The Tiny Budget

The Tiny Budget is designed for those who have to spend wisely and work on a tight budget.

Design Help aims to give you valuable interior design hints and tips to help you make the right decisions and make your money go as far as possible.

There is a remarkable amount you can do on a tight budget, if you know a few interior designer tricks and tips to transform your space.

Everyone wants to impress their friends with a house that reflects their personality and style. However, sometimes it’s best to consider the old phrase ‘form follows function’. This simply means that you decide on the use of the space and then design the decorative side around it. It’s a practical, budget-proof approach.

So, without knowing individual situations, here are some useful ideas…

Starting with effective space planning, identify what you actually do in the space and how many different tasks it is used for.

Make a list , measure up and buy furniture that is of a size that is comfortable but doesn’t overpower the room. Ticking off items from your list can be immensely satisfying as you solve problems.

If space is tight then flexibility and small sized furniture, which can open out when required, is the way forward.

Tables with extensions are a good example; sit one side against the wall and pull out if needed. Use benches for seating lots of children.

• Use chairs without high backs – it creates the feeling of space
• Mirrors are marvellous for the illusion of space. Ikea sell large framed, lightweight mirrors that are ideal for corridors, or either side of a chimney breast, with a chair or book case in front.
• Choose two seater sofas that are smaller in width but give a comfortable seat.
• Add individual chairs, don’t use three piece suites. Use side tables rather than the centre coffee table. Be brave and use a variety of upholstery fabrics and the odd old leather chair.
• Mix old period pieces of furniture with contemporary storage. Buying at auction is great fun and you can find great buys. Always give yourself a ceiling price so you don’t get carried away and you come away saving money rather than disappointed with an empty purse.
• TK Maxx has become very clever at copying styles that are fun and in general stylish and useful for a very cheap price. The quality of furniture may be a bit iffy but an excellent buy for the Tiny Budget. They always have a huge variety of cushions, throws and other interesting accessories. Definitely worth a trip and buy when you see it because they only have a limited supply.