Everyone goes into a design project with the best intentions…. hire great professionals, choose beautiful finishes, stay on budget and end up with a beautiful room. Sounds simple, right? But sometimes we run into unforeseen circumstances that cause us to have to give on one of these items. Most of the time it is the budget that can get blown out of the water. Here are a few tips I use to stay on budget when doing a design project.

1. Don’t go overboard. A simple room refresh may be all that you need. For example, if you want to give your bathroom a new look, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to gut it and start over. Adding some simple finishes and replacing the more affordable items will give you the feeling of a freshly remodeled space without the price tag. 
2. Refinish your existing furniture. If you have good quality furniture, it may be as easy as reupholstering or refinishing it for a whole new look. 
3. Do not underestimate the power of paint. It is the cheapest and easiest way to get the most bang for your buck. And if you try something and don’t like it, it is just paint! You can go over it with another color. 
4. Go bold with some pattern! Even just adding wallpaper and fabric in a bold pattern will give a space a fresh new look. Add in some accessories and it will feel amazing! This room refresh consisted of a new light fixture, wallpaper and new drapes along with some fabulous accessories. Because of the bold pattern, it is fresh and exciting without breaking the bank.
5. Only change out the small things. Leave the big things alone. In a recent room refresh, the dining table and china cabinet were left alone – two big ticket items. Some art was added, fresh paint, new chairs and new drapes. The room feels like a completely different space.

These are some budget friendly tips that anyone can follow. You just have to remind yourself that the outcome is what matters most so always have a plan A and a plan B. And don’t go crazy. A small change can go a long way.