Designing a home is large and often expensive endeavour. And unless you are an experienced designer, knowing where to spend more money and where to save it can feel like a minefield.
But interior designer Shea McGee has taken to Instagram to answer everyone's biggest design dilemmas, and she's started her new 'office hours' series off by answering the question we all want to know the answer to: how to decorate a home on a budget.
The secret? Knowing exactly which items should be considered investments for longevity, and which decor pieces can still look beautiful, even at a lower cost. 'I think if we're focusing on a living room and bedroom, I look at things in price tiers and where I'm going to invest,' says Shea in the video.
Here, we take a deeper dive into which pieces in your bedroom and living room Shea says you should invest in, and the less prominent features you can afford to save money on.
Where to invest
When you're thinking about the items in your home you want to invest in, look to the large, focus pieces. For Shea, it's the large furniture items you use every day and that sit at the heart of your design that you should prioritize.
'A sofa and your headboard are where I would invest. So make sure that your sofa is the highest quality you can get, and make sure your bed is a bed frame, not just a headboard that you lean against the wall – try to get the best you can,' says Shea.
And it makes sense – your sofa is the place of relaxation in your living room, and it's a piece that your eye will instantly be drawn to. Equally, your bed quite literally sits at the heart of your bedroom, and if you opt for a frame with a beautiful headboard, it can form the base of the whole room's design.
When you're investing in a furniture item – especially a sofa – try to opt for a style that feels timeless and transitional, so no matter how you choose to redecorate or how your interior design style changes over the years, your sofa will always fit and feel cohesive in your scheme.
If you're going to invest in a bed, Shea recommends getting a full frame over just a headboard. This upholstered bed, available in two colors and sizes, is a timeless choice thanks to its soft, curvaceous silhouette and neutral colorways.
The color and pattern of your sofa have a big impact on your living room scheme. So, whatever design you are opting for, try to choose something in a classic design, like this two-seater with scroll arms and caster leg details.
If you're worried about the potential of damage and stains on an upholstered bed, a wooden design is just timeless. This design is made from light-toned wood with a beautiful grain running through it – plus, a canopy bed always feels luxe.
Where to save
Good news – there are more areas than you might expect where Shea says it's easy to save money that don't necessarily look as though you've you've opted for a more affordable alternative.
And they focus on the more decorative pieces that you are more likely to want to swap out over time. 'Those accents around the room, like rugs – I think there are a lot of great, affordable rug options out there – as well as accent tables. Accent tables go in the mid-price range, the same with a coffee table,' she explains.
Rugs ground the room and add a lot to the overall look and feel of a room, but they are also part of the walkway and have large furniture items sat on them, so regardless of how much you spend, you will likely want to replace them more regularly than other pieces in your space.
Accent and coffee tables are still an area to save rather invest, but don't go for something too low budget, as the most affordable designs can look cheap. The price will depend on the size and materials, but try to choose designs made from solid wood over plywood or cork, as these won't age well and will end up costing you more in the long run.
You could also shop vintage or second-hand, as you are likely to find quality-made pieces for a fraction of the price you'd find for contemporary pieces. Look to your nearby thrift stores, or even visit your local antiques and vintage markets for one-of-a-kind designs.
A rug is one of the main features you can afford to save some money on, and this design from Loloi is an absolute steal. A classic vintage-inspired design with clay and tobacco tones, it's a stylish choice at an affordable price.
A side table is a fun place to have fun with your design. Because it's more of a mid-range piece, look for interesting forms in timeless materials, like this marble side table with beautiful, subtly colorful veining.
Your coffee table is at the heart of your living room, so introducing something sculptural is a great way to add interest. This round design features sculptural leg designs for a more dynamic piece, yet its neutral colorway ensures it feels classic.
Shea's advice is simple – invest in the larger furniture items you use every day, and save on the smaller decorative pieces you're likely to want to swap out over time. And if you're embarking on a larger project, we have plenty more tips on where to spend and save in a home remodel.
