If you’re a beginner with no experience in interior design, it can be difficult to know where to start. But there are a few things you can do to get started, including taking an online course or getting some professional help from an interior designer.
One of the best ways to get started with affordable interior design is by learning about the principles of design. Here are some of the most important concepts to understand and implement in your home design plan.
1. Get Organized
Sometimes the smallest design upgrades — like the right color palette, hardware style or piece of furniture — are all it takes to give your space a fresh, picture-perfect look.
It’s always best to start with a plan and stick to it. Otherwise, you may end up with a space that’s not quite what you envisioned.
If you’re working with a tight budget, don’t be discouraged. There are plenty of affordable interior designers to choose from who can help you transform your home without breaking the bank!
2. Make a List
The best way to start your quest for that perfect design is with a well-defined scope of work and a realistic budget. Getting your interiors in order will go a long way to ensuring you end up with a space you’re proud to call home. You’ll be able to spend more time enjoying the fruits of your labor and less time sifting through knickknacks that may or may not be worth your hard-earned cash. The best part is that you can make it your own by using the aforementioned smarts to find the top quality design and remodeling pros that fit your needs like your own personal ninja.
3. Create a Budget
To start, figure out how much you make and spend every month. This can be done by looking at your bank statements or credit card bills from the past few months.
Next, identify your fixed expenses. These are monthly costs that don’t change from one month to the next, like your rent or mortgage, cell phone bill and car payment.
Variable expenses are those that fluctuate in dollar amount each month, like groceries, gas and entertainment. They can be a good place to start when trying to stick to a budget since you’ll know what you’re spending on and where to cut back.
4. Get Inspiration
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your next interior design project or simply want to learn more about the art of decor, there are plenty of interior design blogs out there. These can provide you with ideas that you can use to create the space you’ve always dreamed of.
Paprika is another color that is making its way into 2023, and it’s a great option for those looking to make their homes more exciting. The hue is a bold, spicier take on terracotta, and it makes rooms feel warm and inviting.
5. Shop Online
The good news is that affordable interior design services are popping up all over the place. Some offer flat-rate packages and virtual interior design, allowing you to see your room before you commit to a designer or buy new furniture and decor.
Some even give you a 3D rendering to help you decide on colors and designs before you shop for furniture. All of these options are worth checking out for anyone wanting to update their space without breaking the bank.
6. Get Help
You don’t have to break the bank to get your home looking its best. And there’s a ton of help out there!
A good interior designer can help you prioritize your design needs, suggest furniture and decor based on your budget and coordinate with contractors. But they can also be expensive (think $50 to $200 per hour).
Fortunately, there are many affordable options available that offer the same quality of service. Some even offer free services like room renderings and furniture and decor swatches! Other budget-friendly designers offer flat-rate packages that include floor plans, color palettes and implementation guides.