Winter McDermott

The best thing to do on a budget is to mix and match products. Kind of the same idea as wearing a Forever 21 dress and then wearing Lanvin shoes. I recommend never buying a furniture set, but by adding dimension by mixing it up. That way you can buy your basic pieces like a sofa or a bed and then add other pieces at your own pace and budget. You will want to buy your basic furniture pieces like a sofa from a reputable store but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Just make sure it’s comfortable and has nice basic lines. Then you can dress it up with fabric and throw pillows. Also, there are great affordable choices for end tables and coffee tables that you can dress up using books, trays, lamps, or small objects. Things like a nice area rug or drapery is also a really great tip that can change a space instantaneously. You can get drapery anywhere now from a simple roman shade to drapery panels with just as many options of hardware.

Portico Sofa - Crate and Barrel: $1,999

Fog Diamond Throw Pillow

Serena and Lily: $88 ea

Rose Line Table Lamp

CB2: $79.95 ea

Nautical Charts Wall Art

Wisteria: $389 for a set of 4

A reader asked for some tips for designing on a budget: