Our cast of design pros have plenty of advice when it comes to budgeting. Take a look at their tips on being (and staying) cost conscious.

Q: How can I stay within budget when accessorizing my space?

A. Cindy Blunt says:
Shop-till-you-drop… Really! Don’t buy anything at first, then go home and think about things you saw and why you liked them.  If you can’t stop thinking about something, then you should get it!  Decide if and how much you can afford to splurge.  Use the things you like as an inspiration, then next time you shop look for things that compliment (not match) your inspiration pieces!   

Q. Have one tip for the budget conscious?

A. Corine Maggio says:
If you don’t love it and it doesn’t serve a function, get rid of it or don’t buy it at all.

Q. Is ‘budget’ a bad word?

A. Jill Shevlin says:
I always have a budget to work within. It would be great if I could design without one! Imagine the wonderful things I could do!
Working within your budget requires several things.
1.  Knowledge of products. This would include price of the product and or services, which would also take into consideration any charges incurred like delivery, installation etc.
2.  A precise and achievable plan
And without a doubt…
3.  A cushion for the unexpected. Mishaps will occur along the way.
I live by the motto plan your work and work your plan.  Going into a project without a plan will blow your budget immediately. In order to budget you must have a plan of action with needs wants desires and prepare for mistakes. 

Q. Designing on a budget—love or hate?

A. Tim Schelfe says:
Everyone has their limits, even the wealthy!  Sometimes it’s good to know what your limitations are.
How do you set a realistic design budget?
Itemize EVERYTHING you believe you will do or need to do for the design project. Don’t leave anything out.  Be sure to include the materials, labor, design fees (of course you have to pay the designer!) and all the decorative elements for the project.  Prepare yourself a “If I did it all scenario”, a “Scaled back version” or perhaps “I can only get it started” version.  Be prepared, things can add up very quickly! 

Q. If you have big plans and a small budget, where should you start?

A. Susan Tollefsen says:
If you have a small budget try to consult a designer and get a plan. Then plan on working on your project in stages. 

Q. How important is a budget, really?

A. Amy Tyndall says:
I think to be successful, you really have to do an itemized budget. Think of every little thing that’s going to go in your space: accessories, furniture, rug—itemize everything! You’re always going to forget something so it’s not a bad idea to give yourself a 5 - 10% contingency allowance. But if you have a tight budget, remember… with planning and realistic expectations, it CAN be done!

Thanks, designers.

So what do you take away from all this? Well, pretty much, having no plan = bad, budget = good. That’s what the pros say. Now go out there and start budgeting, people!