An unlimited budget is of course an interior designer’s dream - it simplifies things dramatically. No limits, the world is your oyster and you can focus on thrilling the client and hitting the timeline. But, let’s be real - nobody really has an unlimited budget - it’s all relative. The real challenge begins when we are tasked with aligning a client’s dream and their budget. I would also argue it’s where real creativity gets energized - how can we make this space as beautiful and as functional as possible while keeping an eye on the bottom line? This is a balancing act that we take seriously and work hard to accommodate on each and every project.
Along the way, we’ve learned a few tricks that add a bit of science to the art:
Balance when to invest and when to pull back. Honestly, this insight is probably one of the bigger value adds a Designer can bring to a project. And, truly where the balancing act is perfected. Hard working pieces like upholstery items and rugs really need to be quality items that can hold up to families and the test of time. More occasional case goods like side tables and lamps might be able to accomplish a lot with a smaller price point.
This custom sofa in a rich fabric and superb artwork are balanced by a retail accent chair, coffee table and bookcase. The combination is elegant, interesting, and on-budget.
Think about what should be the star of the show. Most of us don’t live in homes that require opulence on every item or finish. Deciding which elements of your space will really shine is not just good design, it also keeps budget in check. So, if you splurge on the chandelier of your dreams, perhaps your vintage table doesn’t need to be so pedigreed that it comes with the price point of a high end antique.
This stunning chandelier is the show stopper of the room and is set off against the warm blue walls.
Invest in art - it is an investment we can always get behind. A mix of retail and vintage furniture really goes to the next level when paired with authentic, real art. Even if the art isn’t expensive, a well-done original piece will lend sophistication to a room filled with predominantly catalog pieces.
Not only does this artwork elevate the entire room, but most importantly it brings the homeowner joy everyday.
Go custom on a handful of items. Pillows in a knockout fabric, a custom ottoman or drapes with a gorgeous trim can bring everything together. It’s also the layering of custom elements that keeps a room from feeling like it was just ordered direct from a catalog room.
The custom fabric on this ottoman pulls in just the right colors in a pattern that couldn’t be found in a catalog while adding a special touch.
Consider giving a piece a second life. Maybe it is a piece that is already owned or a piece found in a vintage shop, but look for treasures that can be repurposed, reupholstered or refinished. Picking a new fabric for a vintage chair or having a worn, but special antique refinished can bring new life to the piece and introduce a special element to a space. Check out our tips on navigating vintage shopping HERE.
A family heirloom writing desk with a sweet vintage picture, set off by custom wainscoting, make an unused nook a favorite spot.
At the end of the day, budgets are personal, and we all have one. Our aim is to help our clients create the most beautiful homes possible while staying within that bottom line.