Living in a rented space doesn’t have to limit your design choices. While your landlord may have specific contract stipulations that prevent major modifications, like say tearing down a wall or repainting a room without prior permission, you are still free to redecorate your home as you see fit. After all, the only limit to your design creativity is your imagination—and your budget. So, how do you manage your expenses? In this article, we share four ways to stay within budget while redecorating your home.
Write down your decor wishlist
Start by thinking about everything you would like to include in your design refresh. At this stage, don’t worry about the budget. Create a list of all your must-have items. Is it that velvet statement chair that would add a pop of color to your living room? Perhaps a new light fixture to illuminate the home office? Maybe even a piece of art to add to your gallery wall.
Not sure where to start? You can find inspiration in design blogs, magazines, books, or Pinterest, as well as in film, literature, or even fashion. Taken by the mid-century modern production design in one of your favorite shows? Note the furniture pieces you would like to include in your space. Love the color palette of the latest spring runway collections? Consider how these hues can be incorporated into your home through decor.
Create a design plan
With your wishlist in hand, the next is to create a design plan. Make sure everything is in writing and include details such as the specific room or area where decor items will go. These need not be the actual items; you can have pegs in mind and gather photos online to include in your plan.
How to manage your expenses while mapping out your plan? Start gathering quotations for materials and professional services. For every task, list down all materials you will need and the corresponding professionals needed for installation works. Research costs from suppliers or from e-commerce websites, aiming for a ballpark figure for now. You can refine this later through comparison shopping.
Furthermore, include options at different price points and consider multiple suppliers. Ultimately, think of this design plan as a working cost estimate to guide you through the process and keep you within budget.
Scour stores to compare home items
Now it’s time to refine your plan further and shop for the items you need. While online shopping is convenient, it certainly helps to also see, feel, and experience the actual pieces in person. The purpose of comparison shopping is to find the most feasible items, cost-wise, for your design plans and to look for substitutes if a specific piece is unavailable.
For example, if that hardwood coffee table exceeds your budget, consider getting a set of smaller nesting tables in a similar but more affordable material.
Lastly, remember to factor service costs into your grand total and don’t skimp on talent. Prioritize suppliers with whom you have good ties and good work experience. If exploring a new professional, check customer reviews and ask to see samples of their work.
Curate your list
Once you have shortlisted your decor items, curate your design plan to include only the items and services that will be part of your project. This step is vital to ensure your budget doesn’t suffer in the long run. If you go overboard, make sure that you have a contingency fund of 5% to 10% of the total cost.
Additional tips for working with interior designers
If you plan to work with a professional interior designer (IDr), expect the budget discussion to come a little later in your initial discussion.
During your first consultation, a designer will usually build rapport with you, understand your design goals better, and assess if they are the right fit for the job. That being said, it is a good idea to meet with more than one professional so you too can make an informed decision.
Before your consultation, do your homework and review the IDr’s project portfolio. While you can discuss how to manage your expenses by way of a working budget during the first session, the second meeting is more likely to cover the cost details before finalizing everything with a work contract and cost estimate.
Ready to decorate your rental home? Find the perfect canvas with a unit listed by Rockwell Leasing and Secondary Sales. Choose from Rockwell’s premiere developments and compare properties with ease.
Once you have settled on a rental, enjoy the signature Rockwell lifestyle with its distinct exclusivity, security, convenience, and accessibility.
Furthermore, East Bay Residences has a retail row with a supermarket and bank so your essentials are always within reach. It is truly the epitome of the signature Rockwell lifestyle, with its trademark security, exclusivity, and privacy.
Contact Rockwell Leasing and Secondary Sales today to learn more.