Nestor's Nest: Designer Tips For Style On A Budget

Does everything have to be exclusive labels and high dollar spend when you're renovating an area of your home?  How about if you're working with a design professional?  The answer is NO!  A good designer is focused on keeping in line with both your lifestyle and your budget. 

Making myself at home at Samantha's house  

Being smart about your money and creating design solutions with a pro is definitely "in".  Have an honest conversation with a professional and determine how you want to prioritize Timeline, Money, and Quality on your project.  It will help you decide where to spend your resources and how to find some deals.  You'll balance your interior and your checkbook without flinching.  Here's an example of how Samantha Nestor and designer Christopher Coleman  did it for a reading area in her home. 

A Few Designer Secrets From This Project:

Never skimp on things that protect your environment.  People often think paint is just about color, but I'm constantly reminded through experience and professional contractors that paint is also about protecting your walls so your home is beautiful and durable for a very long time.  Pair the right paint with your project-- Aura for durability, Natura for zero VOC, and this for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.  Window treatments are another example.  The Hunter Douglas window coverings in Samantha's home are gorgeous, but they also help to filter out natural elements like heat and sunlight that can increase your utility costs and damage interior fabrics and finishes. 

Now, for the blend.  These smart moves helped to keep the project in budget. 

The graphic fabric used on the valance may have been pricey off the roll, but Samantha's designer had remnants of it from a previous project and he was able to offer it to Samantha for a fraction of the cost.  Asking your designer if they have remnants you can use is a great way to save money and re-purpose the material.

Dive into your local Home Goods when you want something fashionable, affordable, and get "Home Goods Happy" as they say.  The mid century modern style armchair and ottoman from Home Goods were inviting to begin with and adding the Alpha Workshops custom pillow was the proverbial cherry on top.  You can also try resale shops, ebay, demolition auctions, flea markets, and local estate sales for ideas that will keep your project on track.  Remember these options not only save money, but are a great way to give something a new life cycle.

Together, all these elements combine to make an ideal spot to sit back and admire Samantha's style and sensibility! 

Test your ability to tell what's high and low.  Can you tell which of these rooms was designed with a $9000 budget and which was designed with a $3000 budget?  Take a guess and then click below for the answers.

[View Photo Source and Answer]

The trick is to mix and match elements from both to make it your own!  What's your High-Low secret?