🛋️ How to Shop for Your Home on a Budget (and Still Make It Look Designer)
Let’s be real—decorating your home can get expensive fast. Between Pinterest inspiration boards and endless Instagram ads, it’s easy to feel like great design is only for people with endless budgets.
But here’s the truth: style isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how intentionally you choose.
After years in the furniture and design industry, I’ve learned that you can make your home feel polished and personal without maxing out your credit card. Here are some of my favorite tips for shopping smart and creating a space you’ll love:
💡 1. Start with a Plan (and a Budget You’ll Actually Stick To)
Before you buy a single throw pillow, take stock of what you already own. Make a list of what truly needs replacing and what can be refreshed with a little love. Then, set a budget for each category—like $300 for living room seating or $150 for accessories—and stick to it. A clear plan helps you avoid those impulse buys that don’t quite fit your space.
🪑 2. Mix High and Low
You don’t have to spend big on every item. Choose one or two statement pieces (like a sofa or rug) to anchor your room, and mix in affordable finds from places like Facebook Marketplace, HomeGoods, or even thrift stores. The contrast between high and low adds character and keeps your space from feeling “cookie cutter.”
🏡 3. Shop Secondhand First
Some of the best design treasures come with a little history. Check out estate sales, consignment shops, or local Facebook groups—you’ll be amazed what people part with for a steal. A quick coat of paint or new hardware can transform an old dresser into something one-of-a-kind.
🎨 4. Focus on Details That Matter
Little touches—like great lighting, textured throws, and a few personal photos—make a big difference. You don’t need to redecorate the whole house; just update a few elements that draw attention and set the tone.
❤️ 5. Don’t Rush the Process
Designing your home isn’t a race—it’s a journey. The most beautiful spaces are collected over time, not overnight. Be patient, trust your taste, and remember: your home should tell your story, not just match a trend.
At SXA Interiors, I help clients design homes that look luxurious—but stay within real-life budgets. Whether you’re reimagining one room or your whole home, I can help you create a space that feels elevated, warm, and entirely you.
✨ Need help designing on a budget?
Let’s chat about your goals and create something beautiful—without breaking the bank.
✨ Welcome to SXA Interiors!
Welcome
I’m so excited to finally share the new chapter of my design journey with you—welcome to SXA Interiors! 🖤
For years, I’ve believed that great design shouldn’t be reserved for luxury budgets or perfect homes in magazines. It should be for real people, with real lives, real budgets, and real style. That’s why I rebranded: to create a space that reflects what I do best—making design approachable, personal, and filled with heart.
At SXA Interiors, you’ll find services designed to fit every lifestyle, from quick refreshes to full transformations. Whether you’re local to Augusta, GA or working with me virtually, my mission is the same: to help you love where you live.
This rebrand isn’t just about a new name—it’s about building a community of people who believe their home should tell their story. I can’t wait to share tips, transformations, and behind-the-scenes moments with you here.
✨ Thanks for being here. Here’s to creating homes that feel warm, personal, and made with love.
— Sam
Why I Believe Everyone Deserves a Home They Love
It all begins with an idea.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that our homes should do more than just look pretty—they should tell our stories. But too often, people feel like interior design is out of reach, reserved for luxury budgets or magazine-worthy homes. That’s why I started SXA Interiors: to make design personal, practical, and affordable for real families like mine.
I’ve worked in the furniture and design industry for over eight years, from cozy family-owned shops to high-end luxury showrooms. I’ve seen firsthand how intimidating and overwhelming design can feel when the price tags are sky-high or the process feels out of touch.
But here’s what I’ve also learned: great design isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how intentionally you put a space together. A well-loved thrifted piece, a family heirloom, or a bold paint color can have just as much impact as an expensive sofa or designer light fixture. It’s about creating spaces that feel warm, functional, and most importantly—like you.
I’m also a mom, and I know what it’s like to balance style with real life. Spilled juice, toy explosions, and pets on the sofa are part of the story too—and your home should work with your lifestyle, not against it. That’s why my mission is simple: to make interior design accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
At SXA Interiors, every project starts with listening—hearing your goals, your story, and the way you want to feel when you walk into your space. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about trends or price tags—it’s about creating a home you truly love.
✨ Ready to start your design journey? Book your free consultation today