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DIY Design & Renovation

DIY Design & Renovation

Splurge vs. Save

Splurge vs. Save

Splurge vs. Save

How to Design Smart on Any Budget

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.

Splurge vs. Save

How to Design Smart on Any Budget

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.

Don't forget to make things personal! Even IKEA can tell a story. 🖌️ Add a bespoke touch: Paint a dresser with limewash, make DIY art from wallpaper scraps, or create custom cushions using designer fabric remnants.
Don't forget to make things personal! Even IKEA can tell a story. 🖌️ Add a bespoke touch: Paint a dresser with limewash, make DIY art from wallpaper scraps, or create custom cushions using designer fabric remnants.
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Quick tips

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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).

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The 80/20 Rule

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

The 80/20 Rule

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

The 80/20 Rule

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

The 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 Rule

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

The 80/20 Rule

Keep it classic, spice it up.

  • Go 80% timeless (hello, neutrals) and 20% trend (we see you, checkerboard patterns).
  • Use Spoak’s mood board tool to test mixes before committing.

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

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Don't forget to make things personal! Even IKEA can tell a story. 🖌️ Add a bespoke touch: Paint a dresser with limewash, make DIY art from wallpaper scraps, or create custom cushions using designer fabric remnants.
Don't forget to make things personal! Even IKEA can tell a story. 🖌️ Add a bespoke touch: Paint a dresser with limewash, make DIY art from wallpaper scraps, or create custom cushions using designer fabric remnants.
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