3 Design Budget Hacks

HACK #1: SAMPLES

Not sure how that crib bedding will look with shade of lavender paint you picked out for your nursery? Or if that hand-scrapped, hardwood flooring is really the color it shows on your screen? Then order a sample, heck order several! If you are ordering furniture or decor items made of upholstery, leather, wood, or metal be sure and check with the online retailer to see if they offer swatch samples. Some are free and others are available at a minimal fee. Many retailers will also ship them to you for free so no need to worry about incurring any extra costs. Even if you're ordering samples at a price it is worth your time and money to confirm what you are actually ordering rather than guessing on what something might look like. Otherwise you may find yourself spending more than just a few dollars wasting your time going through an unnecessary return process.

These professional tools take the guess work out of shopping on line. You can match up swatches across different brands to see if colors and textures work together. Not to mention super convenient for bringing around with you while you shop at various actual “brick & mortar” stores. A much better option then lugging that comforter set around with you. Am I right?

Favorite retailers for samples:
Serena & Lily: bedding, decor pillows, rugs, drapery & upholstery
The Land of Nod: bedding, rugs, drapery, furniture finishing & upholstery
Restoration Hardware: bedding, drapery, rugs, upholstery & furniture wood
Anderson Hardwood: flooring
Joann Fabric & Craft Store: fabric & upholstery
Dwell Studio: upholstery
West Elm: rugs & furniture
Crate & Barrel: rugs & furniture
Pottery Barn: rugs & furniture wood
Loom Decor: fabrics & upholstery
Colorhouse Paint: mini paint colors

Always purchase sample sizes of paint color

If you don't see samples offered ask

HACK #2: SHIPPING

Shipping can make or break a good deal. The product might be on sale, but the shipping could be astronomical. The good news is, as online shopping has become more and more popular, the shipping and return fees are getting more reasonable and competitive. This is good news for you the consumer.

Favorite online retailers based on their shipping and/or return policy:
Target: 1) Pay for your order with a REDcard™ - no minimum purchase required for free ship & returns. 2) Spend $25 or more using any payment method for free ship & returns.
Amazon: Free ship Prime or bundled look on Amazon if not available on favorite retail site.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Free Ship over $29 + free returns in store or ship
buybuyBABY: Free Ship over $49 + free returns in store ship
Wayfair: Free shipping
Hayneedle: Free shipping over $49
Urban Outfitters: Free Ship over $50 + free returns
Anthropologie: Free shipping for online only pieces by ordering in person at local store + Free returns
Walmart: Free Ship and on orders over $35

Good Practices:

Bundle items at one shop if there is minimum amount for free shipping
Apply for Store Card or Loyalty Card with perks like additional discount & free shipping, money back, rewards:
Shop online stores with local “brick & mortar” store for items that you are particular unsure about.
Ask for return charges in advance of purchase.
Many boutique shops include their shipping in their retail price, so check their policy, contact them or you can also partially go through the checkout process and see if any shipping applies.

Be a more savvy online shopper with the use of product samples - they're not just for professionals anymore

HACK #3: SHOPPING TRENDS

Shopping design and decor trends is a super smart and savvy way to stay on budget. You will be able to secure the design trend across the board from high-end brands to low-end retailers. This let's you decide where you splurge and where you save.

TREND SHOP: Tassels

ANTRHOPOLOGIE - $78

TARGET - $20

TREND SHOP: 3-D Faux Animal Head

FIONA WALKER ENGLAND - $105

TARGET - $20

TREND SHOP: Textile wall art

ANTHROPOLOGIE - $298

TARGET - $30

TREND SHOP: Graphic elements

Find trends in any product, decor or toy. For example the cactus is super hot and we found these following items hitting that trend.

TREND SHOP: Colors

Shopping trend colors means you can find any item you want in that hue, at any price point. Take for example the Pantone Color of the Year 2017, Greenery.

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