It’s important not to confuse the word “budget” with “life savings”. Your budget should be the amount that you are happy to spend to achieve the result that you desire. It is your responsibility as the client to have a clear idea about your budget before you start looking for your designer. Remember that shoe-string TV makeovers are programmed for their entertainment value, not for their practicality or longevity in the real world.

Permanent, added-value home improvements designed and supervised by a professional come with a price tag. You are paying for the designer’s design expertise; ability to source from trade-only suppliers of furniture, fabrics and accessories; and the time they save you from having to organize and supervise builders, painters, joiners, plumbers, etc.

Once you have decided the sum you wish to invest in home improvements, it often helps to check the feasibility of that budget by allocating portions of it to different areas of expense. For a simple living room refurbishment you might allocate the budget into seven areas; for instance, floorcovering, wallcovering, curtains, furnitures, light fittings, accessories and designer’s fee.

A useful tip is to think in terms of percentages rather than cash. We all think money is still worth what is used to be worth in the “good old days”, and even millionaires complain about the price of butter. However, by allocating percentages to your project, you are better able to see what you can afford, and are willing, to spend on each area of the redecoration. If you want to have an elaborate curtain treatment, you may have to reduce your budget for the floorcovering, or vice versa. This method also helps you to prioritise your decoration requirements. By being honest with your interior designer about your design priorities and your budget, you are more likely to receive a design and service that will surprise and delight you. (photo credit by: bluemoon)