What's your go-to source for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration? Share one specific example of how you've implemented inspiration from this source.

Question

Ever wondered where top interior designers and CEOs find their inspiration for affordable yet stylish spaces? This blog post uncovers the secrets behind their creative processes by gathering insights from seventeen experts. From discovering unique ideas on Pinterest to layering curtains for a fresh vibe, these professionals share their go-to sources and specific examples of implementation. Dive into the first insight on finding unique ideas on Pinterest and wrap up with the finishing touch of layering curtains for a new vibe.

Nitya Seth · Answer

Pinterest is one of my favorite sources to find cheap and unique ideas for home decoration. The service provides an enormous selection of pictures and suggestions in different directions, which enabled me to find some specific looks and patterns that are suitable for any financial prerequisites.
For instance, several days ago, I discovered a Pinterest board featuring ideas for small living rooms and their design that will allow to simultaneously save space and create warmth. I was once shown a picture that has no strong color tones, many layers, and multi-purpose furniture; I used all those concepts in a project. For the living room, I opted for a light beige-colored sofa, improved its looks by placing textured throw pillows on it while the coffee table, as well as being an ornament, serves as a setback storage. The outcome was a beautiful and convenient place where people could live, and at the same time, look for comfort in elegance.

Erik Wright · Answer

I love mixing high-end and budget-friendly pieces from various sources to create unique interiors. In one of my rental properties, I paired a luxe velvet sofa from a designer outlet with industrial-style shelving units I made myself using pipes and reclaimed wood, creating a stylish yet cost-effective look that wowed potential tenants.

Ryan Whitcher · Answer

Facebook Marketplace has been a game-changer for finding affordable and stylish pieces for our house flips. Just last week, I scored a beautiful mid-century-modern sideboard for a fraction of the retail price. It became the centerpiece of the dining room in our latest flip, and the potential buyers couldn't stop talking about it during the open house.

Darcy Turner · Answer

Thrift stores are my secret weapon for stylish, budget-friendly décor. Last month, I scored a vintage brass floor lamp for $20 that looked just like one I'd seen in a high-end design magazine. After a quick polish, it became the stand-out piece in one of our flips' living rooms, adding instant character without breaking the bank.

Greg Berney · Answer

To use a specific example, I recently visited a client's home that was in need of some major interior design updates. The space felt dark and cluttered, lacking any sense of warmth or personality. After discussing budget constraints with my client, I immediately turned to one of my go-to sources for affordable and stylish interior-design inspiration: Pinterest.
Pinterest is an online platform where users can search for and save images related to various topics, such as fashion, home decor, recipes, and more. One feature that sets Pinterest apart from other social media platforms is its ability to curate personalized content based on the user's interests and searches.
For this particular project, I created a board on Pinterest specifically dedicated to interior-design ideas for my client's home. I saved images of different color palettes, furniture pieces, and decor styles that aligned with my client's preferences and budget.
One idea that stood out to me was creating a focal wall using wallpaper. My client was hesitant at first, but after showing her some beautiful examples from my Pinterest board, she was intrigued. We found an affordable, yet stylish, wallpaper option that added depth and texture to the room without breaking the bank.

Robert Fausette · Answer

Pinterest is one of my go-to sources for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration. I frequently use this platform to craft mood boards for both my clients and myself. A memorable instance was when I assisted a young couple who had just bought their first home.
They were on a tight budget and wanted to create a cozy and modern living-room space. After discussing their preferences and needs, I turned to Pinterest for some ideas. I found a beautiful image of a neutral-colored living room with pops of green plants scattered throughout. The overall vibe was warm, inviting, and chic—exactly what my clients were looking for.
I shared the image with them, and they loved it. We then worked together to find budget-friendly pieces that would recreate the look in their own home. They found a comfortable sofa at a local thrift store, and we added some throw pillows with green accents. We also found affordable indoor plants at a garden center and placed them strategically around the room.
The end result was stunning, and my clients were thrilled with how their living room turned out. It just goes to show that with a little inspiration and creativity, any space can be transformed into something beautiful without breaking the bank.

Baxter Fricks · Answer

One specific example of how I've implemented inspiration from Apartment Therapy was when I helped a client who was looking to update their living room on a budget. After browsing through the blog's archives, we found an article featuring budget-friendly ways to add color and texture to a space.
We took inspiration from one particular DIY project featured in the article—creating wall art using fabric scraps and embroidery hoops. My client loved the idea, as it added both color and texture to their plain-white walls without breaking the bank.
Together, we selected a variety of fabric scraps in different patterns and colors and framed them using embroidery hoops. The end result was a unique and personalized wall-art display that added character to the living room.
Thanks to Apartment Therapy's budget-friendly inspiration, my client was able to achieve their desired look without overspending. This experience not only helped my client, but it also reinforced my trust in Apartment Therapy as a reliable source for affordable and stylish interior design ideas. I continue to recommend it to my clients and friends who are seeking inspiration for their own homes.

Warner Quiroga · Answer

One of my go-to sources for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration is Pinterest. I have always been drawn to the platform's visually appealing layout and endless supply of home decor ideas.
One specific example of how I've implemented inspiration from Pinterest was in a recent staging project for a client's living room. The space was fairly small, but I wanted to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while still keeping it modern and on-trend.
After browsing through countless pins and creating a mood board, I decided to incorporate elements from Scandinavian design, which is known for its simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials. I found a gorgeous neutral-colored rug with geometric patterns that added texture to the room and complemented the existing furniture. I also added a few plants and woven baskets for a touch of greenery and warmth.
Additionally, I found some simple yet elegant throw pillows in muted tones to tie everything together. The end result was a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired living room that impressed both my client and potential buyers during open houses.

Josh Qian · Answer

My favorite sources for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration are customer feedback and project showcases on platforms like Houzz. Seeing real-life applications of our kitchen cabinets helps us understand what resonates with our customers. One outstanding project featured a modern farmhouse style with earthy tones and open shelving. Inspired by this, we introduced a curated collection of best-online-cabinetry that reflects this aesthetic, incorporating natural wood finishes and soft color palettes that align with current kitchen trends.
I also find inspiration in design podcasts that focus on interior design and home improvement. One episode discussed the importance of sustainable materials in modern kitchens. It sparked the idea to integrate more eco-friendly options into our cabinetry line, allowing us to offer sustainable choices without compromising style.

Andy Kolodgie · Answer

I swear by IKEA for affordable style inspiration. In a recent project, I used their modular BESTA system to create a custom-built entertainment center that looked way more expensive than it was. It gave the space a sleek, modern look that really impressed potential buyers, and the best part was how easy it was to customize and install.

Danny Colacicco · Answer

I am always on the lookout for affordable and stylish interior-design inspiration. One of my go-to sources is Pinterest. With its endless supply of images, I have found it to be a great platform for discovering unique ideas and trends.
Recently, I was working with a client who wanted to revamp their living room without breaking the bank. They had a limited budget but still wanted to achieve a modern and chic look. After discussing their preferences and budget, I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration.
I came across an image of an industrial-style living room that caught my eye. The space featured exposed brick walls, metal accents, and cozy neutral furnishings. My client loved the idea, and together we worked on implementing elements of this design into their living room.
We found affordable brick wallpaper that mimicked the look of exposed brick, added a few metal shelves and accents, and incorporated neutral throw pillows and rugs. The end result was a beautiful industrial-chic living room that fit within our client's budget.

Shannon Beatty · Answer

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform where users can find and save ideas across various categories, including home décor. It's a great source for finding beautiful and creative designs that can be implemented in any space.
One specific example of how I've used Pinterest for interior design inspiration was when working with a client who wanted to update their living room on a budget. They had a limited budget but still wanted to achieve a modern and chic look.
I turned to Pinterest and searched for "budget-friendly living room makeovers," which led me to a plethora of ideas and inspiration. I curated a board with various design elements, such as color schemes, furniture arrangements, and DIY décor projects.
Using the inspiration from Pinterest, we were able to transform my client's living room into a stylish and cozy space without breaking the bank. We incorporated some affordable pieces, like throw pillows and wall art, found on Pinterest, along with rearranging their existing furniture to create a more open and inviting layout.

Zach Shepard · Answer

I am always on the hunt for affordable, yet stylish, interior-design inspiration to share with my clients. Instagram has become a favorite resource, where I follow various home-decor accounts that highlight gorgeous spaces at budget-friendly prices.
A memorable instance was when I assisted a young couple in finding their first home. They had a tight budget but wanted a space that mirrored their modern, minimalist style. I recalled an Instagram account that featured stunning Scandinavian-inspired interiors, primarily using thrifted items.
I shared this account with them and they were immediately hooked. We spent the next few weeks scouring different thrift stores in our area, finding unique pieces such as a vintage leather sofa and a mid-century modern coffee table. We also incorporated some DIY projects inspired by the account, such as creating a gallery wall with cheap frames and printable artwork.
The end result was a gorgeous and personalized space that truly reflected my clients' style at a fraction of the cost. They were thrilled with the outcome, and I couldn't have been happier to have found such valuable inspiration on Instagram.

Kate Hill · Answer

My go-to source for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration is often overlooked-local art galleries. They're treasure troves of creativity, showcasing diverse artworks that spark ideas for color palettes, textures, and arrangement styles. I transformed my living space not long ago by drawing inspiration from a minimalist exhibition. The simplicity and balance displayed inspired me to declutter, embrace neutral tones, and add subtle accents through artwork. This approach revitalized my room and brought a serene, cohesive feel akin to the gallery itself. Art is an endless well of unique ideas that can be tailored to any space beautifully.

Adam New · Answer

A go-to source for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration is Pinterest. With its vast collection of images and ideas from both professional designers and everyday individuals, it's a great resource for finding creative and budget-friendly ways to decorate a space. 
One particular way I've drawn inspiration from Pinterest is in my living room. While exploring various pins and boards, I stumbled upon a DIY project that suggested creating abstract artwork using leftover paint samples. I was immediately taken by this idea, as it was not only cost-effective but also injected a personal touch into the space. 
I followed the simple instructions and created my own colorful abstract paintings to hang above our couch. Not only did they fill up an otherwise empty wall, but they also added a pop of color and personality to the room. It's now one of my favorite features in our living room, and guests often ask where I purchased the artwork from. 
Pinterest has not only provided me with countless ideas for interior design, but it has also inspired me to get creative and try DIY projects that I never would have thought of before. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to decorate their home on a budget without sacrificing style. With new pins being added every day, there's always something new and inspiring to discover on Pinterest for your next home-decor project.

Amanda New · Answer

Pinterest is my favorite destination for affordable, stylish interior design inspiration. It provides a wealth of ideas for every type of space, from cozy studio apartments to expansive luxury homes. Whenever I come across a particularly inspiring pin, I save it to one of my boards so that I can easily refer back to it when needed.
One specific example of how I have implemented inspiration from Pinterest was with a small bungalow that had been on the market for several months without any offers. The layout was awkward and the rooms felt cramped, making it difficult for potential buyers to envision themselves living there. After browsing through my "Small-Space Solutions" board on Pinterest, I came across a pin that showed how adding a large mirror to a small room can create the illusion of more space.
Taking inspiration from this idea, I suggested to the homeowners that we add a floor-to-ceiling mirror in the living room, which was one of the main problem areas. Not only did it make the room feel bigger and brighter, but it also added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the space.

Charles Chakkalo · Answer

My go-to source for affordable and stylish interior design inspiration is Pinterest. It's packed with ideas, and it lets you refine your search to specific styles or price points, which is a game-changer when you're looking to refresh a space without overspending. I was recently searching for ways to update my living room, and I stumbled upon these beautifully layered curtain designs that added a whole new vibe to the room.
I ended up choosing sheer white curtains paired with a heavier, textured curtain in a soft gray. The combination not only softened the light but also made the room feel more sophisticated without breaking the bank. Pinterest is full of creative curtain ideas like that—it's a great tool to gather visuals and put together a look that's uniquely yours, while still being budget-friendly.

17 Sources for Affordable and Stylish Interior Design Inspiration

17 Sources for Affordable and Stylish Interior Design Inspiration

Find Unique Ideas on Pinterest

Mix High-End and Budget Pieces

Score Deals on Facebook Marketplace

Discover Gems at Thrift Stores

Create a Pinterest Focal Wall

Craft Cozy Spaces with Pinterest

DIY Wall Art from Apartment Therapy

Incorporate Scandinavian Design Elements

Use Customer Feedback on Houzz

Customize IKEA for Sleek Designs

Revamp Rooms with Pinterest Ideas

Transform Spaces with Pinterest Inspiration

Thrift and DIY with Instagram

Draw Inspiration from Local Art Galleries

Create Abstract Art with Pinterest

Use Mirrors to Expand Spaces

Layer Curtains for a New Vibe