I’m a top New Jersey interior designer – items you shouldn’t spend too much on
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I’m a top New Jersey interior designer – items you shouldn’t spend too much on

ONE sought-after interior decorator shared her top tricks for designing a space on a budget without sacrificing style.

Her techniques can help transform your home into ultra luxe for less – much less.

Sarah Swatez of Sarah Elizabeth Design shared her budget-friendly design tipsCredit: INSTAGRAM/sarahelizabethdesign

Sarah Swatez, founder of Sarah Elizabeth Design, bills herself as being a “top New Jersey interior designer.”

She explained in a blog post that she wants to help people get “real clear” on where they should spend and where they should save when designing their homes.

“Over the course of a decade plus designing homes in New Jersey and beyond, we’ve developed methods in the way we choose furniture and decor for homes and want to share the reasons why, and how, you can implement the same methods,” she wrote.

For young professionals – or anyone else – who “craves an elevated design,” she knows just how to mix luxury items with “budget-appropriate” furniture.

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One of her biggest tips for sticking to a budget is saving on rugs in high-traffic areas such as the living room and mudroom.

“We like Revival and Ruggable for higher-end looking and seriously washable rugs, with some great patterns,” she said.

Swatez added that you don’t have to break the bank when picking out accent furniture.

“Accent furniture is by no means an afterthought, yet we have found many great looking metal side tables and drink stands, and even marble coffee tables, at West Elm and CB2,” she said.

For example, West Elm sells a 44-inch Santa Rosa Rectangle coffee table for $349.

Available in a driftwood finish, the table boasts a “unique” cross base to complement the streamlined top.

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It is also described as giving a “high-end design at a great price.”

The furniture features a natural wood grain and is extra durable.

Swatez also shared ways to save money on decorative items.

“There are such great ceramic and glass vases, candles, and candle holders, and objects out there to style your entry console, coffee table, or kids’ rooms,” she said.

“For kids’ rooms, there seem to be endless fun and even handmade wall art and decor out there from Crate and Kids and even Etsy,” she continued.

“This can also include cotton or linen throw blankets for the arm of your sofas during the warmer months.”

Bed frames and headboards can also be budget-friendly buys if you know where to look.

She recommended shopping at mid-priced furniture retailers like Lulu and Georgia, Crate and Barrel, and One Kings Lane for upholstered beds.

Budget interior design tips

Interior designer Judy Hoang shared her furniture tips with The U.S. Sun.

  • Thrift furniture and paint it to match your decor.
  • Test if an item is fit for its purpose before thrifting.
  • Shop at Target or HomeGoods for rugs, lamps, desks, and pillows.
  • Invest in classic timeless pieces.
  • Set up smart home lighting to save money.

Swatez noted that she considers her clients’ lifestyles when making design choices, saying many of them are “busy professionals.”

For homes with children and/or pets, she likes to incorporate “durable fabrics” and “floor coverings” into the overall look.

She explained that “this can mean investing in custom items like a sofa with a washable velvet” or a “washable pattern rug.”

The expert also recommended purchasing pieces with patterns that can “hide stains.”

She recommended spending less on accent furniture and shopping at mid-price retailers like West Elm and CB2Credit: Getty

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