Ask the Designer: Setting a Budget

McGee & Co.

I'm kicking off a new series, Ask the Designer, where I'll address some of the most frequently asked questions about interior design. Have a question you'd like answered? Shoot me an email or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook.

Today, I want to talk about setting a budget for a room redesign. A lot of my clients come into a project unsure about their budget. They don't know how much things cost, and why would you?! There's a wide range of options for each furniture piece on the market, making it seem impossible to know where to start.

First, take a look at your finances. We all have limitations and it's best to take those into consideration from the start. Decide what you're comfortable spending and how much wiggle room you have. As a designer, it helps to know if you have flexibility so I can decide if I want to show you an item that's perfect for your space but above the budget. If you have a strict number in mind, I won't tempt you with something you can't afford.

Second, you need to decide on your priorities. If you're feeling one of the hot trends, then it may be smart to spend less on those pieces so you can swap them for the next big thing in a year or two. If you need pieces that will work for a growing family, I suggest investing in performance fabrics but keeping throw pillows and other decor items less expensive. Wouldn't want something precious to get ruined! Consider the calculator below to see where your project falls.

If you don't fall squarely in one category, then ask for help! As your designer, I'm happy to help guide the budget conversation and make recommendations on where to spend vs. save depending on your goals.

If you're ready to get to work on your room redesign, shoot me an email! We can discuss the scope of your project and which service offering is the best fit. Can't wait to work with you!