Frugal fancy: interior styling on a budget

---

frugal can be fancy

“I can’t count on two hands the number of timeless pieces in our home that I’ve had and loved for years, that only set me back a cool $10 or less.”

If there’s one thing I think I might be better at than anything else, it’s crafting spaces that give me joy on a shoestring budget.

I can’t count on two hands the number of timeless pieces in our home that I’ve had and loved for years, that only set me back a cool $10 or less.

I believe your home can be a reflection of your personality, give you a sense of comfort, and deliver beauty in everyday moments – all while staying frugal.

From bagging a bargain in a clearance bin, to making the most of the pieces you already have in your home – I’ve got you covered with my top tips for styling on a budget below.

---

part one

Prioritise what matters most

This is where I recommend you start the Styling on a Budget process. It’s where you’ll decide what your budget is, where – if anywhere – you want to splurge, and where you can count your pennies.

Ask yourself – what matters to you most at this point in time? What can you keep or go low-budget on for now, and splurge on later?

Do you splurge on that sofa you’ve had your eyes on, and cut costs with lower-budget cushions and decor?

Or do you keep your current bed, and elevate your bedroom space with new bed linen and accessories?

And finally (most importantly), what is your budget?

My next step is the perfect place to figure this out.

---

part two

Go shopping in your own home

When deciding what you need and what you’d like to prioritise, going ‘shopping’ in your own home is the perfect place to start.

If you’re anything like me, you probably have random linen, knick knacks and decor stuffed in drawers and cupboards all over the house.

These are the pieces that can become free treasures – just begging to be re-found and placed proudly on display.

This process will tell you what you already own that you can utilise, and help you get a better idea of what your top purchasing priorities are.

It’s also a great way to add your own personality into your styling – by helping you to find the beauty in vintage pieces or family heirlooms that you might not have considered displaying before, and can be as simple as finding an old photograph to freshen up an existing frame.

---

part three

Get creative with your purchasing

This one isn’t rocket science – I’ve sure we’ve all scanned a few Myer clearance bins for hidden gems in our time, or opted for Kmart over Coco Republic.

But this is your friendly reminder to do this every. single. time. you’re looking to make a purchase for your home.

I usually start with an idea of what piece and style I’m looking for, and then head online to trawl all of my favourite lower-budget stores to see if I can find what I’m looking for for less.

And of course, rummage away through those clearance bins – you never know what treasures you might find.

---

part four

Go green, it’s free!

One of my favourite ways to give our home a freshen up each week, is with fresh foliage from the garden.

I’m not gonna lie, I love splurging on beautiful fresh flowers and natives at the markets when my budget allows. But if I’m stretched for time or looking to save a few dollars, I always turn to my garden to save the day.

I find a vase filled with a bunch of the same foliage always makes such a great impact – sometimes even more-so than a curated bouquet – and the best part is it’s free!

---

So there you have it, my not-so-rocket-science top tips on styling your home on a budget.

If you start by working out what your priorities are and what you already own that you can utilise, you’ll already be off to a budget-friendly start with your styling.

Once you’re ready to start purchasing, think about what you can acquire for free or for little-to-no cost, and work your way up from there while sticking to your allocated budget.

But most importantly, make sure to add your personality to the space and enjoy the process.

---

Need help?

If you’d like to learn more about how I can help you to transform your home on a budget, head over here to discover more about my interior design and styling packages.

---

You may also like