decorating on a budget: wall treatments

GUIDES

Apr 1

When it comes to wall treatments there are plenty of options to choose from: Wallpaper, plasterwork, paneling, moldings, tiles, paint, and so on.

When designing on a budget, wall treatment can make a big dent on our pockets, which is why it is important to make the right decision when the time comes. Here are a few things you should consider:

Length of stay: How long will you be living in the space? If it is short-term, we recommend you stick to basic paint. Most rentals require that by the time the lease is done, walls should remain as they were at the time of the rental, so the time and money invested on purchasing and installing any wall treatment isn’t really worth it. There are a lot of nice colors that can make any room pop, and if you get creative you can use some really cool stencils or DIY techniques that can replicate the effect you’re looking for. If you’re looking for something more long term, or regardless of time, really want something bolder, try looking for wall treatments that are easy to install and remove (there are even peel-off tiles and wallpapers!). You should definitely steer clear from all other options like paneling, moldings, and tile work unless you are willing to make a bigger investment.

Life expectancy: When selecting a color, pattern, or texture you want to use, think ahead: How long until the fad fades? If you can see yourself living in a space with vintage-looking orange bricks, or a super rich yellow ikat pattern 5 years from today, then by all means: Follow your dreams. If you're not so sure, we recommend to stick to more neutral, less ‘fashionable’ techniques: Go for neutral, atemporal options that you know won’t bother you in the years to come, and better yet: will still look elegant.

Money, Money, Money: Adding any type of wall treatment to your home is not a basic need. It is a luxury. Sure, some of them can add value to your home (if you’re the owner), and will for sure enhance any space you choose to put them in. However, you should always look at them as a secondary necessity, and a one-off item. On one hand, if you’re tight on budget, you should probably invest your money on better quality, big ticket, heavy-transit items such as beds, sofas, and dining tables because these are the items that you need to last. And on the other hand, wall treatments will stay on the walls because more likely than not, they will be non-transferrable. So when budget is an issue, we think is better to be spent it on things you’ll be able to keep, and maybe even pass down, in the years to come.

All this being said, you should do what makes you happy and if you can kind of afford, you should definitely make your home the space of your dreams. After all, it is what you live and breathe, and it should feel welcoming, invigorating, and reflective of your personality!