First Rule: Materials Matter! On my journey into Interior design, there is often debate on ‘what makes good style’. Whilst there are financial factors that will play a part in the procurement of luxury items, it is important to realise that not everything needs to be high end, and there are both areas to save, and areas where you will want to elevate your space to that next level, and these items are worth a small splurge. I am going to walk you through how to establish your space using interior design best practises, with thoughtful décor within your budget.

The Price Of Affordable Interior Design

Attractive interior design often has some compromise. For this one, it is materials. People want to make interior beautiful for almost every type of building. To have a look that is purposefully put together, it is important to think about materials.

• Does it suit our requirements?
• Is it durable/ does this matter? (no, if planning to remodel in a short space of time) 
• Will this style stand out from standard high-street brands?

Cushions

Upholstery is not a scary word. Before we take a dive into sofas and headboards, lets start small and intentional.

When it comes to interiors, I always think cushions are one of the easiest places to make a space feel special. They might seem small, but the truth is, cheap cushions look and feel cheap, they lose shape, the fabric pills, and suddenly the whole sofa feels a little flat.

Splurging on upholstery, especially for cushions, is really about comfort and longevity. High quality fabric not only feels better against your skin, but it also wears beautifully over time. The filling makes a huge difference too, as a well made cushion bounces back instead of collapsing into a pancake after a few weeks. I highly recommend opting for feather inserts, at the quality you can afford. Think to go up a size too, to add the plump position that you desire for your design.

Cushions are like the jewellery of a room. Investing in good fabric means richer textures, deeper colours, and details that actually elevate the whole space. Instead of replacing cheap ones every season, I’d rather have fewer, better made cushions that anchor the room and make the sofa or bed look intentional.

So, if you’re ever torn about where to put a little extra budget, go for the cushions. They’re small pieces with a big impact, and every time you sink into them, you’ll feel the difference.