WHAT A ROOM ACTUALLY COSTS (NO GUESSING)

Let’s talk about the number nobody wants to say out loud.

There is a lot of talk of finances in the media but somehow not a lot of chatter about it in the design industry. But I truly believe that great spaces can be created no matter what the budget, and while it might seem restrictive, setting a realistic budget will actually bring clarity and the freedom to be in control of where it goes. So here I want to talk plainly about budget: how to set one, where it actually needs to go, and how to get the most from whatever you’re working with. No vague answers, no “it depends.” Real numbers, real clarity.

FIRST, LET”S REFRAME THE BUDGET

A budget isn’t a limit on what you can have. It’s a decision about what matters most.

The rooms that feel the most “expensive” are rarely the ones where the most was spent, they’re the ones where the money went to the right three or four things, and nowhere else. Guess your way through a project and the money disappears into a dozen okay decisions. Decide your priorities first, and the same dollars go a lot further.

Your home is for years. How it feels to live in, deserves more than an afterthought.

REALISTIC FURNITURE BUDGETS

One of the questions I’m asked most is: “realistically, what am I looking at?” and it’s a good question. Let’s not pretend it isn’t a large factor in any project. Let’s answer it. 

For a living room and a main bedroom, quality furniture and decor will land in a range that depends heavily on the choices below but the point isn’t the number itself, it’s understanding the factors that move it from one range to another. 

(Budgets are indicative only and vary depending on room size, product selections, existing furniture, and customisation.)

LIVING ROOM

Considered Refresh ($8,000 – $12,000)
Sofa, coffee table, rug, lighting and styling accessories. Ideal if you’re keeping some existing larger furniture pieces. 

Elevated Retreat ($15,000 – $18,000)
Sofa, armchairs, coffee table, side tables, entertainment unit, rug, artwork and styling decor. A complete refresh with quality furniture and layered finishes. 

Signature Living ($25,000+)
Premium or custom sofa & armchairs, coffee table, side tables, entertainment unit, rug, artwork, lighting, custom window furnishings and complete styling. 

MAIN BEDROOM

Considered Refresh ($6,000 – $9,000)
Bed frame or bed head, bedside tables, lamps, rug and linen. Ideal if you’re retaining existing furniture & mattress.

Elevated Retreat ($10,000 – $15,000)
Bed frame or bed head, bedside tables, lamps, rug, linen, artwork, a bed-end bench or occasional chair.

Signature Retreat ($20,000+)

Premium or custom bed frame, bed side tables, lamps, rug, linen, dresser, artwork, wallpaper, custom window furnishings and complete styling.

WHAT ACTUALLY INFLUENCES THE BUDGET?

Custom vs. ready-made
Custom upholstery and joinery require a larger investment but they’re tailored to your home and designed to last for many years.

Materials
Solid timber and full-grain leather cost quite a deal more than veneer and PU, and it shows in longevity, not just look.

What you’re keeping vs. starting fresh
One good sofa you already own can shift a whole budget tier down.

Styling and finishing
Art, cushions, throws, and the smaller layers are often underestimated, but they’re what transform a room from simply furnished to beautifully finished.