The Art of designing a budget; A less then fun, but essential guide to creating a realistic budget for your next interior design Project

Now, just like most people, the idea of spending upwards of $10,000 on a new sofa (yes—just the sofa) might have you seriously considering an Ocean’s 11-style heist at your local furniture store. I get it. Some folks have purchased cars for less than what a quality sofa costs these days. And unless your grandfather happened to pass down the sacred art of eight-way hand-tying a seat or dovetailing hardwood frames, it’s just something you have to accept. Close your eyes, swipe the card, go home, and pour yourself a generous bottle—I mean glass—of Scotch… I mean wine… okay, fine—apple juice.

However you choose to cope with this harsh financial reality is entirely between you, your chosen deity, and your credit card provider. As for me, I solemnly swear not to judge—or to disclose the price of your new sofa to anyone. Especially not your husband, wife, partner, grandmother, or whoever foots the bills. That is my sworn oath as your designer and stylist.

Alright, alright—enough with my not-so-funny jokes about the outrageous price of furniture. Let’s get down to brass tacks (no pun intended). The reality is this: Yes, you can absolutely furnish a home on almost any budget. Beautiful, stylish pieces are out there at nearly every price point. But in my experience, the whole “I furnished my 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath custom-built home for less than $5,000” thing is… well, a bit of a fantasy.

Social media—looking at you, TikTok and Instagram—has sold us this idea that the $2,500 mirror from Anthropologie (you know the one, that dreamy gold arched beauty?) can be swapped out with a $29.99 dupe from Temu, and “no one will ever know.” Well, guess what? They will. You will. And let’s be honest—you’ll be judged for it.

I’m sorry. I don’t make the rules.

All those “DIY Dupes” (yes, I swore I’d never use that word) and Facebook flippers claiming they made $60k last month by dumpster-diving for IKEA nightstands and spray-painting them? They simply can’t replace the quality of artisan furniture made in places like North Carolina—crafted by hand, passed down through generations, and delivered to your home with the kind of care that big-box stores just can’t replicate.

This is why setting a realistic design budget matters.

You may have had dreams of furnishing your entire house with five grand and a prayer, but let’s ground that dream in reality—and get smart about your spend. A thoughtful, well-planned budget will not only help you avoid unpleasant surprises, but also ensure that you’re making purposeful investments that truly elevate your space.

S o, how do you actually set a realistic design budget?

Let’s break it down:

1. Start with a Clear Vision

What are your priorities for the space? Are you after luxe comfort, timeless quality, or a quick aesthetic update? Define your goals, and the budget will naturally start to take shape around them.

2. Understand the Scope

Are you furnishing one room or designing an entire home? Replacing furniture or starting from scratch? The more honest you are about the scale of your project, the more accurate your budget can be.

3. Do Your Research

Prices vary—widely. Research average costs in your area for furnishings, materials, contractor work, and designer fees. Know what’s realistic so you’re not blindsided later.

4. Break Down Your Budget

Allocate your funds by category: furniture, lighting, decor, labor, shipping/delivery, design services, and a contingency fund (10–15% is a good buffer). This helps you make smarter decisions throughout the project.

5. Be Flexible—but Intentional

Things change. You may fall in love with a piece that stretches your budget, or save money in one area to splurge in another. Flexibility is helpful—but staying grounded in your overall budget ensures the project stays on track.

In Closing

Designing a space that reflects your lifestyle and taste doesn’t require a bottomless bank account—but it does require intention. With a clear plan, a sense of humor, and a little guidance, you can build a home that feels both beautiful and completely you.

Need help figuring out where to begin? Use our Design Budget Tool to estimate your investment and start planning smart. Or reach out—we’re here to help you design with purpose (and maybe a little laughter too).

Need more help creating your budget? Check out our free downloadable budgeting worksheet below.