Everybody dreams of owning a house of their own. The size of that dream home may have decreased in scale from that fairytale palace you wished for as a child, to a more logical, low budget simple house design. However, that wish of having your own house and doing it up the way you want is most likely as strong now as it was when you were five.

A few simple low budget house designs

In today’s times, though, buying a home is expensive – and designing it, more so. But everybody deserves to get their dream home, irrespective of budget. So, we got in touch with our experienced designers, Heny Savla and Shubhi Mehrotra for some low cost, low budget simple house design tips for first-time homeowners. And here they are!

Points to consider before getting your unique low budget simple house design

  1. Do not just create or steal the blueprints from other people’s homes. Analyse your house plan too. Otherwise, the plan might backfire.
  2. People have the misguided notion that it would be a good idea to construct big homes with several rooms for a small family. Get a low cost, low budget simple house design that suits the needs of your family.
  3. Make sure that the chosen products for your simple house design are conveniently accessible because shipping things from one location to another is not a wise financial decision and will cost you more money.
  4. Visit nearby shops and ask about the cost of the products and services, as well as the cost of a transport facility, before you start construction. Buying low-quality goods to save money is not a prudent decision.

15+ tips to get simple house design on low budget

#1: Refurbish old furniture

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The wooden TV unit wall acts as a highlight in this room

In Heny’s words, “Bring in memories with the help of furniture that holds some sentimental value.” We all have an old piece of furniture that is dear to us, be it a bed or a small table. Refurbishing old furniture instead of buying something new is a great way to keep your budget low when designing your home. While you can go ahead and retain the traditional look of old furniture, you can also give it a complete makeover for a more contemporary look.

#2: Add good lighting

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Get a glam look with lighting

A low-cost hack that our designers swear by is ample lighting. Just like good lighting can make your selfies amazing, proper lighting in your home can make it go from blah to wow. And the best part? It can be as low budget as you want it to be! Opt for budget options like pendant lights, table lamps and simple chandeliers. And trust us when we say that this low-cost hack will make your home look great!

Also Read: 7 Natural Low Budget Simple House Designs That Will Win Your Heart

#3: Opt for accent walls and wallpapers

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If you opt for an accent wall, use wallpapers to bring down the cost

Walls make or break the look of your home. Not everyone is satisfied with plain and simple paint. If you want that extra something to add to the overall design, then accent walls and wallpapers should be your go-to design hack! Wallpapers are a very cost-effective option if you want a patterned or textured look for your walls but within a tight budget. Similarly, instead of throwing all your money into doing up all four walls, create an accent wall and keep the other three walls bare. 

#4: Splurge only on things you use the most

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Sofas are amongst the most-used items in a home

One of the smartest simple house design low cost hacks is to know where and how much to spend. You need to know where to splurge and where to save your money. Our designers say that it’s okay to spend on things that you use a lot. Think of it as an investment. So spending a little extra on your bed, sofa or wardrobe makes sense. But save on other aspects like decor and lighting, which typically serve decorative and short-term purposes.

#5: Pick up decor items from thrift shops

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Rattan is an everlasting trend!

A home is more than just furniture, walls and wardrobes. The decor is what transforms an apartment into a home. But classy, elegant decor can be expensive. One workaround for this is to refurbish and reuse old decor or rattan items. The other option is to visit thrift stores. Thrift and antique shops often have stunning and unique decor pieces at very low rates. Add to it some unbeatable bargaining skills, and you can be the proud owner of statement and antique items for as low as ₹100!

#6: Keep it minimal

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A minimal bedroom will ensure a clean and elegant look for your space

One mistake that most first-time homeowners make is to overdo things. Overdecorating your home not only looks inelegant, but can also be unnecessarily expensive. A simple way to avoid this is to follow the minimal design style. Keep your home design clutter-free and stick to the basics. This is especially important if you have just bought a new home, as you should leave room for future mementoes and decor items.

#7: Use modular or customised furniture

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Shades of neutrals liven up this space!

Furniture can take up a large chunk of your total interior design budget. Heny’s natural low budget simple house design tip here is to opt for modular furniture, which is a cost-effective solution. Another thing you can adapt from this home is the use of eco-friendly furniture materials. Available in a wide variety of colours and designs, modular kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, storage units and other furniture can ensure that you can stick to your budget without compromising on the look that you desire.

Also Read: Top 5 Affordable and Stunning Homes Designed by Livspace

#8: Add rugs for a plush look

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A plush rug can elevate the look of the most basic interior design

The flooring is often the most overlooked part of a home. But it is one you should pay good attention to if you want a low budget interior design. If you look at hotels and celebrity homes, most of them have luxurious marble flooring with plush rugs. While marble may not be something you want to splurge on, a rug would definitely be within a reasonable price range! You can transform the entire look of your home by placing a fuzzy, luxe rug on the floor.

#9: Avoid using panelling or ceramic tiles

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The board-and-batten-style wall panelling

Shubhi’s natural simple house design low cost tip for first-time homeowners is to avoid excessive panelling. There are different types of wall panelling available in the market, like board and batten, shiplap, beadboard and more. However, while wall panelling looks elegant, too much of it can push up your interior design budget. Her hack is to play with wall paints instead. This will help you achieve the look you want without the added cost.

#10: Mix and match materials

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There is a mix of acrylic and laminate in this kitchen

The material you use for your cabinets and furniture plays a pivotal role in your total home design budget. While you can definitely opt for low-cost alternatives like laminate, Shubhi’s tip is to mix and match materials. By doing so, you can ensure that even luxurious design is affordable. 

#11: Wall decals

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Is a geometric design your vibe?
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Or maybe you’re a florals kinda person!

Wall decals are a fun and affordable way to spruce up your space, making them perfect for a low-budget simple house design. These easy-to-apply stickers come in a variety of patterns, from floral motifs to geometric shapes, allowing you to personalise your home without breaking the bank. Wall decals are an ideal low-cost house design solution, especially for those looking to add character to small spaces. 

They’re versatile and temporary, so you can change them up whenever you want a fresh look. This creative touch is a fantastic interior design idea for small homes on a low budget, adding style and charm without the commitment of paint or wallpaper.

#12: Funky mirrors 

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A showstopper!

Adding funky mirrors to your home is a creative way to enhance your low-budget simple house design. These mirrors, with their unique shapes and eye-catching frames, bring a fun and artistic vibe to any room. Beyond just reflecting light, they make small spaces appear larger and more open. 

As a low cost house design option, funky mirrors offer both function and flair without stretching your budget. Whether you opt for a bold, oversized mirror or a quirky collection of smaller ones, this is a standout interior design idea for small homes on a low budget that adds both character and style.

#13: Unique shelving

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Let no lines limit you!

Spice up your low-budget simple house design with some quirky, fun shelving! Why stick to boring when you can have shelves shaped like honeycombs, floating boxes, or even upcycled skateboards? These playful shelving ideas not only add personality but also help you keep your space neat and tidy. 

Plus, they’re a perfect low cost house design solution that makes every wall work a little harder. It’s one of the most playful interior design ideas for small homes on a low budget, turning your storage into a statement piece that’s as functional as it is fun.

#14: Fun curtains

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Cottagecore!
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Match your sheets to up the design!

Curtains are an often-overlooked element that can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. Level up your low-budget simple house design with unique curtains that bring both charm and character to your space. From vibrant patterns to soft, flowing fabrics, the right curtains can add a splash of personality while maintaining a cosy vibe. 

As a savvy low cost house design choice, curtain design allows you to refresh your home’s decor without overspending. Whether you’re aiming for a bold statement or subtle elegance, unique curtains are a smart interior design idea for small homes in low budget, providing style and function in one.

#15: Wall art

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Choose a modern design
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Be careful: Your walls will be difficult to look away from!

Jazz up your low-budget simple house design with eye-catching abstract wall art or Mandala artwork. These pieces bring vibrant energy and a touch of creativity to any room without costing a fortune. 

Abstract art adds a modern, dynamic feel, while Mandala designs offer a calming, intricate pattern that draws the eye. As a low cost house design option, wall art is a fantastic way to express your personality and make a big impact with minimal investment. It’s one of the easiest interior design ideas for small homes on a low budget that instantly transforms plain walls into stunning focal points.

#16: Pendant lights

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Always a fun addition!

Add a touch of style to your low-budget simple house design with pendant lighting. These chic fixtures combine the best of both worlds—art and illumination—turning your walls into stunning visual displays. Pendant lights come in various shapes and sizes, offering endless possibilities to complement your decor. 

As a low cost house design solution, they provide both function and flair without breaking the bank. It’s one of the most creative interior design ideas for small homes on a low budget, instantly brightening up your space while adding a unique decorative element.

#17: Wall hanging

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A focal point!

Wall hangings are a fantastic way to add personality and texture to your low-budget simple house design. From macramé and woven tapestries to fabric art, wall hangings bring a cosy, handcrafted touch to any room. 

They’re an ideal low cost house design choice, instantly transforming bare walls into eye-catching features without needing a big budget. Plus, they’re easy to swap out whenever you want a fresh look. As one of the top interior design ideas for small homes on a low budget, wall hangings make your space feel warm and inviting while keeping it stylish and unique.

Buying and designing a home can be a daunting task for first-time homeowners. We hope that these natural low budget simple house design tips from our designers help make the process easy and enjoyable!

Also Read: 5 Things You Should and Shouldn’t Argue With Your Designer About

How can Livspace help you?

We hope you found our ideas about unique low budget simple house design ideas useful! If you want your home to be just as beautiful, then look no further. Book an online consultation with Livspace today.

Our team of seasoned and creative designers is ready to collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.

  • Our team can custom design your dream home with curated render designs and expert advice
  • We have delivered over 75,000 happy homes
  • We promise high-quality and durable materials