Interior design projects come with a lot of excitement; adding beauty and functionality to your living spaces can be so much fun! But that interior design dream can quickly be dampened by the reality of having to stay within a budget. Sticking to a budget for your design project can be challenging, but is absolutely necessary to ensure both a successful and enjoyable experience. To help you stay within your interior design budget, here are 6 of our tried and true practical tips.

Create A Detailed Budget And Stick To It.

Having a detailed budget is the best way to keep your interior design project on track. Make sure to include all materials, labor, and any other expenses you may need to incur. You might even consider overestimating certain items in your budget, just in case. Once your budget is established, commit to it and make sure to stick to it using the rest of our tips.

Shop Around.

Don’t settle for the first price you get on materials, fixtures, or any other aspect of your project. Take the time to shop around and compare prices to get the best deal. You may even find a better quality item at a lower price.

Consider DIY Options When Practical.

Doing it yourself can be a great way to save money on your interior design project. Even if you don’t have a ton of experience with do-it-yourself projects, there are plenty of tutorials available to help you out. That being said, some stuff is better left to professionals. Use your judgment here, and remember we'd love to help!

Bring Secondhand And Antique Items In.

Shopping at thrift stores, antique stores, and yard sales can help you find great items at a fraction of the cost. We absolutely love adding antique pieces to today's interiors, and try to include at least one (if the client loves it too) in every design. We think vintage items add so much character to an interior design project, with the added bonus of helping you stay on budget.

Splurge, Rather Than Cost-Cutting, On Important Parts.

If you are able to budget carefully, you may want to consider splurging on a few items that you really can't live without. We're talking fancy designer wallpaper, top of the line appliances, that built-in storage you always wanted in your mudroom! But keep the splurge focused on the things you really need and that will make life easier for your family, rather than stuff you just want in the moment. This will help ensure that you still get the look you are going for without breaking the bank.

Don't Rush It.

Take your time and make sure to get the best prices on items and contractor work. After that, make sure everyone (designer, architect, contractor, manager) is on the same page by practicing strong communication. Discuss everything. Then build your design project out over time as budget allows with a source list (a list of items, paint colors, and furnishings, that make up your design) like the one we provide for our clients in their client portal.

By following these tips, you can create a great interior design project while staying within your budget. Remember to be patient and take your time to get the best deals. Good luck!

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As always, we appreciate all ideas, input, and feedback from our community and clients. Please drop us a line in the comments below, follow us on Instagram, chat with us on our Facebook page or email us at josh@joshuaallendesign.com! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter (@j_allen_design) and subscribe to our YouTube channel where we post design-related videos!