Hiring an interior designer often yields beautiful results, but the fear of going over budget looms large. Thankfully, reputable designers employ various tactics to keep your costs under control. Follow these tips when partnering with firms like Marshall Erb Design to maximize your interior design budget:
Be Transparent
Have an open and honest discussion about your budget at the outset so the designer understands limitations from the start. Sticker shock is less likely if they have clear parameters.
Prioritize Must-Haves
Not everything can make the cut, so decide what design elements are essential to you, like a statement light fixture or luxurious fabrics, so the designer allocates budget accordingly.
Embrace Multifunctional Pieces
Choose furniture and fixtures that serve double or triple duty, like ottomans with storage inside or sectional sofas with pull-out beds for guests. Maximizing utility cuts costs.
Rethink Structural Changes
Modifying walls, floorplans and major systems gets expensive. Look for less costly fixes through smart furnishings and lighting versus excessive demolition.
Repurpose Existing Items
Your designer can breathe new life into some of your current furniture with fresh paint, fabric or updated hardware. Rediscovering pieces saves money.
Shop Sample Sales
Many designers have access to sample sales of floor models, discontinued items and overstock furniture often up to 50% off retail. This insider access equals big savings.
Time Your Purchases
Delaying purchases by even a few weeks can mean deals as suppliers and vendors announce new sales and incentives seasonally. Ask your designer about best timing.
Buy Floor Models
Floor models still have life left in them after being on display. Your designer can negotiate up to 30% discounts on such items with little wear-and-tear.
See If Materials Are Negotiable
Based on their trade relationships, designers may get better pricing on flooring, appliances, lighting and building materials so negotiate this upfront.
The interior design experts at Marshall Erb Design have plenty of cost-saving tricks to create an on-budget oasis. Being strategic about timing, sourcing, negotiations and reuse along with stellar design skills stretches your budget further.