Budget-friendly Interior Design Tips

Most of us have a wish-list of things we would love to change or add to our homes, if we had the budget. Speaking for myself I’ve got a to-do list as long as my arm! One of my favourite daydreams is to imagine how I would change things if I won the lotto! Until that happens I’ve put together this blog post filled with budget-friendly interior design tips. Many of these I have used myself to transform interiors for less.

  • The No.1 most effective and quickest tool to transform a space is paint. Changing from a bright to a dark colour on the walls or vice versa will make a huge difference. Even doing a refresh coat of the original colour can have an immediate impact. Why not upcycle an old piece of furniture by painting it? There are so many different brands of paint available it can be confusing to choose. I would always recommend to buy the best quality paint you can afford. Generally when it comes to paint, cheap prices usually mean poorer quality. 
  • Shop your home-have a look around your home to see what you already have. Are there pieces of furniture or accessories that would look better in another room? Even swapping cushions from room to room can add a new dimension to a space. 
  • Check out local charity shops, Facebook marketplace, Done Deal or other online sites for bargains. As the saying goes “one person’s trash is another’s treasure”. There are so many good quality finds out there waiting for new homes!
  • Changing or adding accessories can easily transform your home. Cushions, rugs, vases, baskets or even photo frames are effective design tools to create the look you want. There’s a whole range of inexpensive accessories available in all homeware stores. I find shops like Dunnes Stores, JYSK, IKEA, Homestore & More, H&M and Penneys always worth a browse. 
  • If you can’t afford to change your wood flooring or carpet yet then add some rugs to the space. Rugs come in a variety of materials, sizes, colours and shapes suitable for all budgets. They can easily hide flooring that you don’t love.
  • Bathrooms and kitchens are generally the most expensive rooms to upgrade. You can achieve a new look for less by painting the kitchen cabinets and backsplash tiles. Bathroom tiles can also be painted quite easily using the correct products. I did it in my downstairs WC 3 years ago and it still looks as good as new!
  • Hardware changes-you can update the whole look of  a piece of furniture by simply replacing the drawer pulls or cupboard knobs. Door handles are also easily changed and can have a big impact.
  • Use spray paint aerosols to transform the look of lots of items such as mirrors, photo frames and picture frames. Brands such as WRX aerosols are a versatile and budget-friendly upcycling product.
  • Creating a gallery wall is a great way to introduce a focal point into a room. Using prints from online stores such as Desenio and Posterstore, you can quickly transform the space for less.
  • Invest in key pieces that will last in your home for many years and spend less then on accessories to complete the look. I always advise buying a good quality bed, mattress, sofa and dining table with chairs. After all these items will be used repeatedly every day and it pays to opt for quality. 

Creating a home that you love doesn’t need to cost a fortune. You can easily transform the interiors of your home for less by following these tips. It pays to remember that “the devil is in the detail”.

If however you do need more help with transforming your home, have a look at the design services we provide here.

I will always work with you and your budget to create a design that works for you.

                Bathroom tiles after painting and stencilling.

                         Bathroom tiles before.