How to: create a practical budget for an interior design project
Ever wonder what it takes to create a practical budget that is both comfortable for you but also realistic with what product actually costs? This super quick exercise, that’s less than 10 minutes will help you find that $weet $pot!
Let’s go shopping!
You know the kind where you put everything into your cart only to NOT purchase the items. Start by creating list of all the items you need for the space, I am going to shop for a living room with a pretty standard layout. Then pick your favorite retailer, I’m going to use crate + barrel, easy peasy! So, I’ll start by going to each category on the list and set the filter high to low (for now). You don’t have to worry about aesthetic, you’re not buying these items remember?! Select an item on the high end and add it to your cart. Repeat this for each item on your shopping list. Click your cart, but don’t actually check out!!!
STICKer shock
We’ve all been there, right? Add a few things, then add a few more, click view cart, see the cost and close your browser window. I get it. Investing in a home is scary and not necessarily cheap. So, let’s take a step back, shall we? Think about the last time you bought a sofa, was it $3k, $4k, $5k? You also probably didn’t furnish an entire room at once. Not to add more shock value to the exercise, but for the sake of total transparency, this doesn’t include any labor such as painters, electricians, etc or decor items and accessories. Have no fear, we have a solution to continue to help you find that $weet $pot! Go back and repeat the exercise with the filter set low to high, and add all the items (be sure to delete the high out of your cart). Wow, what a difference!
“if you think that good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design”
-Dr. Ralph Speth, CEO Jaguar
LEt’s get real
Investing in anything is scary, but being smart about your budget, and knowing your wants vs. needs is the place to start so you can set yourself and your project up for success. Plus, investing in your home is usually a safe bet compared to… let’s say a car, that depletes in value the second you drive it off the lot. Now… knowing how to maximize to make the most of your project is another conversation entirely and one of the many perks of working with a professional designer (more on this at a later date, so be sure to subscribe for our monthly newsletter). And before you ask, no, maximizing your budget does not involve heckling your designer or tradesmen/women for discounts… no one likes mr. heckles anyways (any friends fans here?!)
what now?!
You have a general idea of scope (shopping list) and have decided on a comfortable product budget (based on the luxe and accessible carts/receipts). So, whats the next step to creating a beautiful space? Hire a professional and determine what service offerings may be the best for you. We offer a variety of services, if you’re not sure reach out and we can schedule a free introductory call!
You can have your cake + eat it too! … in a well designed space I might add!
Have a question or design dilemma regarding your budget? Shoot us a DM on instagram! Be sure to follow along and subscribe to our monthly newsletter, I promise I won’t heckle you! ; )
