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There’s a real art to styling a home. And while being able to splurge on designer furniture and expensive art certainly does help, as the saying goes, money can’t buy taste.
With some creative thinking, cost-saving strategies, and patience, there are plenty of ways you can elevate your space, even while on a budget.
Balance the budget based on your priorities
Interior decorator Lauren Egan says you should approach the budget with your priorities in mind. The spaces where you spend the most time — or those hero pieces you use frequently — are ideally where you should invest the most money.
‘A comfortable and gorgeous sofa, a sculptural dining table, and good quality lighting are all things that I think are really important,’ she says.
Invest in a good sofa, but it doesn’t have to break the bank
While the living room is generally the most expensive part of your home to furnish, Sisällä founder and interior designer Lauren Li says a good sofa doesn’t have to cost the earth.
‘Interestingly, I think the sofa is somewhere you can compromise a little these days. There are so many good, more affordable sofas available now, so I don’t necessarily think you need to spend an enormous amount to get something comfortable and good-looking,’ Lauren says.
Don’t neglect your artwork collection
Lauren Li continues: ‘Personally, I would rather spend less on the sofa and put more of the budget towards artwork. Art creates an incredible amount of atmosphere in a room and gives a space an identity that is difficult to achieve through furniture alone.’
‘I also think artwork is often left until last, and I would actually push it much further up the priority list.’ Follow emerging artists online, look at local galleries, platforms like Bluethumb, and you’ll start compiling a wish list of affordable art in no time.
Shop second-hand for affordable homewares
For pieces like armchairs, side tables, and homewares, you can find so many great pieces for affordable prices at second-hand stores and op-shops.
‘Get involved in the vintage market or find something quirky on Facebook Marketplace, Leonard Joel, or Bazaa and build on the key pieces you’ve invested in,’ Lauren adds.
‘I think enduring spaces often have furnishings that are from many different eras, so if anything, sourcing a few vintage treasures will make your space feel even more interesting.’
Embrace high-low styling
Similarly, By Zahli interior designer Zahli Napier (who’s carved out a niche for her affordable styling advice) agrees that smaller homewares are where you can compromise and save some money.
Zahli advises that big box brands can be great for bedding and storage; mid-range brands have plenty of options for lamps and homewares, especially when mixed and matched alongside a selection of more high-end pieces that you really love — as these will stand the test of time.
‘This may be somewhat controversial, but I think it’s important to invest in any furniture pieces that truly make your heart sing, regardless of whether they’re a little overpriced or if you can get a cheaper version. The second-best option will not have the same longevity,’ she adds.
Get creative to give old things new life
Before buying anything new, do an audit of your existing pieces to see if you can give them a refresh. A simple DIY project might be to refinish an old table, while a good quality sofa can be revitalised with some fresh upholstery, which is a much better investment than replacing the whole thing.
Plus, Lauren Li says painting is one of the most impactful ways to transform an entire room: ‘It’s relatively inexpensive for the amount of transformation it creates, and it’s something you can potentially do yourself or engage someone to do quite affordably. Colour can completely change the feeling of a room without replacing a single piece of furniture.’
