Styling your home so that it reflects your personality and lifts your spirits is one of the best gifts you can give yourself... and it needn’t cost the earth. If you have a tight budget and want to DIY, read on for some simple and affordable steps to create a space you love.

Reduce and declutter

Starting with a clean slate will enable you to come up with fresh and creative solutions. What’s most exciting about this part of the process is the opportunity it gives you to see and focus on what really matters.

Most people tend to find the de-cluttering process the biggest (and most stressful) part of the interior design process, but don’t let it overwhelm you! Keep that end goal in mind – a space you’ll love to be in. And bite-size down the task by doing one little section at a time.

1.  Get rid of anything shabby or damaged... you’re having a new start! Terf things you’ve held onto that have reached the end of their good days.

2. Say goodbye to the things that merely take up space and aren’t functional. And let go of those items that add noise but don’t give you a sense of joy. Marie Kondo is a strong advocate for holding each item and sensing whether or not it sparks joy.

Use what you've got

When you’re designing a space on a tight budget, it’s important to use what you already have. You might be surprised... these items could inspire you to go in a particular direction as to what style and colours you focus on. 

Take a look as those special things you decided to keep from your decluttering task... those items that make you smile and/or are functional. They could be low or high-cost items – the monetary value of these items doesn’t matter. Whether you choose to keep a clay figurine your daughter made, a lamp from Kmart or an original painting that’s been passed down in your family, I’m a believer in a home being a collection of things that tell the unique story of who you are.

One thing I’ve kept through the years is a heavy-based iron and a solid timber side table. I’ve also got a hands Werner Replica Wishbone chair in a natural colour.

Invest in some classic pieces

Invest in quality pieces as much as your budget will allow. Quality pieces will not only last the test of time, they’re also versatile.

Think neutrals... pieces that will allow you to change their look if you want to re-style in future. One example is a classic-looking couch in a dark cream or beige tone. The neutral colour of a piece like this will enable you to jazz it up with cushions and throws in a vibrant contrasting colour to tie your chosen style and scheme together.

 
Get curious - and enjoy!

Instead of feeling limited by your tight budget, see it as an adventure. Look at discount or second-hand furniture. Go on a treasure hunt – scour op-shops, Facebook Marketplace and even the roadside. You never know what pieces you might find to compliment your space. Re-purpose! You might even find something that has character and can be re-purposed.

One of my low-cost finds was an artwork – an old poster for the opera.

Use your imagination! Be inspired by nature. Remember what it was like to be a child, wandering along the beach looking for shells or looking for feathers. It’s when you stop to appreciate the little things outdoors that ideas will come to you when you least expect it.

 One of my favourite nature finds is a branch my son found on one of our bush walks. We have it hanging above his bed. It compliments the space and reminds me of that special day.

Designing your own home needn't cost the earth. With some savvy steps and bit of imagination, you'll have an interior you love to be in before you know it.

Want an Interior Designer to help you design your space? Contact me via email to find out how I can help you have the interior of your dreams.

Or for a more affordable option, my E-design service is perfect for you! This service gives you a personal plan for you to DIY – one that caters to your budget, lifestyle and taste. To see how E-design will save you time, money and stress, contact me via email.