The Airbnb Challenge

I recently received a design project with a challenge! When clients approach me, one of the items we discuss very early on in our meeting is the client’s budget as it is such an important part of the design process. If a client’s budget is stretched, I then come up with a design plan which we can implement over a few months. That way the design is not compromised and the client’s finances are managed over a few months.

BUT recently I had a client who only a had a set budget when no wiggle room at all. So I was happy to proceed with our consultation until I heard their total budget for a bedroom was $2000 CAD! I was about to say that furnishing a room for $2000 was just not do-able, but then I decided to take it on as a challenge!

The design inspiration for the bedroom - earthy tones, greenery and natural elements

So is is possible to design a bedroom for $2000?

My client had recently renovated an entire home for a holiday rental and needed it to be on the market for Airbnb bookings as soon as possible. What often happens is that renovating costs eat up so much of home owners budgets that often the decorating budget is left depleted. And this is exactly what happened to my client. They spent lots of lovely finishes in the kitchen and bathrooms and also bought most of the furniture for the living areas. And guess what, they had $2000 to spend on the bedroom and that is where my services were called in.

Can hiring a designer save you money and is it worth it for small one room projects like this?

The answer is yes! As designers we have a huge array of suppliers we can source from and we are constantly ( and often subconsciously) making mental notes of items we see on the internet, on social media and when are out and about in our towns. I generally don’ts source budget items for my clients, so this was seriously a big challenge.

The design

My client wanted a calm, restful and neutral bedroom with earthy tones and some greenery. I received photos of the rest of the home, so had to keep the design within the same colour scheme and feel.

What about the quality of the products?

If my client had a bigger budget, we would been able to source higher end products for sure, but the end result is a relaxed selection of items, that will look lovely for years to come, but will have to upgraded or replaced at some time in the future. Overall my client was super happy with the result and loves the design!

We even added some luxurious products!

Would you believe that we were able to add 100% linen toss pillows, 100% cotton sheets and real marble to our room? Our rug is also made from a 50 / 50 cotton and wood blend. Mixing in a few luxury items into the design, elevates the look and feel. As usual I incorporate lots of different texture and greenery in all in my designs.

What did we buy for $2000?

Shop this room and get the shopping list for $49

Want to furnish your own room on a budget, then you can! You can buy this room and get the entire shopping list with clickable links to all the products. You don’t need to spend hours searching for great options, you will have an instant download as soon as your purchase the shopping list. The design does not include shipping fees. Happy Shopping!

Here are some details and dimensions of all the products in the shopping list (click on the + for more info)

  • This Queen bed features a light oak finish with a linear headboard and low-profile platform. Rustic materials are blended with modern iron for a look that is bold, eclectic and contemporary, to integrate with any bedroom.

    Width: 161 cm (63")

    Height: 98 cm (39")

    Depth: 213 cm (84")

  • Black finish, with black metal legs, soft close drawers.

    Height of drawer (inside): 2 3/4 " (7 cm)

    Width: 23 5/8 " (60 cm)

    Depth: 15 3/8 " (39 cm)

    Height: 25 5/8 " (65 cm)

    Drawer width (inside): 20 1/2 " (52 cm)

    Drawer depth (inside): 13 " (33 cm)

  • Black metal legs with natural corded seating

    Width: 28.0" (71.0 cm)

    Height: 33.1" (84.0 cm)

    Seat depth: 16.93" (43.0 cm)

    Seat back height: 19.29" (49.0 cm)

    Seat to floor: 16.93" (43.0 cm)

  • Natural woven rattan pendant

    Diameter: 20.0" (50.8 cm)

    Height: 24.0" (60.96 cm)

    Wire length: 1.2" (3.0 cm)

    Cord length: 47.0" (120.0 cm)

  • Simplistic brassy gold sconces whihc includes an adjustable arm that swings in both directions.

    1 Lt Wall Fixture, 60W Type A, On/Off on Back Plate, 6 feet SPT-2 Cord Plug-in or Hardwired,

    6.25inch W x 8inch H x 18.75inch D

  • 6’ x 9’

    Pile: 50% wool, 50% cotton

    Back: 100% cotton

    Hand made

  • Round mirror with a handmade rattan frame. Loop at top for hanging. Screws not included. Diameter of mirror approx. 15 1/4 in. Diameter with frame approx. 16 1/2 in.

    Weight 1,7 kg

  • King/queen duvet cover set in the finest cotton percale. Duvet cover fastens at foot end with concealed buttons. Thread count 200. Two pillowcases with opening at one side. Percale has a supersoft, smooth surface for crisp and comfortable bedding.

  • Pure cotton that feels soft and nice against your skin.

    Extra soft and durable quality since the bedlinen is densely woven from fine yarn.

  • This pillow feels soft and firm at the same time and it plumps up to perfection. The easy-care cotton and polyester mix can be washed frequently at high temperatures.

  • 51” x 67”

    Crinkled throw in a soft, woven linen and cotton blend with raw fringe at sides. Suitable for beds or sofas, adding a natural, cozy feel to any room.

    Composition: Cotton 53%, Linen 47%

  • 20” x 20”

    Cushion cover in washed linen with a concealed zip.

    Composition: Linen 100%

  • 12’ x 24”

    This graphic cream and black lumbar pillow has a statement making but simple painterly pattern. Big on style and rich in texture, the chunky woven material will offer an organic layer that is equal parts sophisticated and playful.

  • Diameter of plant pot: 9 ½ " (24 cm)

    Height of plant: 51 ¼ " (130 cm)

  • Large storage basket in braided seagrass with a foldover edge. Diameter at top 13 3/4 in. Height 9 3/4 in.

    Composition: Seagrass 100%

  • Whitley Giant plant:

    Diameter of plant pot: 3 ½ " (9 cm)

    Height of plant: 8 ¼ " (21 cm)

    Planter:

    Height: 5 " (13 cm)

    Outside diameter: 5 ½ " (14 cm)

    Max. diameter inner pot: 4 ¾ " (12 cm)

    Inside diameter: 5 " (13 cm)

  • Large, round container in marble with a matching lid. Height 2 1/4 in. Diameter 5 in. Marble is a natural material, so color and texture may vary.

    Weight: 1,42 kg

    Composition: Stone 100%

  • Scented candle in a ceramic holder with a glazed finish. Burn time 20 hours. Diameter 3 1/4 in. Height 2 1/2 in.

    Weight: 407 g

    Composition: Wax 100%

    Container: Ceramic 100%