Great interior design doesn't have to break the bank. Interior designer Stacey Cohen, owner of Stacey Cohen Design and Room Edit, has 5 tips for keeping things affordable as you make your space beautiful.
1. Always start with a plan
Having a big-picture strategy rather than doing things piecemeal will get you a more cohesive-looking result and make it easier to budget. Even if you can’t afford to do an entire room right away, it’s good to figure out all the pieces you’ll ultimately want in it and price them out. Don't forget to factor in artwork and accessories!
2. Mix highs and lows
Interior design is like fashion: you can totally mix investment pieces with vintage items and bargain finds. (Think white Old Navy t-shirt with designer pants.) Focus your spending on things that will get a lot of use or that will have a big presence in the room. In the living room, splurge on your sofa and pick up your area rug from IKEA. In the bedroom, spend more on the bed and less on the night tables. You get the picture.
Buyer tip: Stacey's go-tos for “low” purchases include CB2, Structube and Wayfair for good deals on great-looking items. And inexpensive vintage pieces are often great quality, and always add personality to a space.
3. Decorate with art
Artwork doesn't have to be expensive: the simplest, most affordable pieces can really liven up a room and make it feel complete. Art can be anything: inexpensively-framed black and white photos, vintage signage, images printed from online image banks, paintings from a thrift store or work from a student exhibition. Even kids’ artwork can look sophisticated in the right frame.
Buyer tip: Try Victor Gallery on Queen for super-affordable pre-made frames. And IKEA is always a great spot for simple frames.
4. Don't skimp on the accessories
Leave room in the budget for things like throw pillows, soft blankets, accent lamps, coffee table books, etc. Like art, they’ll always make a room feel warmer and more inviting.
Buyer tip: Don’t just shop at the usual places: Bouclair is great for affordable accessories like mirrors and pouffes, and Etsy has amazing items, too, and (bonus) there’s a good chance you’ll be buying a unique piece from a small business owner.
5. Focus on one room at a time
If your budget is particularly tight, don’t stress: focus on one room (or even one part of a room) at a time. Instead of the (rather unsatisfying) result you’d get doing bits and pieces here and there, finishing a section will give you one spot you'll absolutely love to be in. And remember, there’s no rush. Buying a home is a long-term commitment, and it's definitely okay to see it as a work in progress.
Looking for design inspiration? Visit Stacey Cohen Design to see some truly gorgeous stuff, or check out Room Edit that’ll get you Stacey’s style on a smaller budget.
Ready to buy a home that you can decorate?
Talk to a property.ca agent! They’ll help you find a great condo or house to paint, style and furnish to your hearts’ content!