REDESIGN YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET

If you’re seeking to revamp or reinvent one or more areas of your home, prepare to shell out big bucks.

“By replacing the curtains, investing in a new rug, painting one wall to feature as an accent wall, and then shopping secondhand for new furniture pieces, you might be able to redesign your bedroom for less than $500,” Kazimierski says.

Unless, of course, you apply savvy homeowner principles, fiscal discipline and creatively efficient approaches that can accomplish at least some if not most of your goals for a redesigned space.

“Redesigning on a tight budget is possible. The key is to be creative and resourceful with the resources available,” says Brad Smith, an interior designer and creative director with OmniHomeIdeas.com. “This may, for example, involve repurposing existing furniture, incorporating affordable decor pieces, and focusing on smaller updates that can make a big impact.”

Your first goal is to prioritize your budget.

Determine your most important design elements and rank them accordingly.

“For instance, if you need a new sofa but don’t have the budget for a high-end one, consider purchasing a budget-friendly option and then adding some throw pillows or a throw blanket to make it more comfortable and visually appealing,” suggests Julio Arco, an architect and interior designer with Bark and Chase.

Arco’s recipe for success on a shoestring is fairly simple.

DIY as much as you can to save money, including doing the prep/demolition, painting and decor-affixing yourself; shop secondhand whenever possible from thrift stores, consignment shops and online marketplaces; use color strategically, such as implementing a bold color on an accent wall or incorporating pops of color with decor items to add interest in personality; and focus on smaller details.

Let’s say you want to reinvent a bedroom.

A few simple tweaks can make a big difference without putting you into serious debt, says Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Chicago-based Improovy.

Redesigning a bathroom for less can be done by focusing on small updates that can yield a noticeable impact.

“Start by replacing dated fixtures and hardware, such as faucets and towel bars, with more modern options,” recommends Smith. “Consider painting the walls and updating the lighting for a fresh look. Add some new decor pieces like towels and a shower curtain. Your total cost could be less than $350.”

Ultimately, focus on the potential of the living space instead of the limitations of your budget.

“With a little inventiveness and strategic planning, you can redesign your space in a way that reflects your tastes and meet your needs without blowing all your savings,” Smith adds.

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Doing as much work as you can yourself will stretch your redesign budget.

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