Emily Chan
As much as we would like to buy whatever we want when doing a home makeover, that just isn’t feasible for most of us. Decorating requires careful planning, making tough decisions, and creating a budget to rein in our spending.
Sticking to a budget may feel like you have your hands tied, but budgeting isn’t just about being cheap. It’s about making sure that you get the best value for your money.
Make A Wishlist
Write down all the things you would love to have, and pretend that money is no object. Search for inspiration online, and be sure to note the specifics.
Saying that you want more storage space is all fine and good, but it’s a little vague. Define how you want the additional space to show up in your home, whether it’s through installing new shelves or buying a storage bench. When you know your decorating style, it becomes much easier to make your plans for decorating.
Figure Out Your Actual Budget
After making your wishlist, it’s time to crunch the numbers. Examine your monthly income and expenses to figure out how much money you can realistically put toward decorating.
If you aren’t satisfied with the amount of money you have, take the time to save up before starting on your home improvement project. Pushing the project back is better than maxing out your credit cards and feeling guilty about how much you spent.
Shop Around
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
