It’s easier to budget if you do one room at a time, but that only prolongs the experience and doesn’t really solve the problem. It often results in going over budget if you think you can make up for it later. Here are five tips for setting a budget that you can afford and stay with.
1. Consider Your Lifestyle
Before you start planning, make up a list of your requirements and goals. Redecorating before putting your home on the market can be very different from redecorating a home that you expect to spend the next 30 years in. Think about what use you expect from each room, and who the primary users are. If you have young children or pets you’ll have to take wear and tear into consideration. Elderly family members or visitors might have special needs. Make lists of what you’d like to keep and what must go. Before you invest in new décor, think about the long-term value you’ll get from it.
2. Sketch It Out
You don’t have to be an architect, but it helps to make a drawing as close to scale as possible and plot out all the changes you have in mind. You’ll have to know the square footage for new flooring or ceiling. Think about where new fixtures and furniture will go and what dimensions you need to allow traffic flow. Make a list, room by room, of everything you need and be sure it gets sketched into your plan. Add or subtract items from both as needed. When you’re satisfied you can start looking up costs for whatever is left on the list.
3. Set Priorities
As your decorating budget grows, think about the priorities. You could base this on major costs to get out the way, or logical steps like replacing the floor before your replace the furniture. If entertaining is important, you might want to focus on completing the living and dining rooms before you tackle the bedrooms. If your own happiness is what’s important, start with the rooms where you spend the most time, such as the kitchen or family room.
4. Shop Around
Bear in mind that just because you set a budget doesn’t mean you have to stick to it. Shop for alternatives and be willing to compromise a little if you can get good results that will stretch your budget further. If money’s tight and you can live with vinyl instead of leather, get vinyl. Don’t overlook thrift shops where you can find some affordable treasures, or great bargains even if it means settling for a different color in carpet or drapes.
5. Repurpose the Space
When drawing up your floor plan, that doesn’t have to be a limitation. Changing the layout can be affordable, especially on a small scale. Think about how tight spaces can be opened up or repurposed to create additional functionality or better storage space. Many spaces such as corners, closets, and hallways that you don’t think of as rooms can become study nooks or lounge areas. Some creative ideas for small space design can transform the look and feel of your home.
The important thing to do is take a good look around and determine exactly what you can do with the money you have. Whether you’re knocking out a wall or buying a sofa, be sure it’s something you can live with.
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