I'm all for a bargain buy, but when it comes to interior design, I've been involved in renovating and extending homes for long enough to know that cheap doesn't always give you the results you want.
But, that doesn't mean you have to spend on every item you include in your project. Instead, adopting the concept of the high-low decorating approach can help you balance budgets while still achieving a polished end product.
Knowing where to spend and where to save isn't always clear though, which is why we've asked some expert designers for their input. And you might be surprised to see some of the high-street names that even feature on their shopping lists.
How to approach high-low decorating
You'd be forgiven for asking if a high-low approach is really feasible when you're embarking on a dream project. After all, you don't want to look round at the end and wonder if it was worth all the effort.
Yes it is, is the clear answer from our designers, and it's perhaps even more important in a world where rising house building and renovating costs mean many homeowners are concerned about stepping their toes into the pond. In much the same way as you have to decide where to spend and where to save on a self-build, the same concept can be used with your interiors finishes.
Jo Plant, chief creative officer at Pooky, explains more. “The high-low approach moves away from the idea that a beautifully designed home must be built entirely on high-end investment. Instead, it offers a more accessible way of decorating, one that allows for thoughtful spending, considered layering and a focus on what truly makes a difference.
“By recognising that not every element needs the same level of investment, high–low interiors enable homeowners to create spaces that feel refined and cohesive," says Jo, "without the pressure of making every piece a major financial commitment.”
Jo recommends you start by asking yourself the following question: "Will this item, or fixture/fitting, shape how the room feels every day, or simply support it? The answer will often tell you where to invest, and where you can take a more flexible approach.”
Katerina Tchevytchalova, director at K’Arte Design agrees, noting how balance is always a good philosophy. “When it comes to renovating or redecorating, it’s all about balance. You don’t need to splurge on everything, but there are key areas where a little extra investment makes a huge difference, both in how your home looks and how it feels.
"I always encourage clients to think about longevity and daily experience: what do you touch, see and use every day? That’s where your money should go," she advises. "Then, balance that out by saving smartly on areas that can be refreshed more easily or where design trickery delivers the same impact for less.”
Jo Plant is Head of Design & Production (aka Chief Creative Officer) at Pooky Lighting, a UK-based brand renowned for its colourful, customisable designs. Jo studied History of Art, which has informed her appreciation of brilliant design. Alongside founder Rohan Blacker, Jo's design direction emphasises variety and personalisation over fleeting trends, creating timeless lighting classics that truly stand the test of time..
K’Arte Design is a luxury interior design and art consultancy founded by Katerina Tchevytchalova, specialising in high-end residential and commercial projects. Prior to launching her practice, Katerina spent five years at Kelly Hoppen Interiors and worked with several of London’s leading design studios.
Where should you spend on your interiors?
1. Flooring
Going back to the advice that you should spend on those high-touch items that receive daily wear and tear, it's no surprise that flooring is on the list of items to invest in.
“Flooring is the foundation of every interior," says Katerina Tchevytchalova. "It affects acoustics, light and the sense of flow between rooms. It’s also one of the hardest elements to change later, so it’s worth doing properly the first time.
"Durable materials such as engineered timber, natural stone flooring, or high-grade porcelain tiles not only age beautifully, but also add long-term value to the property,” she adds.
2. Bespoke joinery
Although experienced renovators may be able to achieve the bespoke look themselves – such as Homebuilding & Renovating's brand director, Laura Crombie, who created her own bespoke built-in pantry – if your DIY skills are more flat-pack than cabinet-maker, bespoke joinery will instantly elevate your interiors, and last for a long time when it's built well.
"Going for bespoke built-ins, especially in city living, is one of the best investments you can make, says Emma Deterding, founder and creative director at Kelling Designs, "as you can carefully plan your storage and make the most of all the space you have available. It also allows you to maximise storage in oddly shaped rooms, alcoves, or under sloped ceilings, offering significantly more storage than off-the-shelf, freestanding designs."
Katerina Tchevytchalova agrees, adding how the practicality of it also justifies the potential investment. “A well-designed wardrobe or media wall instantly makes a space feel tailored and intentional," she adds. "Good-quality joinery ensures every centimetre is used efficiently and the result feels architectural rather than decorative."
Need to invest, but without blowing your budget in one go? Katerina says, "a painted MDF wardrobe with a laminate or melamine interior (such as Egger) gives a high-end finish at a lower cost than solid timber. Add some distinctive handles, and it looks entirely bespoke.”
Emma Deterding is a leading interior designer who has been named among the top 100 in the world. With over 25 years of experience, Emma has honed her ability to offer well thought-out schemes that turn her clients' homes into beautifully designed and practical places.
3. Bed and bedding
One of my first jobs when moving into a new home is to assemble and make the beds. It means that whatever stage of unpacking you're at come bedtime, you don't have to then face creating somewhere to sleep.
Emma Deterding says you should take a similar approach when allocating your interior design budget too. "The first place you should always spend is on a new bed for your bedroom. Always get the best you can afford and make sure you try it to ensure it’s the right one for you," she says.
"I’d always advise getting a new divan with a new mattress as they work together. Placing a new mattress on an old divan base will never offer the same level of comfort," she warns.
"Similarly, never skimp on your pillows, duvets and bed linen. By the best quality you can afford as you will never regret it. Good-quality bedding is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep."
This bedding will add style to your sleep zone
This 100% Egyptian cotton with a 600 thread count bedding bundle comes in classic white and a range of standard bed sizes
Sink into this soft, buttery yellow linen blend duvet cover and pillowcases
Use patterned sheets for an extra style bedding boost
4. Lighting
Walking into a dimly-lit, or over-lit room is so noticeable, that it comes as no surprise to hear it features top on the list of places to spend when renovating, extending or building a home.
“Lighting is one of the hardest-working elements in any home," says Jo Plant. "It’s used every day and has a huge impact on how a space feels, so it’s worth investing in pieces that are made to last, both in terms of quality and design.”
"You should always allocate budget for a thoughtful lighting scheme," agrees Katerina Tchevytchalova. "Invest in layered lighting – architectural spots for function, wall lights and table lamps for mood. Dimmable LEDs in warm tones (2700–3000K) add depth and warmth, even in compact spaces, while quality fittings will last for years.”
Invest in lighting such as this classic glass and brass pendant light from Pooky and you'll instantly elevate your interior, and have a design classic that will last
5. Window treatments
Another key architectural feature of your home is your windows. It therefore makes sense that you would enhance the investment you've made into installing the right types of window with window treatments that will enhance the look, rather than devalue it. But there are practical reasons why it makes sense to spend a little more too.
“Curtains or blinds frame the architecture, add softness and make a room feel complete. They also help with insulation, energy efficiency and acoustics too," notes Katerina Tchevytchalova. "Soft textiles absorb sound, improving the sense of calm. Lined or interlined curtains retain heat in winter and block glare in summer.
"Bespoke window treatments also ensure the perfect proportions and drape, which really elevates a room,” she adds.
6. Appliances
Investing in new kitchen costs is always time to take stock of where you are best spending your budget. And, while there are opportunities to save as Emma Deterding will later come on to explain, there is one exception to the rule.
"Kitchen appliances are an area you should always invest in, spending as much as you can to get the best," she advises.
"These are great long-term investments. Spending more will also ensure your appliances last longer," says Emma. "The Miele brand for example can last for 20 years while also giving you a better energy efficiency rating, and that's something that will improve your energy bills too, so you could say your investment will include an element of payback."
Where can you save on your interior design?
With your budget fast being allocated towards the 'high' items, where then can you save when choosing how the interior of your home will look? The good news is, there are ways of spending less, without sacrificing the overall look.
1. Paint
A common question when working on your home is whether expensive paints are worth it or not. With colour-matching available at most DIY stores, do you opt for a cheaper base paint as long as it's the right colour, or do you always stick with the costly branded one?
Katerina Tchevytchalova says there's a compromise that can save money. “Paint is one of the easiest areas to save without sacrificing quality. A beautifully painted room comes down to colour choice and preparation, not the logo on the tin," she says.
"Brands like Dulux Trade offer great coverage, durability and a sophisticated palette at a lower cost than boutique names. With the right primer and finish, the craftsmanship does most of the talking.”
Be sure you also choose the right type of paint for the room you are decorating. The answer to can you use regular paint in a bathroom for example, is always no (as I found out after the fact).
2. Rugs and throws
Although flooring stays on the spend list, what you put on the flooring is one area where you certainly save say our experts.
“Rugs and throws are a brilliant way to save money while still achieving warmth and texture," confirms Katerina Tchevytchalova. "Many high-street and online retailers now offer gorgeous wool-blend or jute rugs that look far more expensive than they are.
"Layering affordable pieces adds comfort and flexibility – you can easily switch colours or patterns as the space evolves. Brands like La Redoute and Zara Home have fantastic options that elevate a space on a budget.”
Emma Deterding also offers up a trick for sourcing larger 'rugs' at a more cost-effective price. "A quick and affordable hack is rather than buying expensive rugs, make them from carpets instead," she says. "You can get really affordable seagrass or faux sisal and rather than using it as a carpet, simply double bind it and get huge floor coverings to the dimensions you need for a very reasonable price."
Shop for rugs
Pretty as a picture this rug is also washable and comes in a range of sizes
This natural jute rug will be practical and can help protect your flooring
Add a warm and cosy feel with this 100% wool rug that's available in a range of colours and sizes
3. Renovate rather than replace internal doors
Although it can pay to invest in new internal doors if you don't have any in situ, or are building a new home or double-storey extension for example, it doesn't always have to be the case if you are renovating a home, says Katerina Tchevytchalova.
“If your existing doors are in good condition, refresh them rather than replacing. A fresh coat of paint and new handles can completely change their look for a fraction of the price – a simple update with a big visual return.”
With hardware often the unsung hero of an interior scheme, make sure you also spend time choosing the right handles for your home.
4. Sanitaryware
Next to kitchen costs, it can be all too easy for your bathroom costs to escalate once you start adding up the prices for bathroom tiles, lighting, labour and plumbing. The key to making this a save area? Simplicity and clever selection says Katerina Tchevytchalova.
“Keep it simple for the big bathroom pieces – choose good-quality, mid-range baths, basins and toilets, and invest in the bathroom taps and fittings instead. Those are the elements you see and touch every day, so it’s worth spending more for the design and durability.”
5. Don't dismiss high street retailers
Keen to employ the services of an interior designer for your project, but worried that means they will only suggest high-end fixtures and fittings? Don't be, says Emma Deterding, who frequently looks to the high street for inspiration herself.
"In terms of saving, we’re seeing many international designers designing for the high street, so you can pick up some really stylish, design-led pieces on the high street for an affordable price.
"Designs come in a variety of prints, patterns and colours, and if you see something you love the shape of but don’t like the fabric, it can still be a lot more affordable to change it than buying something from a high-end designer," she explains.
"IKEA is another great place to save money as their storage designs can be useful for creating built-ins," she adds. "The PAX system is incredibly versatile and if you have a good joiner, you can dress it up or down. The Alex desk is another really stylish piece of furniture and can be used in even the most expensive house – without costing a fortune."
6. Use mirrors or paint finishes in place of art
If adorning your walls with unique artwork is definitely a distant dream for now, it's completely acceptable to make this one area of your interior design you make do with for now, and come back to later.
"If you’re short of art for your walls, you can use more affordable mirrors to add interest instead," suggests Emma Deterding. "You can get some really fabulous big mirrors on the high street that work really well for city living. Or, simply doing a row of three or five identical mirrors will help to increase the feeling of space and light in more compact, darker spaces like a hallway, staircase or smaller living room.
"To add a different dimension and interest to your walls," she adds, "you can even use gloss paint on your walls (so long as there are no bumps or bashes) as an interesting alternative to wallpaper. Not only does it add another layer of texture to a space, but it’ll reflect light back into the space and add personality too."
Shop for mirrors
Increase the sense of space with this full length mirror – also available in black
This rattan mirror with a leaf design is a work of art in itself
This set of octagonal mirrors could be used anywhere in your home
7. Blend standard kitchens with bespoke elements
As previously mentioned, if your dream kitchen is beginning to look a little out of reach, focus instead on how you can achieve the same look for a little less. Save your money for your appliances and consider using well-known retailers instead, and building on a more cost-effective base by spending on other fixtures and fittings.
"Even though we all dream of the bespoke, hand-made designer kitchen, designs from the likes of Wren, Howdens and even IKEA can be a sensible and good quality alternative to the more expensive brands," says Emma Deterding.
"Choose a timeless kitchen cabinet design and bring a luxurious feel to it with good quality worktops and a nice splashback – you’ll be surprised how no one will know the difference,” she assures us.
For more advice on making your interior spaces a stand-out feature of your home, make sure you understand where mistakes can be made too. See what living room design mistakes experts warn could make your space unliveable, and with flooring one area where it's recommended you do spend, arm yourself with knowledge of these common flooring mistakes so you can avoid them.
