By crafting a budget and looking for deals, it’s possible to decorate your home without the help of credit cards, says Jason Lee*
1. Use what you have
One of the costliest mistakes you can make is not taking your existing furniture with you when you move. You aren’t necessarily going to keep the old furniture, but if you don’t move the pieces into your new home, it may be depressingly bare. This will leave you open to impulse buying at expensive retail stores.
2. Shop your house
See if you can use what already exists in your new home to create a new look. For example, if you are looking for a printer stool for the home office, consider re-housing an unused silverware chest that was previously in the dining room — it may fit perfectly and will feel brand new.
3. Network with neighbours
If a neighbour is moving house, and selling an item you need, you’ll be able to get a good deal. And don’t forget about the “neighbours” who sell online. Many include pictures with their listings. Research first, and then make arrangements to visit only if you find something that’s on your priority list.
4. Time large outlays
There are furniture promotions going on all the time, so make the most of them. But perhaps the best time to buy furniture is the day you have saved up enough to pay in full. Otherwise, financing can add high interest fees that exceed the value of any discount — especially if paid late.
5. Play the waiting game
Don’t buy window treatments too soon — invest in paper shades until you are able to determine the look you want. After a few weeks, you may decide that a window needs more privacy — with heavier window treatments — or vice versa. During this decision-making period, it is better to put up temporary paper blinds, while saving for high-quality drapes. Read more about
window treatments.
6. Look online
Consider looking online to find furniture deals that aren’t local. A company could be in Bangkok or wherever, if they don’t have the expenses of a brick-and-mortar shop, they can offer you a lower price. Whether looking online or in a local store, be sure to record the manufacturer and model number of the piece of furniture you are interested in so that you can comparison shop.
7. Prioritise purchases
When it comes to new purchases, the first thing you need to do is come up with a budget, then decide what areas to concentrate on. Ask yourself: what do I need most, a stainless-steel refrigerator or a high-definition TV?
8. Make a cut-out model
Gather pictures from magazines, make templates and create files for each room — doing so will help give you a feel for your newly decorated room before you make a big purchase. It will also help reduce the risk of ordering bulky furniture that doesn’t fit in your space.
9. Re-face, don’t replace
If your new home has boring cabinets that don’t fit your style, it may be tempting to start afresh, but consider cabinet re-facing to save money. Instead of ripping out the entire cabinet, just put up a nice front, and you’re done: this saves both time and money. Read more about
kitchen redesign.
10. Invest in a decorator
At first glance, hiring a design pro might seem like a sure way to bust your budget. But independent designers can help you stick with your financial plan. Before calling a decorator, be ready to explain exactly how you’re going to use the space.
Jason Lee* is head designer of Re-imaging Co. Ltd
