Achieving Stunning and Comfortable Spaces without Breaking the Bank

Decorating your home can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a tight budget. You may have lofty ideas about creating a beautiful, comfortable space that showcases your personality, but are unsure about where to start. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to create a stunning and comfortable living space. With creativity, resourcefulness, and careful planning, you can achieve your dream home without breaking the bank. Interior designer Deborah Tilbrook is a perfect example of how to do it.

Deborah recently worked on our Lalela Estate showhouse, which is set in a beautiful, natural environment with a stunning view of the Manor House. Her mandate was to create a practical and inspired look for the home that incorporated sustainable living and was achievable for most people when buying and furnishing an off-plan home.

Deborah shares some of her insights and tips for creating a comfortable and stylish home on a budget.

Budgets and practicality

Determining your budget is critical when designing a space. You need to be honest about what you can or cannot afford. While it’s easy to design a space when you have an unlimited budget, the smaller your budget, the more challenging it becomes. The home you’re designing must cater to the needs of those living in it. For our Lalela Estate showhouse, Deborah started with the living room, the heart of the home, and used the couch as a guideline. The first piece of furniture she bought was a couch, which was the most expensive piece in the house. However, it was essential to ensure it worked aesthetically and was comfortable for relaxation in the tranquil surroundings.

The importance of space planning

Space planning is critical in directing the functionality of a room. Furniture placement and the flow of movement are essential things to consider. Deborah identified what already existed in the Lalela Estate showhouse, things that could not be changed, and worked around them. Mapping out where everything fits can help you determine how space will be utilized and how you can maximize it. The custom-designed homes at Lalela Estate are configured with living in mind, and the glass doors on either side of the living area let in light and create a connected space that brings nature into the home.

Colour creates character

All the colours used throughout the house were inspired by the greens and yellows in nature. Neutral tones were used in the living areas to appeal to a broader audience, while the bedrooms had pops of personality with shades of greens and yellows reflected in the grasslands outside. This helped individualize each room while still keeping a consistent golden thread of colour throughout the house.

How to use texture

Texture is an essential element in bringing character into a space. Deborah recommends using textured items, such as mustard cushions with a patterned texture, to create visual depth and dimension. However, when working with a limited budget, it’s essential to have one standout feature that will be the hero in the space. Overcrowding a room with only expensive items risks losing the standout element that demands your attention. Deborah advises starting with one texture and then adding more until it feels right. Layering and using texture and colour in cushions and curtains can help you make the space feel like your own.

In conclusion, creating a stunning and comfortable living space doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With careful planning, creativity, and resourcefulness, you can achieve your dream home without breaking the bank. Start with determining your budget, identify what already exists in the space, and plan accordingly. Consider using neutral tones for a broader appeal and add pops of personality with shades of colours and textures. It’s also essential to have one standout feature that will be the hero in the space. With these insights and tips from layering and using texture and colour in the cushions and curtains can help you make the space feel like your own without going over budget.

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