Decorating your home on a budget can be a challenge, but with the right planning and approach, it is possible to create a beautiful space that is both practical and affordable. This is exactly what Interior Designer Deborah Tilbrook achieved when she furnished and decorated a 3-bedroom showhouse for Lalela Estate on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast with a budget of only R150,000.
Here are some tips from Deborah on how to maximize style on a minimal budget.
When working with a limited budget, it is important to be honest about what you can and cannot afford. According to Deborah, the smaller the budget, the harder it becomes to design a space, and the more time and effort you will have to spend to make things work. The key is to focus on creating a home that caters to the needs of those living in it, rather than just creating a picture-perfect house.
Space planning is critical to the functionality of a room. Deborah recommends mapping out where everything fits to determine how the space will be utilized and how you can maximize it. At Lalela Estate, the custom-designed homes are configured with living in mind. For example, the glass doors on either side of the living area not only let in light but create a connected space that brings nature into the home while creating an expanse. The separate dining room maximizes utility, and although the living area is open plan, each area has its own identity and use.
Colour is an excellent way to create character in your space. Deborah used the natural greens and yellows in the environment at Lalela Estate as inspiration for the colour palette throughout the house. Neutral tones appeal to a larger audience, while using colours that appeal to you is better when designing for your own personal space. In the bedrooms, Deborah brought in pops of personality with shades of greens and yellows reflected in the grasslands outside, while maintaining the consistent golden thread of colour throughout the house.
Using texture is important to bring character into a space. Deborah recommends starting with one standout feature, such as a couch, and adding one texture at a time until it feels right. Layering and using texture and colour in cushions and curtains can help you make the space feel like your own.
Space planning is critical to the functionality of a room. Deborah recommends mapping out where everything fits to determine how the space will be utilized and how you can maximize it. At Lalela Estate, the custom-designed homes are configured with living in mind. For example, the glass doors on either side of the living area not only let in light but create a connected space that brings nature into the home while creating an expanse. The separate dining room maximizes utility, and although the living area is open plan, each area has its own identity and use.
Incorporating working from home and the need for beautiful ‘Zoom’ backgrounds has become more important since the pandemic. The eat-in kitchen is an example of a multipurpose space that’s used often by both young and old. Deborah refurbished a second-hand kitchen table by sandblasting it and painting it a modern and industrial black colour. She also reupholstered the cushions with yellow fabric to make them stand out.
Repurposing furniture bought at second-hand furniture shops or passed down from family members is an excellent way to breathe new life into a previously loved piece of furniture. Deborah also used local artisans who assisted her in manufacturing custom pieces and repurposing furniture, in a bid to support local suppliers and demonstrated how old pieces can have a rush of new life if placed in the right space with a cohesive vision.
Other tips for decorating on a budget include decorating with plants to bring life into a space and make it appear bigger by placing mirrors opposite a window to reflect natural light and landscape. Choose one piece to be the feature in the room and allow the other pieces of furniture to complement it.
Finally, the best way to add colour and texture is through inexpensive accessories such as cushions, vases, rugs, wall art, and planters.
Creating a dream house doesn’t need to break the bank. By following these tips and focusing on creating a home rather than just a house with pretty furniture, you can maximize style on a minimal budget.
The Lalela showhouse is an excellent example of how to achieve a stylish and practical home on a budget, with a focus on creating a liveable space. It is a showroom with heart, and a visit to the Lalela Showhouse at Lalela Estate is highly recommended. It is open 7 days a week, and you can see firsthand how beautiful and affordable design can be achieved.
Situated in Sheffield, Lalela is spread across approximately 104 hectares of lush greenery with natural wetlands, 5km of walking trails and a community clubhouse where you can relax poolside with the kids or try your hand at putt putt, cricket or skating in the park In this idyllic landscape, nature is present in every direction and invites you to be part of a new residential lifestyle where neighbours and community matter! Lalela is one of the fastest growing nodes on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast.
Images: Supplied by Lalela Estate / Collins Residentail
