Where to invest in interiors and where you can save.
Creating a space that tenants will comfortably live in is no easy task – especially when you’re working with your own budgets and time allocation constraints.
Learning how to make the most of your budget, while creating a high-spec rental property is a challenge, but never impossible.
At Mardesign we’re all about executing incredible interior design projects, regardless of what your budget is.
Kitchen . Marlea
We don’t think that a high budget is indicative of superior quality, and we’ve been able to work on a range of interior design projects large and small that have proved this point.
With any project, there are certain things that are worth your investment, and areas that you can afford to save on.
Keep reading to learn more about 5 investments and 5 ways to save on interior design:
Where to spend on interior design?
If you want your property to impress tenants, you will have to put a bit of money behind it to secure higher rents and satisfied clients. Here are the areas of your project where you should allocate more of your budget:
Bedroom 04 . Marlea
1. Invest in statement pieces
The secret to incredible interior design is having statement pieces that form the foundation of the space’s atmosphere.
This could be a statement sofa, large rug or a floor-length mirror that brings light into the room. Whatever your statement feature is going to be, this is what you should spend your money on.
Once you have a statement feature that speaks to you, you can start to build the rest of the interior around it.
Work Station . Marlea
2. Focus on your WOW areas
Every property has its ‘WOW’ areas, the places where people’s attention naturally gets drawn, or the spaces in the property where tenants spend most of their time.
You should allocate larger proportions of your budget to designing these areas that will really make an impact.
The WOW area in your property could be the entryway, or it could even be the living room. The toilet or storage rooms aren’t going to be the WOW areas, so you shouldn’t spend all your money designing these spaces.
3. Lighting
Lighting is an extremely important feature in any property. Good lighting can completely change the atmosphere or vibe of any room – so deserves some investment.
A dazzling statement chandelier or abstract light fixture can go a long way in interior design. One small investment in this area can completely elevate a room and give a luxury feel to any property.
4. Quality countertops
You often get what you pay for when it comes to countertops so it doesn’t pay to go the cheaper route.
Invest in a material that’s going to stand the test of time and that looks luxurious too. The more you invest now, the less you’ll have to worry about ripping out improper countertops later on down the line.
5. Elegant drapery
High-quality linens and curtains may require tailoring and investment to perfectly match your space but can give a real high-end feel to your property.
Don’t view drapery as a mere accessory, it can easily become
Lounge . Marlea
Where to save on interior design?
Although you may think you need to invest to achieve the top-quality finish you desire, this isn’t always necessary.
Here are some of the areas in your property where you can maximise your ROI and keep a tight handle on your budgets.
1. Look for second-hand pieces where possible
With many new projects, you may have to buy furniture brand new to comply with regulations, but you may be able to save money in other areas.
Charity shops, auctions, vintage stores and second-hand websites are great places to source interesting and beautiful furniture for a fraction of the price of new items.
It may require more digging, but we’re sure your search will bring up some incredible pieces that will fit right into your property.
2. Make your finishing touches count, but don’t let them swallow up your budget
Some people can get caught up in the smallest details of their houses; we’re talking cushions, light switches, ornaments etc.
Although styling and the finishing touches of a property are important, you should focus your budget on key pieces and then choose more affordable options when it comes to complementary accessories.
If you can’t easily see these additions, or if it wouldn’t make too much of a difference if they weren’t there, it’s not worth your investment.
3. Save on your walls
Whether you’re tiling the bathroom, adding wallpaper to the bedroom, or giving the living room a fresh coat of paint, you can always save when it comes to your walls.
If you’re on a strict budget, paint is the most affordable option and can be used to inject life and colour into any room.
If you have slightly more money to play with, it’s easy to find budget-friendly tiles and wallpaper that can look just as good as more expensive options.
4. Be considerate of your fabric choices
If you’re always going for the most expensive fabrics, it won’t be long before your budget starts to creep up.
But it’s not so hard to source more affordable options that can still make a big impact in any space.
You should also be considerate of how much fabric you’re using when you decide which material to use. For example, you could afford to spend more on fabric for cushions as you need so little but might want to use a cheaper alternative if you’re reupholstering an entire sofa.
5. Create a budget and stick to it
Our final tip for saving money in interior design may seem like the most obvious but is easily forgotten when you get carried away with a project – your budget.
Before getting started, be realistic about your budget and where you’re able to spend money.
Do your research on items that you want to use and calculate how much you expect everything to cost. This will give you a good idea of how much you’re going to spend – then it’s up to you to stick to your plans!
Bedroom 04 . Marlea
Let us help you with your interior design!
In this article we took you through some of the key areas where you can save or spend when it comes to interior design – we hope these tips were helpful.
If you want more help designing your next property, we’d love to help.
Get in touch with Mardesign today and let’s get started on your next successful project.
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