Handbook

Designing the lighting for a country home and simultaneously saving on costs is a seriously challenging task for any designer. Often, the problem is addressed by purchasing inexpensive building materials for construction and interior finishing. However, I believe this approach is only partly correct. What’s perfect for a small apartment design may seem out of place in a private home. Country homes don’t favor cheap artificial materials as they can significantly undermine the design of the rooms, as well as their integrity and longevity.

For example, if we use laminate flooring in a country home design, it will quickly wear and deteriorate. Therefore, even if we aim to significantly reduce the budget and time for building a house, we must not overlook such important characteristics of building materials as durability and resistance, as well as the price/quality ratio.

I want to emphasize that if you decide to give your home a unique and affordable interior, be prepared for serious creative work with the designer. In the most constrained conditions in terms of time and budget, the most daring and interesting solutions are often born.

Now, I’ll tell you how to achieve substantial savings without compromising either the beauty of the design or the quality of the materials used.

 

Working with Texture

 

Sometimes interesting solutions are right before our eyes; we just need to spot them. For instance, leaving that brick wall unplastered or not hiding plumbing pipes! Simply painting them a contrasting color against a “bare” wall, adding some bright cushions and poufs, and voila – a rugged loft-style interior is ready. However, it’s important to use these elements in moderation to avoid creating a space that resembles a storage room.

 

Impactful Design Through Window Views

 

Indeed, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to invest in landscaping to enjoy a breathtaking view from the window, which then becomes the main focus of the living room or bedroom interior. Especially if the surrounding nature is picturesque. Then, just installing a huge floor-to-ceiling window is enough, and the rest of the decor can be simple and understated.

 

Creating Contrasts

 

This approach is suitable for large spaces with double-height ceilings or vaulted roofs. Create a dark, high wooden ceiling for a chalet or Gothic style effect. You might think using wood extensively in a budget interior is too extravagant. However, building a country house is a long-term investment, and wood perfectly matches the best price-to-quality ratio.

 

Selecting the Right Materials

 

Again, emphasize using not overly expensive but high-quality natural materials such as:

• Ceramic tiles in the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.
• Floors and other wooden elements made from pine or larch boards.
• Natural textiles.

 

Furniture and Accessories

 

Choose inexpensive rustic or “countryside” style furniture made from simple wooden boards, or rattan wicker furniture. Quality doesn’t always mean expensive. Even old cabinets and armchairs, re-finished and given a new lease on life, can look elegant. The same applies to accessories – just a few perfectly chosen ones are enough.

For a truly budget-friendly design, opt for inexpensive background materials, simple wall painting, tile flooring, old but quality furniture, and accessories. The key is to have correctly placed highlights – it could be a large painting, an antique sofa, or luxurious curtains. Don’t hesitate to invest a bit more for good design. There are many options – choose yours.

I’ll just add that if you really want to save on building and designing your own home, the best solution would be to consult with me, interior designer Olesya Blashchenko.