store’s inventory is constantly changing so there are new treasures to be found every week.

        

           8. Don’t be afraid to leave empty handed. It’s OK to leave without anything, and that’s why it’s good to check back often. So if you didn’t find that buffet you wanted, go back in a couple weeks.

Easy-to-Do Room Layouts

 The last thing you want to do is go out and buy a sofa, chair and coffee table only to discover it doesn't fit in your room. Here's a great and quick tip for space planning the rooms in your home.
Use Graph paper to draw out the room and use scale (ie; 1/4" = 1') After you draw out your room, draw out the furniture. Now here's  a little tip from yours truly. Once you draw out the furniture cover the drawings, on both sides, with clear packaging tape. When you cut them out they're now laminated so you can use them again and again. Place the furniture in the room and arrange to figure out the best layout options. Hope this helps!

Starting a room

Starting to design a room from scratch can be a difficult task that can get very overwhelming. As with any project it helps to have a plan. Even if you can’t draw or sketch it’s beneficial to have a drawing of the layout you desire. This can be accomplished by using a template or by freehand sketching. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s for your eyes only. Take advantage of the great sites out there that allow you to piece a room together virtually.  (http://www.urbanbarn.com/Room-Planner).  Another thing that will help you to get started is a color scheme. This can be tricky. I like to find one great piece to build my room off of. Whether it is draperies or a pillow, find something that you like and then pull from it. A tip that I live by is the larger the piece the more plain it should be. For example, keep your sofa neutral. You can always dress it up with pillows or accent chairs. This way when you get sick of the colors you only need to replace the pillows and not the entire sofa. 

 Here’s an example of a “great piece” to pull your color scheme from. There are lots of great colors used in these pillows. I see a taupe sofa, blue curtains and gold accents. 

This room was transformed from boring to sunny and warm by adding pillows and bringing some nature inside.  

How to use wallpaper

Bold wallpapers

It seems that wallpaper has been around forever, but most of us hear the word and think of our grandmothers home. Well think again, because wallpaper is the latest interior design trend and it’s a great and fast way to update that boring room of yours.

When it comes to wallpaper, especially those really bold prints; you need to remember some design tips. While wallpaper is a great new trend I believe it works best in doses, so here are three guidelines you can follow.

Use it as an accent.

By using the wallpaper as an accent (on only one wall) you avoid pattern clash or overwhelming yourself to the point where you get sick of it.  Try using it with painted walls or even a simple pattern painted wall.

Use it in a frame

How about using it in picture frames? Not only is this a genius way to make inexpensive art work, it also gives you the opportunity to use multiple patterns without overdoing it.

Try it on your ceiling.

How awesome is this? Use the wallpaper on your ceiling for a really chic look.  A tip for ceiling wallpaper; keep your walls white and accent with pillows, draperies and furniture.

For any of you on the fence about wallpaper, I hope this helps you out a little. Of course if you’re really comfortable with your design skills, or if you love that bold look, go all out and put wallpaper everywhere! Check out Pinterest for even more wallpaper ideas.

Mint Green

Love the botanical prints behind this mint green sofa. 

Decorative knobs and spray paint can quickly and inexpensively update old furniture. 

Old wood chair updated with mint green paint

After you paint your old dresser. Rough it up a little to give it that aged antiqued look.

Great example of transitional style and a slight pop of color. 

By adding these mint green chairs, to this all white kitchen, you instantly update. 

These old lamps were spray painted mint green and are a perfect addition to any room. 

Upcycling

Lets talk upcycling. Really, the possibilities are endless and the outcomes are awesome. So why not?

DIY

I spend tons of time "pinning" on Pinterest, but rarely do I ever get the chance to make something that I've pinned. But alas! I made something and it was super easy. 

All you need to make this adorable little jewelry stand is old plates, old candle sticks or wine glasses, spray paint, glue and of course some jewelry.

I went to goodwill for the plates and I found cute little wine glasses to use as a base. Now, I glued and then spray painted, which I believe is the right way. 

For glue I would recommend using Henkle Loctite 4 gram Super Glue. You can get it on Amazon for around $3 and its made specifically for glass so it holds tight!  

Once it dries add set it on your dresser or vanity, and add some jewelry! This is a great way to add some fun accessories without spending a lot of money. Thanks Pinterest!

Chalkboard paing

Upcylced Buffet with Chalk Board Paint at http://ncjwhome.com/inventory.html in Swissvale!