No matter what you are designing, a budget is a must. No matter how large and no matter how small, if you organize your needs and consider your budget, you will find your project will go a lot smoother, mentally and physically!
There is nothing worse than realizing mid-way through the design process that you have run out of money. It will certainly take the fun out of what should have been exciting and rewarding.
Most of us have beer bottle pockets with champagne taste. So many of the images that are presented to us on social media, the internet and in magazines are showcasing unique products that can be costly.
I hope this week’s article can assist you in getting exactly what you desire in the end.
Make a priority list.
What is most important to get completed first? If you are giving your living room a makeover, begin with the more important pieces such as the main seating and electronics. Then might come the rug, art, secondary seating, side tables and lamps.
If you are redoing your bedroom, begin with the bed and mattress. Then consider the nightstands, lamps, art and rug. Use some of your existing pieces or borrow some items from another room and use them as placeholders until your budget allows.
Maybe you can repurpose something you have elsewhere in the house, like use an old nightstand as an end table, cut the legs shorter on an old dining table and use it as a coffee table. Perhaps that framed art you didn’t like in the living room will look better and more fresh in the bedroom. Or you could change the finish or hardware to give it a refreshed and updated look.
Use a placeholder so that as you travel, you will find something perfect for the space that will remind you of a special trip you took. However, definitely make your plan at the beginning so that you know the direction you need to go and aren’t just purchasing random pieces to fill the spaces.
Be patient and grow your project. In the end you will be happier than if you rushed.
If your project involves a contractor, add at least 10% to your budget. It never fails. Maybe you want your floor tile to be placed on an angle. There is more waste involved. Maybe your window treatments need to have more fabric if you desire them to close. Maybe your deep wall color needs an extra coat of paint.
If you communicate your budget with your builder/contractor/designer. It will help in keeping them in line and allow them to understand the product they need to offer to you.
