Homeowners are still cautious about overspending on their homes, especially for interior design. But that does not mean there is less demand for nicer interiors, be it for a new home or for a renovation project.
The phrase “interior design” no longer conjures up images of major dollar signs that usually made it the domain of the well-to-do. There have been many changes in the industry over the last decade, and the concept of professional design is coveted by many.
As with any industry, progress is marked by change, and in the interior design world the latest buzzword has been “affordability.” It’s not really a surprise since the housing industry is going through a revolutionary phase where state-of-the-art homes are being designed to meet affordable housing criteria.
More buyers are looking at properties that will offer the feel of a luxury home without costing them an arm and a leg to create one. Industry experts have rightly predicted the expansion of low- and middle-income housing for 2014 and beyond.
Architects and interior designers are looking at alternative solutions to create dream living spaces on a budget. Many have turned to sustainable practices and innovative technologies that can reduce construction, décor and maintenance costs.
Interior designers have taken up this challenge and have come up with some unprecedented moves to offer innovation within these tighter budgets. A quick look at some of these efforts:
- Using eco-friendly home-styling ideas like recycled and reclaimed products as home décor
- Infusing natural elements to create a casual yet inviting look, which also means spending less on fixtures and décor items
- Enmeshing modern design with industrial, antique and rustic decorative elements
- Opting for green interior design options, which will help homeowners save money in the long run
- Working with clients to create unique home products as a part of the DIY décor wave and achieving a smart and unique style effortlessly
This new wave of interior design evident can be seen even in new projects being planned and launched by industry veterans. Their focus now is to create that interior “wow” factor through various innovative design options, so they can stay within frugal budgets.
The focus is on details that have perhaps been overlooked in the past like alcoves, unused passages and hallways. They opt for items such as easy, inexpensive built-ins and custom cabinetry from local craftspeople, and precise placement of lighting fixtures to create interior drama without spending a bundle.
The focus is on creating statement pieces without using up the time and money that are usually associated with them. That not only means sticking to the budget, but also less effort for the designer, who can justify the lower cost as well.
Trends like wallpapers, which had become passé over two decades ago, have made a recent comeback. With options like recyclable paper and other green items like wood grain, cork, woven grass and even cloth, doing up one wall or more is easier and cheaper than before.
With these innovative options, designers can achieve that “wow” factor for their clients without much ado and in no time at all.
About the Author
Archita Datta Majumdar has been writing for various industries for more than 14 years. She has contributed articles to The Economic Times, the leading financial daily of India, and she loves research, business analysis and knowledge management, which paves the way for a steep learning curve.
