If you’re like the majority of modern shoppers engaged in a home project -you have found yourself stumbling to make decisions on which furnishings, colors and materials to choose from and then sticking to it. All of the thousands of options out there make it difficult to choose and you find yourself second guessing yourself. Should you shop online or local? Is it better to do it yourself or hire a professional? Making returns and changing a design plan mid project can get you way in over your head- costing much more than you ever planned. Changes and going over budget can put a real damper on the beautiful dream home project you envisioned. I have seen it happen so many times.

How do you avoid making these costly mistakes?

Money Saving Designer Tip #1: Do Your Research

It’s easy to just dive right in when you’re excited to update and redecorate as you just finished watching your favorite remodeling show on HGTV. “It looks so easy, I can do that in my free time!”. Keep in mind, these designers have a team helping them, they have years of experience and easy access to all the best resources. Research how much all the materials will cost for “Do it Yourself” projects. Often times, people aren’t even aware how much a quality piece of furniture can cost these days. Include everything even down to the cost of a paint brush because these things add up so fast. Also make sure to research DIY projects online, from library books or YouTube videos to make sure that you have the budget and skills to complete the task.

Items to consider for your budget:

• Painting Supplies: Paint, paint tray liner, brushes, rollers, tarp, tape, caulk and Allway tool.
• Furnishings: Include tax and delivery fees
• Artwork: Think about what kind of artwork inspires you: photography, oil on canvas, acrylic on canvas, prints, copies or originals.
• Accents: Discover what your style is and this will determine how much you will be spending. For example, if you are a modern minimalist and you like clean lines, open spaces and less clutter you will not to buy many accents. If you love botanicals and flowers– know that just one stem can cost 15.00, making a faux floral arrangement and case easily cost $100 or more. Do you like throw pillows, fire place mantel decor or mood lighting and candles?
• Bedding: Never go cheap on your bedding because a good nights sleep is needed for a good attitude and focus for the day. You will need a fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillow cases, blanket, bed skirt and accents pillows. Research goose down for pillows and comforter and Egyptian Organic Cotton for sheets.
• Kitchen and Bath Accessories: Do you like accessories for short term or long term? If you like to replace items every two years, you can buy items on the lower end. If you want your pots, pans and other essentials such as bath towels to last many years you will need seek items on the higher end and focus on quality.

Money Saving Designer Tip #2: Don’t Skimp:

How is that I’m telling you not to take short cuts when this is a money saving technique? A cheap item doesn’t equal saving money. My advice when trying to select the right items or furnishing is to go with you first instinct. If you find another furniture piece that costs less- that’s not necessarily a reason to go with that one. The craftsmanship is probably not worthy of it’s price and you simply won’t love it as much. Cutting corners has an end result of dissatisfaction and feeling let down. When this happens I see clients start to return items and sometimes can’t get the full price back. Plus they waste time and resources to return it. They always end up choosing the piece they originally wanted. As long as it makes sense and it is in your budget- select the better quality piece that you know is the right addition for your home and personalizes your style.

Money Saving Designer Tip #3: Get Professional Advice

There’s a notion that Interior Decorators are only for the elite and upper class. With the globalization and the Internet, this is no longer true. It is commonplace for many people to have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. With all the DIY shows and videos, more and more people find themselves learning ways to have a home designed just as they have always wanted- even if it means doing it themselves.

I love a client who wants to take on the challenge and personalize their space to make it a space they love to spend time in. At the same time, I applaud anyone who takes a step out of their comfort zone and reaches out to a professional with the design skills and experience necessary. If you’re just not sure where to begin and you have no idea what your style is, then go for it and give an Interior Decorator a call. You would be surprised, many don’t cost as much as you think and you actually have all the control that you want because the design process is completely collaborative.

It’s not like what you see in the movies- she comes in and changes everything, you have no say and then you get an enormous bill at the end.

Most designers offer a free consultation, where she will come to your home and do a walk through offering free suggestions and advice, while pointing you in the right direction. Based on her estimate, you can decide if you would like her to complete the design for you or not. Also, you can start with just one room at a time and complete your update in phases. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed and you won’t feel obligated to keep the designer once the first room is complete if you should decide not to.

Perhaps you want to do the project yourself but want guidance along the way for your questions and confirmation of your ideas- that is a reason in and of itself to reach out for assistance. In the long run it will save you time, money and stress. Just whatever you do- do not put it off. I meet someone almost everyday who has unfinished projects in their home or office. Unfinished projects create feelings of accomplishment and no one likes that. Decide which way to complete your ideas is best.

What it really comes down to is being prepared & decisive. Know where to save, when to choose quality and also when to get advice or assistance.

Go ahead and decorate your dream house! For a free complete budget checklist based on your next home project, email me at Heidy@AccentStaging.com or visit http://www.AccentStaging.com

Happy Decorating!

Heidy Christina Rucker