THE ART OF DESIGN BUDGETS: TIPS AND TRICKS AND WHY HIRING THE RIGHT DESIGNER CAN SAVE YOU $$$
- NOLEN CARTER
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Now, just like most people, the idea of spending upwards of $10,000 on a new sofa (yes—just the sofa) might have you seriously considering an Ocean’s 11-style heist at your local furniture store. I get it. People have purchased cars for less than what a quality sofa can costs these days, and unless your grandfather happened to pass down the sacred art of eight-way hand-tying a seat or dovetailing hardwood frames, it’s just something you have to accept. Close your eyes, swipe the card, go home, and pour yourself a bottle—I mean glass—of Scotch… I mean wine… okay, fine—apple juice or what ever else is currently socialy acceptable.
However you choose to cope with this harsh financial reality is entirely between you, your chosen deity, and your credit card provider. As for me, I solemnly swear not to judge—or to disclose the price of your new sofa to anyone. Especially not your husband, wife, partner, grandmother, or whoever foots the bills. That is my sworn oath as your designer and stylist.
That being said—enough with my not-so-funny jokes about the outrageous price of furniture.The reality is this: Yes, you can absolutely furnish a home on almost any budget. Beautiful, stylish pieces are out there at nearly every price point. But in my experience, the whole “I furnished my 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath custom-built home for less than $5,000” thing is… well, a bit of a fantasy.
All those “DIY Dupes” (yes, I swore I’d never use that word) and Facebook flippers claiming they made $60k last month by dumpster-diving for IKEA nightstands and spray-painting them? (news flash they actually make that cash due to advertisers reaching out and making deals with them, most of those "influencers" take that ikea night stand and donate it or toss it in the garbage as soon as that video is made.) None the less at the end of the day even if that were true, some things cant replace the quality of artisan furniture made in places like North Carolina—crafted by hand, passed down through generations, and delivered to your home with the kind of care that big-box stores just can’t replicate.
So why the rant and why does this matter when talking about your design budget? Because one of the first things about starting a design project and creating a realistic budget with an outcome that you will truly be happy with, is understanding that it can be expensive. Thats it. There is no way around the fact that furniture is expensive, contractors are expensive and the quicker this fact can be accepted the better.
So then why even talk about budgets if essentially what I am saying is that there is no magic spell that can give you your dream home for next to nothing? Because although the reality is yes, it is expensive to complete some of these projects, doesnt mean that a thoughtful budget isnt helpful. By working with an interior designer that can sit with you and understand your goals, your likes, dislikes and non negotiables, they can draft a plan that can realisticly incompass all of those things and present you with a plan to complete that project on time and on the budget you decide.
Let’s break it down:
1. Start with a Clear Vision
What are your priorities for the space? Are you after luxe comfort, timeless quality, or a quick aesthetic update? Define your goals, and the budget will naturally start to take shape around them.
2. Understand the Scope
Are you furnishing one room or designing an entire home? Replacing furniture or starting from scratch? The more honest you are about the scale of your project, the more accurate your budget can be.
3. Do Your Research
Prices vary—widely. Research average costs in your area for furnishings, materials, contractor work, and designer fees. Know what’s realistic so you’re not blindsided later.
4. Break Down Your Budget
Allocate your funds by category: furniture, lighting, decor, labor, shipping/delivery, design services, and a contingency fund (10–15% is a good buffer). This helps you make smarter decisions throughout the project.
5. Be Flexible—but Intentional
Things change. You may fall in love with a piece that stretches your budget, or save money in one area to splurge in another. Flexibility is helpful—but staying grounded in your overall budget ensures the project stays on track.
Designing a space that reflects your lifestyle and taste doesn’t require a bottomless bank account—but it does require intention. With a clear plan, a sense of humor, and a little guidance, you can build a home that feels both beautiful and completely you.
Need help figuring out where to begin book your free consultation and let us help you plan your next project.
Need more help creating your budget? Check out our free downloadable budgeting worksheet below.
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