Redesigning a room can be sooo much fun! You stroll into your favorite décor store with a plan to buy one thing. Maybe a new throw pillow or a rug. Suddenly, you’re at the checkout with a velvet ottoman, an abstract painting that "spoke to your soul," and a mosaic tile giraffe. You’re all smiles until you check your bank account and realize that maybe... just maybe... you should have started with a budget. 

Budgeting doesn’t have to suck the fun out of your design dreams! It can be the friend that helps your project come to life IF you follow the simple steps in this blog. 

Steps For A Successful Budget-Friendly Redesign 

Step 1: Have the Talk...With Yourself

Before you step foot in the nearest home decor store or start scrolling through Pinterest, it’s time for honest conversation. Ask yourself how much money you actually have for the project. This is the part where you face reality. 

The key is knowing your financial limits. Set a number, write it down, and stick to it. Completing a successful project will feel satisfying and remember that staying under budget will make future projects and tweaks much easier to manage. 

Step 2: The Spreadsheet: Your New Best Friend

Spreadsheets aren’t sexy but they can be magical when it comes to finishing a completed project that you absolutely love. 

Break down your redesign budget into categories:

• Furniture

• Paint/Wallpaper

• Lighting

• Decor

• “Oops!” Fund (because something always goes wrong) 

Allocate a portion of your budget to each category and remember to allocate 15 to 20% for the infamous Oops Category. Now you’re not just throwing money at pretty things—you have a realistic plan. 

Step 3: Thrift Store Hunting: A Budgeter’s Paradise

Thrift stores, consignment shops, and Facebook Marketplace are your best friends when you’re trying to redesign on a budget. Sure, you may have to wade through some questionable 1970s furniture and the occasional creepy doll collection, but the thrill of finding that perfect vintage coffee table at a fraction of the cost is priceless. 

Step 4: DIY: Dangerous Ideas Yielding (Possibly) Fantastic Results

Have you ever looked at a $600 mirror and thought, “I can make that”? Well, sometimes you can. The internet is full of tutorials to help you hack designer looks for a fraction of the cost. Just remember to be realistic. Know your limits and stick to DIYs that match your skills and the time you have to invest in the project or you may create a lot of unnecessary frustration. 

Step 5: Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize

Remember it takes time to get your new room to your ideal of perfection. It's okay to focus on one big piece—like the couch, bed, or dining table—and let the smaller details evolve over time. You don’t need to buy everything in one go. Prioritize the must-haves over the nice-to-haves.  

Step 6: The Power of Paint

When your budget is tight, paint can be your best friend. It’s often been mine. A fresh coat of paint can make your old furniture look new, add a pop of color to a tired room, or even cover past projects that haven’t stood the test of time. Bonus: it’s one of the cheapest ways to refresh a room. 

Step 7: Expect the Unexpected

Like in life, things don’t always go as planned in interior design. You’ll accidentally choose the wrong paint color. That sofa delivery will get delayed. Or your dog will decide the new rug is his personal playground. Make sure to create a cushion in your budget for these inevitable curveballs. 

Final Thoughts

In the end, redesigning a room should be fun. A budget can feel like a buzzkill, but when you step back and admire your new space knowing you paid what you could afford, you’ll feel wonderful and be able to truly enjoy your space. 

Now, what will you do next to love where you live? 

Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed. 

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