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Where to spend vs. save: an interior designer’s view

December 2, 2014 1 Comment

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By Oliver Davis

The skill set required of an interior designer is very broad. Aside from all the obvious things (design acumen, drawing skills, encyclopedic knowledge of product lines, project management) something often overlooked as a core competency in this industry is the ability to direct spending appropriately. You see, no project, regardless of how grand or elegant, has an infinite budget, and many of my highest spending clients still have to agonise over decisions on where to spend money and where to save it without compromising on aesthetics. Below is my guide to how to achieve the look of a high-end fit out by prioritising your budget allocation on certain items.

Where to spend

Rugs: Rugs are always my starting point when decorating a living space or bedroom. They act as a foundation piece upon which to layer the colours and materials of everything else in the room. Selecting the right one is vital, and can be expensive. Formal spaces require something hand-knotted in wool and silk, with other natural fibre options including nettle, hemp or aloe. A cheaper option for less formal spaces, and one that I rely on repeatedly because I love the look, is sisal. It is more durable and feels textured under the feet, whilst still being soft enough for the kids to play on.

Photo: Decoryourhouse.com
Photo: Decoryourhouse.com

Lighting: A natural focal point of any room, lighting is not a place to skimp. The artisanal quality of handmade lighting can be breathtaking, and can completely transform the vibe of a space. I love big table lamps with bases in fine natural materials, such as woven leather or alabaster, and I always go for silk lampshades and diffusers. Coach lanterns in glass and metal make for impressive pendant or sconce fittings, as does anything in crystal.

Photo: Wisemanandgale.com
Photo: Wisemanandgale.com

Feature cushions: Abundant scatter cushions are vital for sofas, armchairs and beds, but can become expensive when fabric is purchased by the metre. Earlier this year, I had a client who held off ordering cushions until the project budget was almost drained, so I had the majority of them made in a cheaper, neutral fabric and then chose something very special for two or three feature cushions. These caught the eye with colour accents and a stunning textured material, and the overall effect was very impressive.

Photo: cottages-gardens.com
Photo: cottages-gardens.com

An interior designer: It may sound crazy, but sometimes paying an interior designer can actually save you money overall. Designers can offer access to those elusive trade-only suppliers, who represent a whole new world of product options that aren’t available to the general public. Many also have good relationships with high street retailers and may be able to negotiate a discount on certain items. Above all else though, they can offer a big picture vision for your home and help you to avoid the trap of ending up with a collection of hotchpotch products that looked great in the showroom but somehow don’t work together in your space.

Where to save

Beds: Many clients assume it will be necessary to trawl through designer showrooms and purchase expensive bedframes for their home. But if you want something that looks even more refined and is a fraction of the price, purchase a simple mattress and base ensemble, and dress it up with a separate bedhead and valance. For a contemporary but elegant look, I go for square, upholstered bedheads set quite high on the wall, sometimes with visible nail head detail around the edges.

Photo: kyliefrierson.com
Photo: kyliefrierson.com

Coffee tables/consoles/dining tables: When your budget is tight, the trick is to find hard furnishings that are relatively inexpensive but still well made. Many people resort to replica designer furniture, which often looks cheap and doesn’t stand the test of time. I recommend instead visiting some of those larger warehouses that stock imported 19th Century antique furnishings from Japan and China. For very reasonable prices you can find products that are beautifully restored and quite neutral in their design aesthetic. Just steer clear of anything too decorative and detailed unless that is the look you are going for. Bonus points for incorporating genuine antiques into your contemporary space!

Photo: wabisabi-style.blogspot.co.uk
Photo: wabisabi-style.blogspot.co.uk

Raw materials: I once received an amusing call from a client ordering me to call off the search for marble slabs, as she’d just dropped into a small showroom having a liquidation sale and talked the salesperson into selling her enough gorgeous Carrara marble to do her kitchen, the counters in both her bathrooms, as well as the cabinetry in her living room, all for $500! Don’t be afraid to inquire about a bulk discount if your project requires re-flooring, tiling or cabinetry.

Photo: Oliver Davis Design
Photo: Oliver Davis Design

Decorative accessories: With the rise of online retail, you have at your fingertips an overwhelming choice of bowls, trays, vases and jugs that won’t break the bank. Alternatively, you might like to peruse vintage shops and estate auctions, where it’s highly likely you’ll stumble upon a few affordable gems. This is your opportunity to finish off the space in a way that truly expresses who you are and what you like.

Photo: aerin.com
Photo: aerin.com

โ€“ Oliver Davis is creative director at Oliver Davis Design, a residential interior design firm in Melbourne.ย 

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The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_ho The renovation of this 80s beach shack @camillo_house is a work of art and while almost every surface was updated, the decision to keep the original slate floor was genius if you ask us. 

Owner @clarehillier__ says: "With its purple, pink, red and brown tones, the slate was the starting point for our interior palette."

Come and check out the before and afters via link in bio now and read the reno story. It's a real beauty.

And you can book it for your next holiday too!

Blair Smith Architecture @kateshanasy

#slatefloor #slatefloors #80shouse #80sbeauty #camillohouse #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #realreno #holidayhousesofinstagram #morningtonpeninsulahomes #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulasmallbusiness #blairgowrie #blairgowriebeach #airbnbstyle
Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’— Me and my boys ๐Ÿ’—
Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for thr Just a couple of dorks who've been friends for three decades going out for a child-free dinner ๐Ÿ’“๐Ÿ˜
Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damia Excuse me while I die of a cute attack ๐Ÿฅฐ @damianfrancis 

This doesn't happen often these days!
Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks Hello friends! Just thought I'd say hi. Two weeks since leaving hospital and I'm doing much better than I expected to be at this early stage. A long recovery road ahead but making progress in how much I can move my arm and although I drag myself through some days non-stop yawning, others I can go for a little walk or out for lunch before collapsing on the couch! I can now tie my own hair back and put on a real bra which is very exciting ๐Ÿคฃ Having my bestie here to help us with the boys, drive me places and just be brilliant positive company is the best thing I could have asked for not to mention the many Dinner Ladies vouchers from friends! Thanks for all your kind messages, cards, flowers, gifts and offers of help โค๏ธ
I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping I definitely feel like a statistic now but hoping to raise some awareness off the back of my misfortune (and also very lucky escape).

@newsouthwaleshealth have just put out this warning about a rise in serious bacterial infections. iGAS (invasive group A streptococcus) is what caused my necrotising fasciitis and sepsis.

Apparently there's similar happening in VIC too.

It's extremely rare but very serious nonetheless so please have a read and be aware of symptoms. I've linked to the article from a button via my link in bio.

#interiorsaddict #jenbishop #necrotisingfasciitis #groupastrep #groupastreptococcus #sepsis
While new technologies continue to shape the inter While new technologies continue to shape the interior design scene, one that has been getting a fair bit of traction of late isย marble-look porcelain. A cheaper alternative to natural stone, the latest printed porcelain tile technology makes it difficult to distinguish from the real thing.

Founded by husband and wife duo Anton and Rita Bourtsev, Sydneyโ€™s @kaolintiles has a unique offering in this space with over 100 different marble-look tile designs in small and large formats.

More via link in bio now.

#porcelain #porcelaintile #porcelaintiles #largeformattiles #largeformattile #marblelooktiles #bathroomtrends2023 #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #realrenovations #goldsink #brasssink #jenbishop #kaolin #kaolintiles #interiorsblog #interiorsblogger
Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I Promise this is the last wretched hospital photo I'll post and I hope to be home and with my lippie back on by Monday. You know it's serious when I'm lipstick free, right?!

This was about a week ago in intensive care. And although my arm is still bloody sore I'm now on a normal ward and no longer attached to any drips, drains or a catheter. I've come a long way.

This has been the most physical and mental challenge of my life but I'm through the worst. I kept my arm. The doctors saved my life.

I cannot say it enough times. If you're worried about your health, don't hang around. Things can change so quickly. 

A huge thanks to my amazing husband @damianfrancis We've had the hardest year yet and our marriage has never been stronger, even if my rings did get cut off my finger in hospital ๐Ÿ˜œ

As great of a job as he is doing at home with the kids, I cannot wait to get home now. Countdown is on to a new year and a fresh start.

And I can't say enough just how overwhelmingly grateful I am to all the medical professionals involved in my care, from the @healthdirectaus nurse who sent me to Emergency to the exceptional surgeons, doctors, nurses and support staff.

Happy New Year, everyone. Remember you never know what's around the corner and this is not a dress rehearsal!

And huge thank you for all your kindness here. Has been amazing while stuck in bed.

Xxx

For those who missed it, I was unlucky enough to get necrotising fasciitis. You'll have to Google it.
The unluckiest girl or the luckiest? Day 6 in int The unluckiest girl or the luckiest?

Day 6 in intensive care after suddenly coming down with a very serious necrotising fasciitis in my elbow on Sunday. Four operations later (with more to come) I'm out of the woods, alive and have my arm. But I won't be going home until after Christmas. Also picked up a bonus bit of pneumonia to keep things interesting.

I won't lie. This has been super super hard but I feel extremely lucky nonetheless. Have come across some exceptional surgeons, anaesthetists, doctors and nurses who have been incredibly kind at my most vulnerable as well as great at their jobs. I'm really grateful. Huge thank you to my amazing husband who is holding down the fort with the help and cooking of our wonderful friends. And to friends who check in, send love, flowers, snacks and sushi, I will never forget it.

Of course I will be sad tomorrow but my boys can visit and we will have another Christmas next month.

I'll leave you with this. Never ever ignore those health niggles. @healthdirectaus is always a great starting point.

Wishing you all a merry Christmas and will enjoy everyone else's celebrations on here with only a hint of bitterness ๐Ÿ˜‰

PS. Does this win the most unflattering photo of me ever published? I think so! No lippy for a WEEK.
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  1. AvatarKyankya says

    December 28, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    Exceptionally beautifull

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