Designing on a ‘baby’ budget
I recently finished working with a new client that stated they had a ‘baby’ budget.
They wanted a new dining room as they just moved into a new place. So when I asked what that meant regarding the budget, they responded with almost nothing in terms of budget. All the funds went to the upfront fees. I really had my work cut out for me. I knew I wasn’t able to shop with my usual sources for this client. I also knew I had to knock this out of the park and that we were just going to get the basics.
I needed to get creative. I worked with smaller budgets in the past, but nothing like this.
I went first to the internet for consignment shops. They tend to have items with some life left; not banged up and in need of some repair. I also looked at private sellers with higher end items for sale.
It took me a while, but I managed to get the room pulled together. I found the table at a consignment shop. It was from a well-known, higher end retailer. If purchased new, it would have been 2700.00. I scored with a price of 349.00. I then found six chairs from a private-party that just didn’t need them because they didn’t match this home. All six chairs came in at 220.00. And for anyone who knows me, I love rugs. They can pull any room together. I found one in good condition for under a 100.00. I also found silk drapery panels for under 100.00. The art piece came in at a good price as well.
The room came in just under 1200.00!
With a little work, a thought out plan and some creativity, we can all create a space that is warm, welcoming and stylish.
Enjoy!