Not everyone has an unlimited budget, let alone $5000 to spend on re-designing a room. What's a frugal designer to do? I spoke to local interior designer Helen Boba, owner of Babilla Designs and member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) to provide some tips on money-saving interior design.
1. Creative Materials: "Keep an eye out for fabrics like curtains, sheets, and fabric remnants that you can use to create curtains, table runners, pillows, duvets, and more. For example, you can make a custom duvet cover by sewing 2 sheets together. Look for materials at Homegoods, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and Vogue Fabrics -- Vogue is great as it has many designer fabric remnants."
Go farther: Have fun combining fabrics in different patterns, styles, and textures to easily and affordably combine all the elements in a room.
2. Paint: "Paint is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to refresh a room. Think of how the colors will flow through the house, and use the lightest color of your room palette on the walls. Take your color cues from nature, what you like to wear, or your decorating samples. If you need help, ask the paint shop or consult online color tools like the color picker at benjaminmoore.com.
Go farther: Study the colors you're considering and don't be afraid to go bold by picking a color a shade darker or lighter than your desired color. Don't forget to buy a test pot and try it on the walls. Save it to repaint small accessories.
3. Refurbish, Repaint, Renew: "Doing-it-yourself by refinishing furniture, sewing, building or creating your own decor can save you money, since you're saving on labor."
Go farther: Try to see how you can reuse or renew items like old furniture, artwork or frames. Can something be reused as decor or creative storage? Repaint old furniture or frames to help it fit in your decorating scheme. Not only thrifty, it's eco-friendly too.
This weekend: Check out the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, September 4th and 5th.
4. Accessorize and reorganize: "If you have $500 or less, focus on buying accessories like pillows, throws, area rugs, baskets, vases, etc. Accessories are an easy way to instantly dress up or change the feel of a room. You can try changing your room layout. Flipping things around and 'shop' your house to see what can be moved around. That helps things feel new again."
Go farther: Shop ethnic stores and neighborhoods or shops like 10,000 Villages in Evanston for authentic and affordable accessories. Personalize your space by looking at flea markets and resale stores for bargain treasures that tell a story about you. For inexpensive contemporary accessories, head to TJ Maxx, Hobby Lobby, or Real Deals of Mt. Prospect.
Shop resale stores in upscale areas like the North Shore to find higher-end items for a steal.
If you do have extra money to spend on furniture, use it on a timeless piece (like a sofa) that will last for years. It's easier to update the acessories. Search for quality used furniture on Craigslist.com, eBay, or even Freecycle.
5. Get inspired. "Inspire yourself by looking at Design on a Dime or HGTV for ideas. Learn about styles you like by reading books at the libary, researching catalogs or magazines like Real Simple. Also, talk to the design consultants at furniture and department stores for ideas."
Go farther: Ask yourself, what did you like as a kid, to figure out what styles you enjoy. Look for ways to introduce a contrast of textures in your scheme: Think of rough velvets and nubby rugs paried with smooth wooden floors and glass tables. These invite and draw in the eye. Learn what you like and how to use it to decorate like a pro.
The best friend for frugal designers is resourcefulness. It's OK to develop a room over time, which allows plenty of time for study, inspiration, and shopping opportunities to get an attractive room for a song.
Comments