Source
r/AusRenovation•
AwkwardSpaceTurtle

Decorating new home

Buying an off the plan townhouse in Melbourne and was thinking of getting an interior designer/decorator to furnish the house. Only thing I am planning to bring over from my current rental is the fridge, washing machine, and dryer. Trying to see if I can fit in a small home office setup as well.

Is a 20k budget for furnishing the 3 bedroom house realistic? Including kitchen, blinds, etc. Hoping to have furniture that lasts a long time. Budget isn't that tight but just trying to be careful of how quickly costs can add up.

Is it worthwhile for me to get an interior decorator based on my budget? And roughly the price range it would cost.

And any recommendations. Thanks!

Posted Jan 15, 2023, 11:22 AM UTC

08
boogetyboo•

You'd spend most of your budget on the designer. That's not a heap of cash.

Just pay attention to things you like when you visit people's homes, check out Pinterest, look at design inspiration sites. Match what you like on a budget.

People like to rip on IKEA but they do room inspo well and I've never had a problem with the quality of the furniture. It's a good way of saying how XYZ furniture can look nice in a room, and on the cheap

2
scrappadoo•

Do you intend the 20k to cover your kitchen cabinetry etc or just appliances?

1
AwkwardSpaceTurtleOP•

Cabinets, stove, dishwasher are included and I am bringing over the fridge and microwave so I don't think it will cost too much more?

1
scrappadoo•

I'd agree. Bigger costs will be blinds, couch, tv etc.

Tbh I wouldn't bother with an interior decorator, it's going to cost a thousand or more and with the budget you have I don't think the advice is going to be super actionable/insightful.

2
imaginary_mary•

These articles might be helpful:

What do interior designers charge?

How much does it really cost to furnish a single room

1
Icy-Ability6442•

Depends on the quality of furniture you would want. I spent about $7k on a TV unit, dining suite and bed suite (no mattress or linen). That was low-mid range at the place I bought it from

Head to some furniture shops or ikea if you can to get an idea of what you like and start adding up some rough costs

1
One_Journalist1042•

If they have a display unit and it is a more upmarket development then just ask to buy the furniture at the end.

1
learningbythesea•

20k isn't going to get you far, especially not if you want designer level aesthetics. I recently did up my home office (standing corner desk, $1000 laptop, 2 monitors, a few small wall shelves, office chair, filing cabinet, bookcase, a couple of photo frames w photos, a pinboard and curtains. It was 8k. It's mostly IKEA, except for the filing cabinet and bookcase). It really really adds up. I reckon you'd struggle to do a single bedroom nicely (with linen) for less than 5k.

My advice to you as someone who didn't have a lot of free cash going into my own house is start with the basics and 'design' as you go. My husband and I started in our first home with a master bedroom suite and dining table, with camp chairs in the lounge room and our TV on an old blanket box. We used his weight bench as a coffee table now I think of it. Fun times :) Seriously, it was terrific :)

1