Budget Beautiful: My Favourite Affordable Interior Picks That Pack a Punch

With the ever-rising cost of living looming like an uninvited guest at a dinner party, I thought I’d jump online and share a few of my favourite budget-friendly finds. Because let’s be real — a gorgeous interior shouldn’t come with a side of financial ruin. You can have champagne style on a beer budget, and these little gems prove it.

1. The Humble Gladom Side Table – IKEA

The Ikea Gladom side table. The reigning queen of budget style.

Let’s kick things off with a classic: the Gladom side table from IKEA. This unassuming little number is wildly versatile — pop it beside the bed, next to the sofa, or even pair it with an ottoman or a lower coffee table for a luxe-looking nesting moment. The sky’s the limit, and at a tidy $19, it’s an absolute no-brainer.

They come in a variety of colours (bring back the bright red and yellow, please, IKEA gods), and they just work in so many spaces. Flexible, affordable, and kind of a design chameleon.

2. H&M Home Cushions — Stylish and Sturdy

H&M Home Cushions are bang-on trend and cheap enough for the dog to destroy.

Next up: H&M Home, specifically their cushion covers. With prices ranging from $15 to around $50, these are ideal if you’re after high-style, low-stress soft furnishings. Especially if you’ve got a dog like mine — Pedro the cushion destroyer — who likes to ‘nest’ in them. These ones I don’t mind him wrecking quite as much.

Pair them with their responsibly sourced feather-down inserts (also about $15) for a plump, designer look without the designer price tag. Polyester inserts are there too, if down's not your thing. And honestly, H&M Home is a bit of a goldmine for unique, interesting decor pieces — far more chic than your average “live, laugh, love” situation. (But hey, if that’s your vibe, I’m not here to judge.)

3. Hollowlight Pillows – Bed Bath & Table

The Bed Bath N Table HollowLight Pillow. The answer to every budget conscious stylist’s prayers.

While we’re still on the cushion train — I can’t go past Bed Bath & Table’s Hollowlight pillows. These are a styling essential in my book. I’ve probably bought hundreds over the years. No shame.

They’ve got that high loft for a plush, polished look and ring in at about $30 each. Totally fine for sleeping, but where they really shine is in your bed styling. You know, the excess pillow situation your partner complains about? “Babe, why do we need all these pillows?” Because we do, John. That’s why.

4. Paint – The DIY Power Move

Highlights from the Dulux 2025 Colour Forecast. Images courtesy of Dulux Australia

Finally, the ultimate bang-for-buck interior move: paint. A few tins and a weekend of effort can completely transform a space. Want drama? Go deep and moody. Need energy? Try something zesty and bright.

If you’re stuck for ideas, Dulux’s annual colour forecasts are worth a scroll. Bree Banfield and her team put together the most delicious palettes — a great launchpad if you want to be bold but don’t know where to begin. Dulux also breaks down all the how-tos: surface prep, paint types, tools — the lot. And worst-case scenario? If you hate it… just paint over it. You’re never more than a weekend away from a reset.

So there you have it — a few of my fave low-cost styling staples that deliver big impact. Interior design doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful — it just has to be clever. And if you’re looking for more budget-friendly tips or need help making a space feel special without splashing too much cash, you know where to find me.

A Neo-Georgian Glow-Up in Toorak

Neo-georgian drab get’s a fresh, sophisticated glow up.

The 1990s called… and they desperately want their house back. This Toorak townhouse, trapped in a time capsule of neo-Georgian fatigue—think overworked columns, heavy-handed detailing, and a little too much Dulux “low fat cheese single” beige—is long overdue for a shake-up. But instead of waging war against its classical roots, this reinvention leans in, embracing the home’s original DNA while injecting it with a fresh, contemporary perspective. Enter: contemporary classic minimalism. (Yes, that’s a thing… well, now it is anyway.) By blending high-quality materials, a refined monochromatic palette, and a balance of old-world charm with sleek modern design, this home is about to catapulted into the 21st century—without losing the best bits of its past. Becasue hey, the 90’s weren’t all bad…I think. Who can remember. If you survived the raving golden age you know exactly what I mean.

The Grand Entrance & Living Room: Moody Meets Monochrome

Step through the doors, and you’re immediately greeted by a carefully curated blend of old-world charm and crisp, modern refinement. Gone are the days of tired finishes and outdated detailing. Now, the space is all about contrast and texture—refinished Japan black floorboards add depth, while fresh Dulux Lexicon Quarter walls bring a bright, sophisticated crispness.

The living area is anchored by a brand-new marble fireplace, turning what was once a tired plain wall just trying to get by into a sculptural statement. But the real magic happens in the transition between spaces—specifically, the one we’ve affectionately dubbed The Tunnel of Love.

The Tunnel of Love: A Passageway Worth Swooning Over

If you think a hallway is just a hallway, think again. This one is a full-blown experience. Clad in rich, dark grain veneer by Navurban, this moody passageway isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a lifestyle, seamlessly disguising the transition between the home’s original hardwood floors and the brand-new timber flooring replacing the (honestly, hideous) carpet in the living room. To tie it all together, a marble floor insert subtly marks the shift, creating a moment of quiet luxury that feels as intentional as it is striking. Chuck in some pinhole overhead lighting and just try to resist.

It’s a rare thing for a utilitarian thoroughfare to steal the show, but this one? It demands, no wait. It commands you attention and undying worship.

Dining & Kitchen: Sophisticated With a Side of Drama

Emerging, flushed with excitement from the Tunnel of Love, you step into the kitchen and dining area—spaces that have been designed to feel both elevated and effortlessly functional. The dining room channels restaurant-inspired luxury, blending monochromatic elements with rich textures. Gold velvet dining chairs sitting atop a moody but rich navy silk rug inject just the right amount of warmth and glamour.

Then there’s the kitchen—a masterclass in balance. Instead of gutting everything and starting fresh, the design works with what’s already there, enhancing and refining the existing elements. Pre-finished satin grey doors and panels bring a soft, modern feel, while new Greg Natale marble tiles seamlessly integrate with the home’s original black Caesarstone benchtops. The result? A space that feels bespoke and high-end without the need for a complete overhaul.

Upstairs: A Sanctuary in the Making

Heading upstairs, the transformation continues. The two smaller bedrooms and main bathroom get a refined upgrade—nothing overly flashy, just smart, elegant choices that make all the difference. But the real star of the upper floor? The master suite.

This isn’t just a bedroom; it’s a full-on retreat, designed to bring five-star hotel luxury into everyday living. Layers of plush high-pile carpet, rich dark sea-grass wallpaper, and bronze accents create a space that’s moody, intimate, and painfully chic. A four-poster bed sits at the center, framed by stingray friendly faux shagreen bedside tables with antique brass trim—because sometimes, a little extra drama is exactly what a room needs.

And then there’s the ensuite—where the design takes bespoke hotel-esque luxury to new heights. Think black steel framing, reeded glass panels, and crisp white Carrara marble, all coming together in a space that’s both timeless and bold. A chevron marble tile floor adds an extra touch of artistry, reinforcing that no detail has been left to chance.

Inspired by the best hotel bathrooms, the master ensuite delivers glamour in spades.

Powder Room: A Small Space With a Big Attitude

If the powder room was a person, it would be the effortlessly cool one at the party— slightly mysterious, and impossible to ignore. Dark navy seagrass wallpapered walls create a moody, textural moment. A bold, monochrome chevron marble floor ties it all together, making this small space feel as grand as the rest of the home.

Because let’s be real—if a powder room doesn’t make a statement, is it even worth having?

The Verdict: A Neo-Classical Reinvention Done Right

This Toorak townhouse isn’t just a renovation—it’s a reimagining. By embracing its neo-Georgian roots rather than fighting them, this project proves that classical details and contemporary minimalism can (and should) coexist beautifully. The result? A home that feels bold yet timeless, sophisticated yet inviting, and every bit as breathtaking as it deserves to be.

Welcome to the next era of neo-neo-classical living.

Dave xx

Colour Drenching: Because More is More (And It’s Glorious)

You know those moments in life when you think, "Go big or go home"? Like when you commit to bottomless brunch and immediately regret that last mimosa (but still order another…or worse, someone yells “let’s do shots!”)? That’s colour drenching in a nutshell—except instead of regret, you get a visually stunning, mood-boosting masterpiece of a room.

So, What Exactly Is Colour Drenching?

Glad you asked! Colour drenching is the interior design equivalent of diving headfirst into a giant tin of paint and deciding, "Yep, this is my life now." Instead of playing it safe with a feature wall (a hard no from me anyways), this trend takes one colour—walls, ceilings, doors, trims, the whole shebang—and absolutely soaks your space in it. The result? A beautifully immersive, cohesive, and effortlessly chic vibe that makes a statement without trying too hard (kind of like that friend who ‘woke up like this’ but you know has a 12-step skincare routine).

Why It’s So Damn Good

First off, colour drenching is the lazy person's dream (hi, it’s me). If you've ever spent hours agonising over which shade of white is the ‘right’ white (spoiler: it’s a trap, they all look different in every light), then you'll love this trend. One colour means fewer decisions, and fewer decisions mean less stress—which means more time for the things that matter. Like wine. Or aggressively fluffing your throw pillows…actually on the last point, the design illuminati says we shouldn’t be chopping cushions anymore FYI. #Devastated.

What It Does Visually

Besides making your space look like it belongs in a ridiculously high-end design magazine, colour drenching has this magical ability to make a room feel bigger, cosier, and just cooler. When everything is the same hue, it blurs the edges of the space, making walls seem taller, ceilings higher, and doorways disappear into the background like an architectural magic trick. It’s the design equivalent of soft focus on a dating app photo—everything just looks better.

Other General Benefits (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Perk?)

• Creates Mood & Drama: Whether you want to go deep and moody (hello, rich forest greens) or light and airy (soft peach, anyone?), drenching your space in colour gives it serious personality.

• Works in Any Room: Bedrooms? Yes. Bathrooms? Absolutely. Tiny, weird nooks you don’t know what to do with? THE best.

• Disguises Ugly Bits: Got a door or some weird architectural quirk you’d rather not highlight? Colour drenching camouflages it like a pro.

• Minimalist-Friendly (Kinda): If you love the idea of minimalism but also really love colour, this is your loophole. One bold shade = maximum impact with minimal effort. Winning.

But Have I Managed to Convince a Client Yet? Absolutely Not.

Look, I’d love to say my clients are lining up to embrace the transformative magic of colour drenching, but the reality? Australians, by and large, are a conservative bunch when it comes to colour. The idea of painting a ceiling anything other than ceiling white sends people into an existential crisis. I’ve seen less panic at a snake sighting (and we live in Australia, so that’s saying something).

I’ve tried it all—mood boards, Pinterest inspo, passionate TED Talk-style monologues about the joys of a fully immersive space. Still, the second I suggest that a ceiling could, in fact, be a colour, I watch my clients' pupils dilate in pure terror. "Isn’t that… a bit much?" they whisper, clutching their Dulux Natural White swatches like a security blanket.

One day, though. One day, I’ll convert the masses. Until then, I’ll keep fighting the good fight, armed with a paintbrush and a dream.

So there you have it, friends. Colour drenching: because sometimes, more is actually more, and in the best possible way. Now go forth and paint your world fabulous. Just maybe don’t start with your partner’s home office unless you want a domestic-level debate on the emotional impact of deep aubergine.

Happy decorating, legends! #ColourDrenching #GoBoldOrGoHome

Dave xx