I’m a top New Jersey interior designer – items you shouldn’t spend too much on & my go-to spots to shop on a budget
ONE sought-after interior decorator shared her top tricks for designing a space on a budget without sacrificing style.
Her techniques can help transform your home into ultra luxe for less – much less.
As a top New Jersey interior designer, I’d like to help you get real clear on where to spend in your home design, and where you can save,” said Sarah Swatez, the founder of Sarah Elizabeth Design.
“Over the course of a decade plus designing homes in New Jersey and beyond, we’ve developed methods in the way we choose furniture and decor for homes and want to share the reasons why, and how, you can implement the same methods,” she continued.
For young professionals – or anyone else – who “craves an elevated design,” she knows just how to mix luxury items with “budget-appropriate” furniture.
She recommends shopping at affordable furniture spots such as CB2 for upholstered beds which can be matched with high-quality sheets.
Her biggest tip for sticking to a budget includes saving on area rugs for your living room, dining room, and mudroom.
“Think high traffic areas. We like Revival and Ruggable for higher-end looking and seriously washable rugs, with some great patterns!” she said.
She also had a money-saving method for accent furniture – as well as more go-to shops.
“Accent furniture is by no means an afterthought, yet we have found many great looking metal side tables and drink stands, and even marble coffee tables, at West Elm and CB2,” she said.
West Elm sells a 44-inch Santa Rosa Rectangle coffee table for $349.
Available in a driftwood finish, the table boasts a “unique” cross base to complement the streamlined top.
It is also described as giving a “high-end design at a great price.”
The furniture features a natural wood grain and is extra durable.
She also shared more ways to save some dollars on decorative items.
“There are such great ceramic and glass vases, candles, and candle holders, and objects out there to style your entry console, coffee table, or kids’ rooms,” she said.
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Santa Rosa Rectangle coffee table, $349, West Elm
“For kids’ rooms, there seem to be endless fun and even handmade wall art and decor out there from Crate and Kids and even Etsy,” she continued.
“This can also include cotton or linen throw blankets for the arm of your sofas during the warmer months.”
Bed frames and headboards can also be budget-friendly if you know where to look.
“We have seen and used lovely upholstered bed options at mid-priced vendors like Lulu and Georgia, Crate and Barrel, and One Kings Lane, who offer a selection of velvets and linens with not so long lead times,” she said.
Budget interior design tips
Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.
- Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
- Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
- Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
- Invest in classic timeless pieces.
- Set up smart home lighting to save money.
She also shared a few other style suggestions.
For Swatez, it’s all about incorporating “durable fabrics” and “floor coverings,” especially if you have small children and/or pets at home.
“This can mean investing in custom items like a sofa with a washable velvet you love and will all dive on after a long day, paired with a washable pattern rug, that can be switched out as your kids grow.”
She also recommended purchasing pieces with patterns that can “hide stains.”
