Interior Design on A Budget – 8 Affordable Home Upgrades
It feels like the months just flew right by! As the sun sets in 2022, the new year brings with it a fresh opportunity to upgrade your interior. If you are looking for simple ways to give your home a makeover without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place.
We sat with our interior design guru, Cristina Chirila, and asked her to share her top ten affordable home upgrades that will help you achieve a stylish and functional space on a budget.
Christina’s Top Ten Design Hacks
1. Update your lighting
Lighting can have a huge impact on the overall feel of a room, and it’s also an inexpensive way to add some personality to your space. Try swapping out your old light fixtures for something more modern and stylish, or install dimmer switches to create a more cosy and inviting atmosphere. Identify areas in your home that would benefit from a statement light fixture such as above your dining table or in your entrance area.
2. Consider new flooring
Don’t worry, you don’t need to hire a tiler for this one. One of the greatest products to come on the market, especially for rental apartments, is peel-and-stick tiling. These vinyl tiles are an excellent way to give your bathroom, kitchen, or hallway floors a makeover. Even with little DIY experience, you will be able to install them easily. Best of all they can be removed just as easily without causing any damage to the subfloor.
3. Change up your window treatments
New curtains, blinds, or shades can add a pop of colour and texture to a room, and they’re an affordable way to update the look of your windows. Automated draping is on trend right now, from remote to voice-controlled designs. Consider these smart features as a way to add a modern touch to your room.
4. Get a smart speaker
Sticking with tech upgrades, another simple way to enhance the functionality of your home is to invest in a smart speaker. These devices allow you to control your home’s lights, thermostats, and other smart devices using voice commands. You can even ask the speaker to play music, set alarms, and answer questions. As we spend more time at home, these tech assistants make it easier to manage our tasks.
5. Declutter your space
With all the amazing organisation products available, there is no excuse for not neatly packing away your belongings. I will be honest, I am a little obsessed with arranging all my supplies in clear containers. Whether it’s in the pantry, bathroom, on countertops, or in the fridge, replace all branded packaging and empty the contents into stylish glass or acrylic containers. Keep these clean and neatly stacked.
6. Layer textures
Luxurious homes often have a mix of textures, from plush velvet cushions to soft cashmere throws. Mixing different textures can add depth and interest to your space. Take a walk through your home and make a note of all the spaces that only have one material occupying the room. Add scatter cushions, poufs ottomans, throws, rugs, draping, and greenery, to add layering to your home.
Update your bedding
You will be surprised how much of an impact a well-made bed will make on the look of your bedroom. Investing in quality bedding is a great way to give your sanctuary a luxurious feel. Choose crisp sheets, a premium comforter set in a colour or pattern that you love, and layer it with complementing throw pillows and blankets for a cosy, inviting space.
8. Swap out old hardware
Changing the hardware on your cabinets, doors, drawers, and garage can give them a fresh new look without the expense of a full renovation. Most of these handles are sold in sets making them extremely cost-effective. For a contemporary look, choose designs that have simple clean lines. And, don’t be afraid to explore different materials as long as your choices are in line with the overall design theme of your home.
9. Get a set of new towels
What do posh homes have in common? Plush towels in the bathrooms and kitchen area. A beautiful set of towels that is neatly displayed on a rail or rolled up in a basket is an underrated way to make your home look expensive. To achieve a cohesive aesthetic, choose a palette and pattern that you like then stick to it for all your towels. When shopping, be on the lookout for eco-friendly options.
10. Refresh your front garden
First impressions do matter, and for a home, your curb appeal is as important as the house’s interior. If installing an irrigation system seems costly, opt for artificial grass as an easy way to ensure your front garden always looks neat and fresh. You can transform even the dullest areas of your yard, taking them from drab to fab, by layering this grass over them.
Meet the stylish Cristina Chirila – Senior FCI Interior Designer
Romanian-born Cristina has been obsessed with interior design since before she could talk, frequently rearranging the interiors of her old houses as an early indication of her career choice.
Her other passion is cooking, where she can be found applying her design inspirations to Masterchef quality dishes.
Design that transforms spaces
At FCI, we believe in the power of interior design to transform spaces. By forging positive spaces that bring genuine happiness to the people who inhabit them, we hope to inspire a community of people to pay it forward.
We’ve been designing interiors and exteriors in both private and commercial spaces for almost 40 years. Our skilled team can offer you a range of individual services or the full interior design monty. We’ll draw up 3D plans for your new kitchen, create a custom colour palette for your walls and floors or simply help you find your perfect sofa match.
No job is too small and no request is too complicated. We can help you draw your design dream and we’ll work closely with you to bring that vision to life.
In addition to our interior design services, we have a wide range of stylish furniture pieces and accessories that can uplift your home decor in preparation for the new season.
Get in touch with us and let’s chat about your design requirements. You can call or WhatsApp us or pop into our London showroom – we’re open 7 days a week.
