Decorating on a Budget 2021

Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID, IDS, is an accredited designer, acknowledged business leader, entrepreneur, author, media personality and motivational speaker. Her interior design firm, Natalie Weinstein Design Associates, has been creating lifestyle changes in homes and public spaces, decorating for countless clients since 1973. In 2001, the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club was launched to guide “do-it-yourselfers” with a little help from a pro. Uniquely Natalie, a quality furniture and accessory consignment boutique was opened in 2014 to give every shopper an opportunity to create a beautiful home no matter what the budget. For questions, please call 631.862.6198.

Budgets are necessary in decorating, for the same reason they are necessary in life. To have enough money to complete the project, you need to know the cost of each item before you begin, including construction and renovation. Often, that part of the project expends much more than anticipated, and too few funds are left for interior decorating. If you know in advance that you have exceeded your budget, it gives you an opportunity to make other choices as to either balance or expand your spending, or wait to complete your project.
By making a list of the functional necessities as well as a wish list, you can prioritize and realistically analyze your long and short-term needs. For example, if you are living in a rental apartment or home, or plan to reside where you are for less than five years, costly wall to wall carpeting, wall coverings and custom built-ins should not be a priority. Be sure to select major items that are classic, whether modern or traditional, which will stand the test of time, wherever you are.
Fads, or whatever is “in” will soon be “out”. Don’t compromise quality. If you can’t afford to buy everything at once, think about buying less and adding more later, rather than settling for uncomfortable furniture or poor workmanship that won’t wear well. If you know that the funds you allotted must complete the entire project, leave some monies for accessories so that your home will look “finished”.
Set up a ledger sheet listing all the items you want and need, including that budget line for art and accessories. Start comparison shopping. Most large stores and specialty shops have sale times and many have outlet stores with great “mark down” items, however, look carefully for damages or mismatches.
Don’t forget to add labor costs to your ledger sheet. Upholstery labor costs are usually separate from the fabrics you select for window treatments and seating. Wallpaper hanging and painting are separate from the actual cost of the wallpaper. Installation is separate from tile selection. Ask about delivery charges and other shipping fees. Don’t forget to include tax.
If you own your home, condo or co-op, improvements to permanent areas such as kitchens and baths can mean better resale value, as well as better living for you while you are there. Renovation or construction additions appreciate the value of your home, while making it feasible to remain there rather than move to larger quarters and still have to decorate. If you don’t wish to relocate, change schools, churches, neighbors, etc., this is a viable and often cost effective option, and may be funded by home improvement loans or second mortgages.
If you have very little resources, paint instead of wallpaper and plan on doing it yourself or with the help of willing and knowledgeable friends or family. Clean up and organize. Get rid of the mess or clutter and see what a difference that makes. Look for bargains that are legitimate, such as end-of-the-year white sales, clearance center specials, wallpaper outlets, rug remnants, tag and garage sales, etc. If you are handy, go to fabric outlets and make your own slipcovers or curtains. Do-it-yourself kits are also available for refinishing old furniture.
In addition, ready-made sheeting and matching ensembles save money and create “decorator bedrooms” for a fraction of the cost of custom. Accessorize with items you already own: books, plants, collectibles. You can also buy posters or prints and frame them professionally, but inexpensively. Don’t however, change the floor plan. Compromising function is not necessary, and in the long run, is the least cost-effective method.
So – your home decorating projects are calling. Make a plan, count your dollars, roll up your sleeves and get started!