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By the time you overhaul your kitchen and perfect your entryway, you might be thinking about what changes you could make to your master bedroom to make your private space feel like a luxurious retreat from work, dirty dishes, and the stresses of everyday life. Unfortunately, if you head to the store with nothing but a credit card and an idea of what you want, you might come out of your shopping trip with a big bill and not a lot to show for it. Here are five tips for staying within budget while you renovate your master bedroom.
Working with a professional team of interior designers might not seem like a tip straight out of a budgeting magazine, but believe it or not, is a great way to speed up the process and find items that you will love for the long haul.
In addition to having an eye for design and aesthetics, many professional interior designers also have contract deals with furniture stores, fabric shops, and even home remodeling contractors. For a little more than you might spend on your own, your interior designer may be able to give you a space that is decorated with the finesse of a true professional. Interior designers can also help you to give you more for your money, since they can spot quality products faster than you might be able to. After working day after day with different fabrics, brands, and furniture, your interior designer can point you in the right direction-so that you don't waste money on a bedframe, desk, or rug that won't stand up to daily use.
While , it can be easy to go over budget. In addition to replacing the larger pieces of furniture in your space, such as your television, bedframe, and dresser, you might also be left wondering if it is time to upgrade your bedding or spring for a brand new bathroom rug. To keep yourself on track financially, arrange a sit-down meeting with your interior designer before you begin the project, and hold regular meetings with them until the job is done.
Work with your designer to choose a project budget, and carefully adjust your budget along the way to accommodate the items or add-ons you may need. For example, you might be able to opt for a less-expensive dresser in order to accommodate the cost of that chandelier you want to hang over your bed.
To stay on the safe side, try to build in some "wiggle room" within your budget in case problems arise during the project. The nicest nightstands in the world might not seem that lovely standing next to a damaged wall or carpet that you couldn't afford to fix.
If you have children or pets, the objects in your home need to be able to withstand the rigors of day-to day life. This same concept . Before you start shopping, think about how your flooring, paint color, bedding, and furniture materials will stand up to your kids and animals. Consider choosing materials designed to stay strong under changing conditions. For example, newer laminate flooring is designed to be completely impervious to water, and some fabrics are created with snag-proof weaves to make it harder for animals to unintentionally damage the upholstery.
If possible, opt for darker colors that won't be as likely to show pet hair and stains. You might think that you can simply bleach that all-white bedding, but remember that some cleaners can damage fabric on a microscopic level, and that you can't always scrub away grease stains.
An easy trick for finding objects that will work in a busy home is to visit the "used" or "outlet" section of your favorite furniture or home décor store. Look to see how similar fabrics or furniture pieces have held up as they have gone out into the world, come back, and dealt with curious shoppers. If you notice fabric snags, loose woodwork joinery, or evidence of previous repairs, keep shopping until you find higher-quality items.
When it really comes down to it, the only difference between a hotel room and your bedroom is personalization, which is why you should choose great decorative pieces for your new space. Fill your bedroom with truly personalized items, such as monogrammed pillows, pictures of your children, and your favorite books. Make your bedroom feel like a relaxing oasis by painting the walls your favorite color or hanging up a poster print that you love. In addition to being less expensive than name-brand decorations, personalized drawings and collected objects can make your room feel truly unique.
Most people spend around their beds, which is why it is crucial to shop for a mattress and bedframe that will keep you comfortable. When , make sure that it is soft enough to hug your contours but firm enough to support your body weight. Try the mattress out for at least twenty minutes, as it isn't always immediately apparent how comfortable the bed really is. Make sure that the materials used to create the mattress and bedframe are high-quality, and that they are covered by a manufacturer's warranty.
By working hard and making your bedroom beautiful and unique, you can enjoy your free time and sleep a little easier at night.