by Carie McMichael | photos by Sarah Shields Photography
With the warm breeze of spring comes the robust appetite for refreshing one’s space—decluttering, brightening, and breathing new life into the home. Some homeowners may wish to expand this rejuvenation beyond the standard spring-cleaning, but struggle to form a game plan for stylizing their space that doesn’t break the bank.
Angela King, founder and principal designer of Indianapolis’ Eleven 18 interior design firm, has been helping Hoosier homeowners realize their stylistic visions since she began her career in 1991. She says the most common mistake she encounters in consultation with her clientele is when homeowners jump into a redesign or renovation without a clear plan in place, resulting in an incohesive look that drags down the interior.
Striking a consistent balance, King says, begins with determining which elements are exhibitive of a homeowner’s aesthetic, “I always recommend identifying the key elements that define your style— whether it’s a specific color palette, a love for texture, or a preference for classic silhouettes.”
Homeowners should remain discerning in their stylistic choices, according to King, guided by a principle list of do’s and don’ts conducive to a budget-friendly redesign:
DESIGN DOs
1. CREATE A CLEAR GAME PLAN: Once you’ve identified your stylistic elements, begin with large changes such as new paint or wall coverings and statement pieces such as furniture before moving on to more affordable accents to enhance the space, “Once you have that foundation,” King says, “focus on high-impact pieces that set the tone… Then, layer in cost-effective elements like stylish accessories, well-curated vintage finds, and budget-friendly textiles to bring personality without overspending.”
2.TEST PAINT COLORS IN DIFFERENT LIGHTING: Paint swatches that inspire may look spot-on in the store or online, but once applied, the contrast can be drastic.
3.THRIFT, THRIFT, THRIFT: Refreshing thrifted items with a new coat of paint or updated hardware in rich neutral tones can bring new character to any interior.
4. RETHINK & REARRANGE: Amending the focal points in the room to draw the eye to a fireplace or a picture-window’s grand vista can completely transform a space. Changing the layout of furniture or swapping pieces between rooms can provide an instant refresh at no cost!
DESIGN DON’TS
1. RELY ON TRENDS: While it’s tempting to participate in “Instagram-able” redesign trends, prioritizing timeless style not only means remaining true to your style, but also eliminates the need to redesign once a new trend comes along.
2. PURCHASE IMPULSIVELY: This can lead to patterns and textures clashing, or misjudgments of furniture and their size becoming an ill-fitting eyesore in the space. Each addition to your redesign should be a planned part of your vision.
3. SKIMP ON THE LIGHTING: Lighting is an element commonly overlooked, yet has the power to set the tone for a space. Mixing ambient and accent lighting by layering table lamps, sconces, and pendant lights adds warmth and depth to any room.
4. OVERWHELM: Remember less is always more. Excess furniture or decor can create a cluttered space. Homeowners with collections of memorabilia, artwork, or photos should remember to curate carefully, and display their collections with purpose. Create planned gallery walls for hanging objects, and implement display fixtures for standing items such as shadow boxes or thoughtful placement on existing furniture, grouping items together in a meaningful manner.
“While aesthetics are important,” King says, “a well-designed space should enhance daily life, not just look beautiful…Ultimately, great design isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how well the space reflects you.”
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