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Design

A Budget Breakdown + Look For Less in the Study

March 1, 2022

Whenever we finish up a project, we get a lot of questions surrounding the budget. "How much did this cost" is coming through in my DM's and I get it! I get reluctant to share only because I realize everybody is working within different budgets and I want what we do to always feel inspiring and approachable. In the spirit of being transparent however, I'm breaking it all down–everything from the faux peonies to the custom mural wallpaper!

One thing to note is that I definitely DON'T buy everything brand new for a room renovation like this. Most of these pieces I've had for years, and they've made appearances in other rooms of ours. Including the heirloom piano of course, which we inherited from Chris's grandmother. The credenza that has popped up in several rooms. The rug, which used to live in our closet. The lamps were in our old dining room. I like to think that some of these pieces will have future homes (in different rooms not a different house!) as well and their journey is just getting started! That being said, let's take a look shall we?

Budget Breakdown

$700 - Wainscoting Material (see the full tutorial here)
$60 - Paint (SW Sheraton Sage in Emerald line)
$7,290 - Mural Wallpaper (roughly $405 per panel)
$2,529 - Bubble Light
$4,465 - Sideboard (not sold anymore. This one is similar)
$858 - Lamps (x2)
$299 - Fluted Bowl
$1,162 - Desk
$600 - Chair
$90 - Faux Peonies
$2,750 - Rug: The Vintage Rug Shop
$3,900 - Armchair (vintage from Chairish)
$167 - Floor Lamp
$125 - Fringe Stool

Obviously the big spender was the mural wallpaper! It wasn't necessarily custom, but when we gave them the room measurements and placement of the windows, they made adjustments so it's all seamless. It's pretty incredible! When we budget for a room, I generally have one splurge-worthy piece and for this room it was definitely the statement wallpaper.

Again, my intention in sharing is to inspire which is why I like to pair these budget breakdowns with a look for less! Everybody's budget looks different but if you're have an idea of what you like, then you can search for pieces that are within your range! I would also encourage anyone who's trying to achieve a look they've seen before, to bring in their own collected pieces! It's what gives a room character and charm, and what makes it special to you! Without further ado, here's how you can achieve the study look, but for less!

1. Wood Lamp Base $60
2. Mural Wallpaper $168+
3. Scalloped Bowl $30
4. Fringe Stool $125
5. Glass Vase $26
6. Wood Credenza $1299
7. Marble Links $35
8. Black Cylinder Lamp Shade $22
9. Upholstered Chair $170
10. Bubble Light $209
11. Leather Armchair $599
12. Desk $419
13. Gold Picture Frame $6
14. Rosemarie Ivory/Natural Rug $249
15. Faux Peonies $10
16. Brass Floor Lamp $95

Shop The Study Look For Less

 

More Looks For Less

Modern Cottage Bathroom

The Primary Closet

The Fullmer Kitchen

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  1. thanks for sharing the budget! I understand why you are reluctant to share because I dont believe you are trying to 'brag' about how much you spent. However, your idea of a splurge and mine are very different. $2500 on a single light is a splurge. $4K on a single chair is a splurge. $900 on 2 lamps is a splurge. The whole room is full of splurges and thats wonderful!

  2. one thing I really love about you is your transparency about budgets! we have been lucky to inherit a lot of beautiful (and expensive) pieces for our family home that I mix with thrifted and new pieces. I find that I am very open and up front with friends who want my help, b/c otherwise it seems that we have amassed a secret fortune. the study is so beautiful and my one day dream is wallpaper for our stairwell/entry but it has been so hard to get a ballpark, so I very much appreciate how you guys break it down!

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