Interior Design

How to set an interior design budget – and stick to it

Thinking about a house or interior redesign? Two experts share their know-how for achieving maximum results with minimum spend

How to set an interior design budget
(Image credit: De Rosee Sa)

Want to know how to set an interior design budget and stick to it? We picked the brains of two of the UK’s leading designers to help you decide where to spend your money or save it. 

See: Interior design tips – decorating secrets for the world's top experts

Architect Claire Sa established architectural practice De Rosee Sa with Max de Rosee in 2007. The practice is known for its elegant residential work, a skilled use of materials and detailing, and considerable experience of working with period buildings. 

The interior designer 
Nicola Harding has more than 12 years’ experience of running her own interior design practice, Nicola Harding knows all about managing residential projects, large and small. 

1. Take time to make your design decisions

How to set an interior design budget

A micro home office by De Rosee Sa designed to be invisible once the door is closed

(Image credit: Alexander James/De Rosee Sa)

‘The project always suffers when you rush into a build,’ advises architect 
Claire Sa. ‘Making a Pinterest scrapbook is a good way to pull together ideas and then plan a look to stick to. Be careful of going for the contractor who promises to do it faster than anyone else, and set aside a budget for contingencies. We usually recommend 10%.’ 

Nicola Harding also suggests, ‘Don’t just think about what you want, think about why you want it. Often people believe they need something without thinking about it thoroughly, deferring to something that is in fashion, or that other people have, or that they grew up with.’

2. Resist the temptation to start with a clean slate

How to set an interior design budget

Nicola recommends vintage pieces such 
as these chairs - ‘much better craftsmanship and materiality for 
the money'

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

‘I look closely at what is already there and how it might be reimagined,’ says interior designer Nicola Harding. ‘Consider finishes (flooring, wall tiles), architectural elements (doors, windows, fireplaces), ironmongery, sanitaryware, curtains, furniture and light fittings. This approach not only saves money, but also the environment.’ 

Claire Sa agrees: ‘Take stock at the start of what possible building materials, such as floors, doors, etc, you could recycle into the project.’

3. Planning ahead is vital and manage expectations at the outset

How to set an interior design budget

If your budget is limited, do fewer spaces well

(Image credit: Alexander James/De Rosee Sa)

‘If a budget is restricted,’ says 
Claire Sa, ‘it is better 
to use it for fewer carefully considered spaces so I would limit the number of floors or rooms you work on. I would say the most value is probably achieved by creating the space, in other words optimising the volume or area. The decorative "cosmetic" layers can always be done afterwards.’ 

4. Spend your budget on areas of the house that take a battering, such as kitchens

How to set an interior design budget

Use ‘placeholders’ while you budget for future buys – a shelf like this could be replaced with units 

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

‘Invest in a good quality stone work surface, but save by installing cheaper carcassing 
for the units instead of buying bespoke,’ says 
Claire Sa. ’A quality floor is also a good idea for heavily trafficked areas. However, you can buy long lengths of pine boards from a builders’ merchant more cheaply and paint them with a wash or floor paint (Farrow & Ball do a floor paint range).’ 

Nicola Harding suggests, ‘An alternative route could be to reduce the amount you need to help focus your budget. For example, use freestanding pieces of furniture in the kitchen and have a nearby cupboard or small room as a scullery where you can store food, appliances or serveware.’

5. No matter how small your budget, good lighting 
is non-negotiable

How to set an interior design budget

Consider lighting in functional areas carefully

(Image credit: Alexander James/De Rosee Sa)

It’s probably the most important thing to get right, and it doesn’t need to be expensive. ‘Poor lighting is the quickest way to kill atmosphere,’ says Nicola Harding.

‘Downlights can quickly blow the budget – they are expensive and not to my taste. My secret is lots of lamps with warm white light bulbs, so use your budget for good quality bulbs and always ensure 
that light switches are dimmable.’

6. Search out the best moderately priced products

How to set an interior design budget

Combine budget items with an ‘investment piece’  

(Image credit: Nicola Harding)

Research can yield clever solutions. ‘I am always testing new materials and love anything that looks great and is cheap,’ says 
Claire Sa. ‘For example, if you don’t want 
to spend a huge amount on lining a shower with expensive stone, you could try Mortex to line the tray and walls. It’s a little like tadelakt and comes in a range of colors.’ 

Nicola Harding adds ‘Don’t spend on expensive radiators – DIY stores do great value column rads.’

Jennifer Ebert
Editor

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.