What You Should Focus Your Interior Design Budget On
It's so much more than just the sofa or the dining table people!
Let’s start by saying that ‘budget’ isn’t one of my favourite words. It feels a bit restrictive…and a teeeeny bit cheap. Being a perfectionist, independent Aquarius with very particular (often expensive, thanks Dad) taste, those two things don’t sit too well with me. So instead, let’s just refer to it as our interior design guardrails, if you will.
My type-A’ness does love a spreadsheet sheet though, and having some guardrails in place for a project really helps with the spending. It forces you to be more intentional with the planning, and good design isn’t really about spending huge amounts of money anyway. It’s about where you spend that money. That makes the biggest difference.
So, let’s discuss the areas that I think are really worth spending on, and the ones you can zhoosh with some more affordable options sprinkled in.
Enjoy x
Spend your money on…
Fabrics and materials - I appreciate not everyone has the budget for Italian Calacatta marble or walnut wood flooring, but there’s a reason they say ‘buy cheap, buy twice’. If you have the means, please please invest in quality materials for your finishes and key furniture pieces.
Things like stone benchtops, linen window treatments, wool carpets and timber flooring. They are the high-impact areas that elevate your space (and will last for a very long time). If you’ve been here a while, you’ll also know my passion for solid timber furniture and why it’s so important to invest in, over cheaper alternatives - read more about that other love here.
Hardware - This is one of those areas where having an interior designer really pays off (because it’s all in the details). Hardware selections might be small, and underrated might I add, and are so often overlooked. Think of them as the salt and pepper, or the cherry on top. Don’t just go with the standard. Spend time choosing things like your hinges, locks, pulls and handles. These little details add subtle polish and pull everything together so beautifully.
Appliances - Among monitoring the weather app and admiring a well-mowed lawn (oh the joy grass stripes bring me), my other passion is a good appliance. They not only add value to a property but can really elevate the space and finish, especially in the kitchen. Oh and of course, they’re also very practical.
TIP: Appliances can be expensive, so if you need to be a little conservative in this area, consider going for built-in appliances and opting for more affordable models. Since they’re hidden behind cabinetry, you won’t see the finish or the brand, so it’s a clever place to save without compromising on the overall design.
Save your money on…
Paint - I mentioned this in my UK home renovation post, but paint can get expensive fast but I have a good little tip for you. Most hardware stores can colour-match high-end shades using a more affordable white base.
The finish won’t be exactly the same though, so keep this in mind. Premium paints tend to have better depth, coverage, and durability. But if you’re mainly after the colour and aren’t too worried about the texture or longevity, this is a good place to save.
And also sidenote, there are far more exciting things to spend your design budget on…like fun furniture pieces and marble slabs for your kitchen.
Cabinetry carcasses - Ok, the word carcass always makes me think of a roast chicken (mmm Sunday roast)… anyway we digress. The more important part of your kitchen cabinetry are the doors and drawer fronts, not the carcasses. Or let’s call it cabinet boxes. So if you’re looking for an area to save, this one is a good swap to remember. Use a more affordable base and spend on the finishes you can actually see.
Built-in shelving - The more built-in shelving and cabinetry you include, the higher the cost. Open shelving is definitely having a moment, especially above benches and around stovetops in the kitchen, and it’s also a good place to save. A beautiful example of open shelving done well is this London townhouse kitchen by Nordiska Kök.
I love this look, just make sure (like in the above) you spend a little time styling it - matching glassware, stacked books or a couple of pretty jugs or vases. Otherwise it has the potential to get very messy, very quickly.
Décor - Unless it’s a beautiful antique piece full of character and detail, there are so many affordable and cool décor options out there. So don’t feel like you need to spend a lot here. If you get the foundation parts right (like the materials and finishes), the decorative touches should just be little sprinkles here and there to complete the overall look.
Reading all of the above, I’ve definitely said 'budget’ more than I planned to, but alas, we move. Just remember, good design isn’t about spending loads (money doesn’t always equal taste), so focus on the parts that matter and save on the bits you can sprinkle in and swap out easily, like décor.
Oh and if you’re in the middle of a renovation and want to run something by me (I have some good appliance reco’s), just send me a little note. I’d love to hear from you.
Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend and the sun is shining where you are!
Ashley x
P.s I’m usually over on Instagram in between posts, so come and say hey!