Hello to all the DIY design peeps out there! Let’s talk about how to create a design project budget, without breaking the bank, so you can make your design dreams reality!
Have you ever been super excited about a design idea you see in your head only to be de-motivated because you think the budget to bring your idea to life is going to break the bank?
Over the last 19 years of my career in interior design, I learned that this is one of the biggest myths out there!
Being very passionate about helping my clients bring their design dreams to life, you’ll be receiving a FREE series of blog posts over the next several weeks on how to create and complete a design project budget: without breaking the bank!
Don’t let your budget block your creativity! How to Design a Project without Breaking the Bank
- Learn the insider tips and truths to saving money
- What to do first after the “light bulb” moment
- The first steps to creating a solid design plan
- Timing is everything – how much time do you need
Saving Money
When you first get an idea for a new design project, try thinking out of the box. Most people assume they need to hire people to do everything for them instead of considering what tasks they might be able to handle themselves.
For example, if you are sprucing up your living room and you start shopping for furniture, lighting and accessories, the $$ signs start adding up fast.
But, what if you decide to list your existing sofa and other furniture items on FB marketplace first, selling those items and saving that money to use for your new project.
Or, what if you realize your space is really cluttered so before you even start planning the new project you hold a yard sale. You eliminate the clutter and gain extra money for your project, a true win – win!
The “Light Bulb” Moment
The “light bulb” moment is that feeling you get when a design idea first takes spark in your head. Maybe you watched a design show and something caught your eye. Or, you saw something in a store or someone else’s home.
Truth be told, I love walking thru model homes for inspiration!
The first thing you should do is take a picture(s). If you can’t do that, write down what your idea is in a small notebook or look in magazines to find that same inspiration and tear out those photos.
More often than not, having inspiration photos will help you solidify your own idea so you get to the point where you can easily describe it. It helps you manifest your idea into reality.
Taking a fun quiz to discover your decor personality can help too.
I’ve got a cool quiz for you here
Creating a Solid Design Plan
Depending on the size and scope of your design project, you may need just a small notepad to create a list or you may want a large file folder to hold all your papers!
For example, if your plan is to update your living room with new furnishings a small notepad would suffice. This helps you keep track of what you already have for the space vs. what you need to purchase.
It’s a good idea to list out what things will cost first so you can decide on other options if something isn’t in your budget. It’s surprising what great deals are available at places like the Habitat for Humanity Restore, FB marketplace, estate sales, etc.
If you plan to remodel your kitchen or bathroom get a large file folder to hold all your papers. These kind of design project will require more resources. You will most likely be hiring a plumber, electrician, painter, carpenter, etc. These projects are much more involved from both a time aspect and require a larger budget.
But, don’t let the scope of the project discourage you. There are always workarounds and design hacks that can save your budget, and let your design idea come to life! That’s what this series is all about.
How Much Time Do You Need
A little hint, you can always use more time so don’t wait til the last minute!
A good rule to follow is allow more time than you think you need to complete a project. The bigger the project, the more time.
In the design world, we actually never feel like a project is totally done. Because our design aesthetic typically evolves over time, it’s very common to tweak things even months down the road after completing a project. Don’t feel like you have to have everything perfect on the first go around.
Click here to find out more about Sandy. And, stay tuned… you can enter your email address in the box below to get notifications of future posts in this series!
I LOVE this article Sandy! It is very insightful! YOU are amazing and thank you (again) for helping me get the right pieces for my new home in Tucson when I moved December 2020!
Thank you Terrie Marie. It was my pleasure to help you!