How to Define a Budget for your Interior Design Project

You are finally ready for a whole room redesign! So exciting. But also, scary. How much is all of this going to cost? What is reasonable to pay for things these days? Which items are worth spending more on, and which can be lower end?

All great questions and we have some answers for you.

The beauty of a whole room redesign is since you are starting from scratch, you (or your interior designer) can plan ahead so that all the pieces of the puzzle fit together perfectly. Colors will coordinate, scale and function can be optimal. But it is an investment and knowing where to invest the big money is key.

Fixed vs. Regional

Furniture and other purchases will cost roughly the same price no matter where you live. But if you are in Philadelphia or on the Main Line, expect any subcontractor costs to be higher than if you lived in flyover country. Right now, construction trades are in high demand, taking only the jobs they want and charging a premium for them. It is best to get several quotes and choose from the middle of the pack. Avoid the highest and the lowest. Once you have some estimates in hand, you will know how much is left for purchases.

Fixed costs are upholstery pieces, rugs, case goods, lighting, art, and accessories. They add up fast when you consider all of these categories.

Good, Better, Best

We like to use the “good, better, best” model. If you can afford it, at the very least, you want to buy “good.” That means excluding discount stores, cheaply made goods from overseas and ‘put it together yourself’ furniture. (You know who we mean!). If you are young and just starting out, you may stay in the good category for the entire room. Better is always better. More expensive furniture items are constructed with better quality materials and in a more highly skilled manner.

Some retail store examples for reference:

Good: Crate and Barrel or West Elm

Better: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

Best: Baker or Century

Know your needs

Understanding how you will use a room is important to creating a wish list and budget. How many people do you need to comfortably seat? Do you need light control on the windows or just privacy? Do you need performance fabric? Are you hard on your furniture or careful with it? Knowing your needs will guide you in where to invest bigger amounts.

The High/Low Equation

There are some items you don’t want to skimp on, like a sofa or area rug. These get plenty of use, and if they are cheaply made, it will show within a couple of months. Replacing them will be throwing good money after bad. Invest more in large upholstered pieces, high use tables, low pile wool rugs, and good quality fabric.

Places to save could be table and floor lamps, accessories, art and throw pillows. But don’t go too low end, or you will be replacing them sooner rather than later also.

What about the dollar amount?

Only you know what you can afford. An experienced interior designer can help you understand what a room will cost to furnish and why. In my professional opinion, buy the best you can afford and make choices you will love for years to come. Make selections based on your own unique style, not a current trend, and your space will inspire and serve you well for a very long time.

Let the fun begin!

Design is and should be fun. Our promise to you is to take the stress out of interior design and bring back the joy of it. A properly designed room can positively impact your well being and doing it within your budget is possible!