Creating a Wallet-Friendly Decor Plan For Your Space

Let's be real—how many of us have jumped into redecorating our homes without a budget? I know I can’t be the only one. Who’s with me? While budgeting may not be the most exciting part of a project, I’m learning that it’s essential if I want to avoid being overwhelmed, falling into unnecessary debt, or dealing with buyer’s remorse. Here’s some truth for you—this is the first time I’m doing this! In the past, I’ve always just jumped in or, worse, impulsively shopped. The result? A collection of items I never use, and ending up with spaces that don't flow or feel cohesive.

This time around though, I’m making myself go through the process of planning out my decorating, and staying accountable along the way. There’s a saying that when you put restraints on yourself, you actually gain more freedom. When we’re focused and have a plan in place, we have more confidence. So, if you’re like me and new to the whole budgeting thing, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Find Out What Each Room Needs

Take it room by room, space by space. Write down everything you feel that the room needs. Be purposeful with each item—remember, we want our dollars to go a long way! This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for your budget.

 2. Research Those Items

This tip cannot be stressed enough! Every product comes in a variety of price points and quality levels. Determine your quality expectations, then research each item according to the specifications that you need. For example, if you’re looking for a 47-inch dining table or a 27-inch counter stool, make sure you’re comparing like items in the style you want across different stores (especially places you love).

 3. Jot Down the Price Range for Each Product

As you research, make note of each product you find and jot down the price range—from the lowest to the highest price you discover. This will help you get a realistic sense of what you’ll be spending.

4. Define Your Priorities

After you’ve gathered all your pricing, total it up. You should end up with an overall ballpark range for your budget. From there, make a priority list. Ask yourself: Can I do it all, or should I do it in phases? Prioritizing will help you stay focused on what’s most important, and also stretch your dollars even more.

 5. Build in a Cushion for Your Overall Budget

Remember to consider costs like sales tax or shipping when building your budget. I’ll even go to the extent of putting items in my cart to see the overall cost.

6. Make a Plan

Instead of trying to tackle your entire home all at once, consider taking it one room or space at a time. Or, maybe instead of getting the most expensive light fixture, you opt for a fixture that’s on the lower range of the pricing you researched. I, for instance, plan to spread my decorating over a span of a few months, taking a space or two each month. This approach not only makes the process less overwhelming but also allows me to adjust my budget and plans as I go.

By following these steps, I’m confident that I’ll stay on track with my budget while still achieving the home of my dreams—and I know you can too! Stay tuned, and Happy decorating!

Brittany