Life is getting very expensive, and while we try and find ways to cut down on everyday expenses, it may seem difficult to find budget-friendly interior design ideas. From furniture to building materials, the costs are soaring. But there are a lot of creative, unique ways you can keep costs down while still enjoying a beautiful interior.
Paint, paint, paint
Paint is probably one of the most inexpensive ways to totally transform your space on a dime. One can of good-quality paint can completely change the look and feel of a room. And with so many new colours coming out for 2024, there are endless options when it comes to finding a great shade of colour to infuse your home with. Paint all the walls or just the ceiling. You could also do a cool accent wall.
Paint can be a great way to give new life to older furniture as well. A fresh coat of paint can revive an old dresser, table, or chair, and can really become the focal point of a space.
Reupholster
Forgo buying a new couch or dining room seating, and instead opt to recover them in a fresh, beautiful fabric. Reupholstering is much less pricey than buying all new furniture, and it’s a great way to showcase your personality – after all, there are so many options in colours, prints, and patterns.
Buying things on sale or getting them for free
There are a wide range of options when it comes to seeking out materials and finishes that have been heavily discounted. First off, local marketplace websites have ads from people who have overbought certain materials and are looking to get rid of the excess. There are also outlet hardware stores (even big box ones) that have sections for overstock or other products that have been discontinued. However, be sure to plan your renovation project before buying discounted items. You want to ensure you can get enough to complete your job (there’s nothing worse than buying inexpensive flooring, for example, only to find you’re a few feet too short to finish your floors).
Jazz up basic items
Sometimes, refacing, as opposed to completely gutting and rebuilding, can be much more price conscious. Companies such as Bokea make cabinet doors, drawer fronts and custom panels to match with IKEA furniture, such as SEKTION for the kitchen, PAX for wardrobes, and BESTA for the living room.
“The concept is the key to affordability,” said Steven Kiekeman Fontaine, CEO and co-founder of Bokea. “In Europe, it is a very well-known concept that is only starting to get noticed here. Everything is getting expensive. Our clients benefit from the enormous purchase volume from IKEA, plus we make our high-quality fronts more affordable since we don’t have the expensive overhead of cabinetmaking on our shoulders. It’s the perfect price to quality ratio that allows homeowners to access the quality of woodworking while lowering the total cost by 30-50 per cent.”
Less is more
These days, the less clutter, the better. It’s a great trend that is also gentle on your wallet. You don’t need numerous lighting fixtures in every room or endless knickknacks on shelves and tabletops. Keep it simple and clean. It’s also a good way to pare down what you have to fewer, higher-quality items.
Less items means less cleaning too!
Don’t forgo a luxurious home because of a tight budget. There are lots of innovative ways to elevate your décor without breaking the bank. Think outside the box (literally) and discover how to up the ante on your home’s interior.