



Designing doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. In fact, some of the most stylish homes are a blend of smart splurges and savvy saves. This course teaches you the golden rule of professional designers: know where to invest, and where to get creative with budget-friendly upgrades. You’ll walk away with a designer’s eye for value, a knack for DIY, and a floor plan that fits your wallet.
Designing doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. In fact, some of the most stylish homes are a blend of smart splurges and savvy saves. This course teaches you the golden rule of professional designers: know where to invest, and where to get creative with budget-friendly upgrades. You’ll walk away with a designer’s eye for value, a knack for DIY, and a floor plan that fits your wallet.
Designing doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. In fact, some of the most stylish homes are a blend of smart splurges and savvy saves. This course teaches you the golden rule of professional designers: know where to invest, and where to get creative with budget-friendly upgrades. You’ll walk away with a designer’s eye for value, a knack for DIY, and a floor plan that fits your wallet.
Designing doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account. In fact, some of the most stylish homes are a blend of smart splurges and savvy saves. This course teaches you the golden rule of professional designers: know where to invest, and where to get creative with budget-friendly upgrades. You’ll walk away with a designer’s eye for value, a knack for DIY, and a floor plan that fits your wallet.






✨ Designing before decorating = fewer regrets later.
Use Spoak’s 2D floor planning tool to map your layout. Focus on function and flow before falling for furniture.
💡 Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to outline furniture dimensions on your floor IRL before buying.
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Splurge on: Foundational pieces like sofas, beds, and dining tables — they shape the space and get heavy use.
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Save on: Decorative layers like art, pillows, and accent tables — these are easy to swap out over time.
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🎯 High-touch = high priority.
Your hands and eyes will tell you what matters most.
🛠️ DIY Idea: Upgrade IKEA drawer pulls or swap furniture legs to make mass-produced look one-of-a-kind.
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Splurge on: Upholstery, window treatments, cabinet hardware — these elevate the everyday.
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Save on: Storage bins, wall shelves, and secondary seating that’s more for show than use.
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🧠 Pretty is good. Pretty and practical is better.
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Splurge on: Choose natural materials that age well: solid wood, wool, linen, and metals. Avoid MDF or particleboard in high-use areas.
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Save on: Refinishing: find a $50 vintage wood dresser and give it a facelift with paint, new knobs, or a stain. Voila — $500 vibes.
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🧺 Live on your rugs, not around them.
Rugs get daily wear and tear — especially if you have pets, kids, or wine.
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Splurge on: Layering rugs that can add style without the commitment.
💬 Real-Life Tip: Get a large jute base rug and layer a vintage runner or bold flatweave on top.
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Save on: Choose budget-friendly cotton, jute, or synthetic rugs that can handle life (and coffee spills).
Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.

Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.

Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.

Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.


Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.


Example: Pair a budget side table with a luxe velvet armchair and suddenly it’s giving Elle Decor.

