Whether you’ve recently purchased a home or you’re ready to update the one you already have, the question of cost for decorating eventually comes up. And of course, the answer depends on two things: doing it yourself vs. hiring a professional. Since the cost of hiring a professional varies individually based on location and experience, we’re just going to focus on what you might be looking at by doing all the decorating updates on your own.

Unfortunately, there’s no magic formula for calculating how much you can expect to spend on decorating. There are, however, steps you can take that can give you a rough estimate. Once you’ve got your ballpark figure in mind, it’ll be easier to make decisions about where you want your money to go.

It’s important to have a plan

While you could certainly decorate without a plan, it’s highly unlikely that it’ll turn out well. So, let’s talk about what you need to do to ensure your decorating or redecorating goes smoothly.

The best way to start is by figuring out what you’re willing to spend rather than focusing on what a project might cost. In other words, budget. Make a list of the rooms you’d like to decorate and start listing out all the items you’ll need in order to get the space(s) complete. Be sure to include things like lighting, flooring, accessories, wall treatment and window treatment. Do some basic research to find what these things cost and then enter it all on a spreadsheet so you can get an estimate.

After you have an estimate, you need to figure out where you want to splurge and where you’d like to save. Most professionals will tell you that seating should be a priority. A custom sofa will certainly cost you, but considering a quality piece could last you anywhere from 30 to 40 years, it’s worth the investment.

Your bed should be another splurge as it’s located in the room you’ll spend the most time. Another good investment piece? A dining room table. Window treatments and flooring are two other areas where you shouldn’t pinch your pennies. Remember, the more quality pieces you have, the better effect they’ll have on the overall appearance of your home.

If you do happen to hire out help for projects you can’t handle on your own, invest wisely. The people who help execute your project are very important, so take the time to seek out a licensed and reliable contractor if you need to use one. As with just about anything, you get what you pay for.  

So where exactly can you save?

Well, lighting, rugs, wall finishes, and accessories are good places to start. There’s no reason to squeeze your wallet that tight, but you can certainly get away with spending less. If you have excess funds, then, by all means, go with something higher end. If you don’t, however, opt for a lower-cost, yet equally nice alternative. For example, if you can’t afford that wool area rug you’ve had your eye on, go for something made of jute or seagrass. Both are beautiful options that may fit better within your budget for the project.

Opting for mid-grade fabrics or buying vintage pieces from a thrift shop or antique store are a couple of other ways you can save. In many cases, you can find quality pieces that can be brought back to life with a little TLC.

What rooms should get the biggest investment?

That’s totally up to you. You could invest more in the rooms that are the most public, or you could invest in the rooms you spend the most time in. You could even balance it out between both types of spaces.

Another thing to consider is how long you’ll be living in the home. If you don’t see yourself staying for a considerable amount of time, don’t invest heavily in things that might not come with you if you move. It’s best to hold off until you know that you’ll be in your forever home–or a least a home you’ll stay in for a good while.

As a general rule, wait to do your decorating until you have a comfortable amount of money set aside. It’s really no fun to run out of finances mid-project. And, since not everything always goes according to plan, be sure to have a bit of a cushion should you go over your original budget.

In need of designer fabrics, custom furniture pieces, and decorative accessories at an affordable price? We have just what you need! Be sure to stop by one of our CUTTING CORNERS  locations to browse our beautiful selections. You’re sure to find everything you need to make your decorating project worthwhile.