14 Jun 2023, Read Time : 16 Min

Low Budget Simple House Design Ideas: Maximising Style on a Budget

Are you looking for low-budget ways to design a simple house? Whether moving into a new home or just wanting to give your current space a makeover, finding affordable and simple design tips can be hard. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of budget-friendly ideas out there that will help you transform your space into the perfect place to relax and unwind.

From choosing the right colours to finding the perfect furniture pieces, this guide will help you create an amazing home without sacrificing quality or style.

Simple Low-Budget House Design Ideas

Whether you have a small studio apartment or are on a tight budget to renovate or build a dream home, your dreams of turning it into a space you’ve always imagined won’t just remain a dream! There are several ways in which you can convert a dull-looking area into a fab space with these 17 simple house design ideas, even with a low budget:

• Choose a Neutral Colour Palette

A fresh coat of paint can be a great low-budget, simple house design idea as it will be an inexpensive way of creating a timeless and cohesive look that can be easily updated with colourful accessories. The best way to add a touch of modernity without going overboard with your budget is by painting your walls in neutral shades such as white, beige, or grey. This colour scheme is best for creating an illusion

• Use Affordable Materials

Vinyl or laminated flooring can be your ideal match if you’re working on a low budget. These affordable materials help keep your cost in check while also giving your home an elegant and stunning appearance. Other than the flooring, using basic kitchen cabinets and inexpensive countertops can also help you save some bucks.

• Incorporate Greenery

Nothing can scream low-cost home décor ideas more than a good amount of greenery everywhere in the house. Adding plants in your space is not only a great way to incorporate a low-budget, simple house design décor idea, but you get to add a fresh element of nature to your space without breaking your savings.

• Use Multifunctional Furniture

Look for furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed, storage ottoman, or bookcase that doubles as a room divider. By having multifunctional furniture, you save some money that you can then use on another home décor item.

• Shop Second-Hand Furniture and Décor Items

Another way to save some into your budget-friendly simple house design plan is by saving on furniture and décor items through second-hand shopping. Save money by shopping at thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces for affordable furniture and decor. Today, you can find several good deals on great used items.

• Use DIY Décor

DIY items not only help you save money but also allow you to add a personal touch to your space. You can make your own throw pillows, photo frames, curtains, and wall art to enhance the ambience of your house without splurging on additional items.

• Optimise Your Storage Space

Designing a simple low-budget house is not as challenging and daunting as it may seem. You can save yourself some storage space by being smart about it. Use vertical space by installing shelves and wall-mounted storage units. You can also incorporate under-bed storage, storage ottomans, and hanging organisers.

• Add Natural Light

You don’t need to spend a fortune to install fancy lighting. Increase the amount of natural light in your home by removing heavy drapes and replacing them with sheer curtains or blinds.

• Use Statement Pieces

Another simple low-budget house design idea for creating an elegant and stunning space without it costing an arm and leg is using statement pieces. Jazz up the look of your home with statement pieces such as a colourful area rug, bold artwork, or a unique light fixture.

• Understand That Simple is Good

Sometimes less is more, and this holds true, especially when it comes to a low-budget, simple home design. Keep your space clutter-free and incorporate functional pieces that add to the overall aesthetic.

• Repurpose Items

Give new life to old items by repurposing them. For example, turn a vintage suitcase into a coffee table or transform an old ladder into a bookshelf.

• Use Mirrors

Mirrors are another budget-friendly way to add panache to your space and make any room look larger and brighter. Hang a large mirror on a wall or add smaller mirrors to create a gallery wall.

• Add Texture

Incorporate texture into your space with natural materials such as jute, woven baskets, or bamboo. This will add warmth and interest to your décor and give your home a budget-friendly makeover.

• Create a Gallery Wall

Adding a focal point in your space can elevate the area and make a style statement in any room. A gallery wall of artwork or photographs can make this happen! Use frames in different sizes and colours for an eclectic look.

• Make a Splash with a Pop of Colour

A low-budget, simple house design can make use of a pop of fresh paint like a colourful accent wall, artwork, or throw pillows for adding pizzazz and vibrancy.

• Update the Lighting

Several affordable lighting options, like floor lamps or pendant lights, can help add style and personality to your space.

• Use Open Shelving

Open shelving can create the illusion of more space while also providing storage for books, dishes, and other items. The good thing is that they’re affordable, making them a great addition to your simple low-budget house design.

Building a House on Low-Budget

While it’s entirely possible to have the house of your dreams on a tight budget, you need to be smart while planning it. Here’s a quick guide to help you begin the house-building process on a low budget:

1. Begin with Planning

Most of the cost-saving activities related to your home begin from the core of it all – that’s planning. When you begin planning, there are a few things to take care of, including:

• Assessing your needs and wants

When planning a low-budget, simple house design, you need to assess your needs and wants. This can help you determine which design elements you want to prioritise and allocate your budget accordingly. Further, it helps determine your home’s layout and size so that you don’t leave any space to waste.

• Determining your budget

A budget can help you do realistic planning by determining what you can afford. It helps you stay in control of your costs and prioritise the essential resources. Apart from this, allotting a budget for building a simple house design is crucial as it restricts you from overspending and ensures you get what you want in the project without going overboard with your funds or ending up in debt.

• Choosing the right location

Another crucial point to keep in mind when planning a simple house design with a low budget is selecting the right location. Planning your house is not just limited to thinking of the blueprint; it also includes thinking about the future after building it. This includes picking the right location to build your home because the location will influence the rest of your quality of living.

For example, if you are considering staying within a budget, building a home in an affordable area is recommended for lower land costs. Further, a location with easy access to resources such as transportation, water, and electricity saves you construction costs.

• Planning the layout

A well-planned layout can help you make the most out of space, optimising the design to fit all the required features and elements. Planning out the layout helps provide adaptability and flexibility so the space can accommodate future changes without major renovations, saving you money if you want to build a simple house design with a low budget.

2. Think About the Design

The next part that comes after planning on building the low-budget home of your dreams is designing. It’s crucial to consider the design of your home – from the style you want to the material you choose for a simple house design on low-budget. Here’s what you need to take care of during design:

• Explore different low-budget home styles

Who said a low-budget, simple house design could not be attractive? You can explore several home styles even when you have a budget to stick to. They include:

• Minimalist: This style emphasizes simplicity and functionality with a focus on clean lines, natural light, neutral colours, and minimal decor.
• Modern: Characterised with sleek and clean lines, this style puts an emphasis on functionality and uses natural materials like glass, stone, and wood.
• Rustic: Associated with country living, rustic homes feature natural and raw materials like stone and wood for a warm and cosy atmosphere.
• Industrial: Featuring exposed bricks, metals, and other raw materials, this home style also focuses on practicality and functionality.
• Traditional: Traditional homes usually feature timeless and classic design elements like intricate details and crown moulding and use wood and stone.

The house design you choose to go with depends entirely on your budget constraints, preference, and lifestyle.

• Look for simple floor plans

The simpler your floor plans are, the lower you can get with your prices while building your home. Here are some ideas you can get inspired with for simple low-budget floor plans for house designs:

• • One-bedroom plan: The one-bedroom plan typically features a separate bedroom, a small living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. This plan is ideal for small families or individuals needing more privacy.
  • Two-bedroom plan: Ideal for small families, couples with one child, or roommates, the two-bedroom plan typically features two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.
  • Three-bedroom plan: This plan is perfect for families with two or three children or those who need more space. The three-bedroom plan typically features three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.
  • Duplex plan: Cost-effective option for those who want to maximise their living space, a duplex plan features two separate living spaces, each with its own entrance. Each living space usually includes a living room, a kitchen, and one or two bedrooms. It is ideal for those who want to rent out one-half of the duplex to offset their living expenses.
  • Tiny house plan: A tiny house plan is a minimalist, low-cost option for those who want to downsize their living space to live a more sustainable lifestyle, or for those who want to live off the grid. It features a small living area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.

• Choose materials and finishes that are affordable yet durable

While being cost-effective is important, it is not a limitation if you explore different options that can be used. Some finishes and materials are durable yet affordable.

• • Exterior:
    It’s extremely important to have durable materials used when building the exterior of your house, as it needs to withstand whatever the weather throws. From extreme changes in temperature to intense sun exposure, these are some environmental challenges the exterior of your house needs to endure. So, ensure the low-budget material you choose suits the location.Some of the cheaper yet excellent quality material for a home’s exterior includes concrete sheets, stone cladding, reclaimed timber, corrugated metal sheets, bamboo for a tropical-looking home, and traditional bricks.

• • Floor:
    Wooden tiles are the best economical choices and can be a perfect flooring selection for your low-budget, simple house design. The best part about these tiles is that they come in a whole lot of different varieties, like laminate, hardwood, engineered wood, and more, with each of them coming in a different price range. This tile is a great alternative to cheaper or expensive vinyl flooring tiles.

• • Wall:
    Drywall, or gypsum board, can be your economical choice if you want to cut some cost on the walls of your home for a simple and low-budget house design. Although plywood is also a nice low-cost option, it can have some issues if you stay in a damp location.

• Additional Tips for Maximising Your Space

A simple house does not mean you must make peace with cramped space. You can create an illusion of your house being spacious by bringing in some light and following the below tips to maximise your area:

• • Paint the ceilings and walls white
  • Hang a mirror on the wall opposite the window
  • Ensure you don’t block the window and let the natural light come in

3. Take Into Consideration Decoration and Furniture

Lastly, considering your home’s decoration and furniture is essential when discussing a simple and low-budget house design. There are several ways in which you can save some bucks while choosing the decoration and furniture of your home. Here are some of the necessary tips:

• Add Affordable Décor Items

If you’re looking for ways to decorate your home without it costing an arm and a leg, here are some tips to get started:

• • Install Custom Art Prints: There’s no hiding that design and art complement each other, and if you’re dreaming of simplistic and low-costing décor items, hanging posters or art prints can be your perfect choice.
  • Add Potted Plants: You can always add a bit of nature into your home to escape budget constraints while ensuring your home looks refreshing and beautiful. Going for plants like cactus or fiddle leaf figs can be a great low-maintenance choice. Keep your planters in decorative planters or ceramics to enhance their look.
  • Use Shelves as Multifunctional Units: You can save money on installing different display units by placing shelves that can act as one and adding a home décor element in your space. This can be a space-saving alternative to bulky book cabinets as you can use them for keeping plants, shelves, and sometimes other home décor items.
  • Bring Elegance with a Statement Rug: Break the monotony of your simplistic space with a nice statement rug. This low-cost décor idea is perfect for a low-budget and simple house design plan, as it can effortlessly transform any space from drab to fab.
  • Get Unique Vases: Table décor can also brighten up any space and make it look appealing. Adding vases can be an age-old house décor trick done right! Since they’re a staple, you can find a wide variety of them in the affordable section.

• Consider Furniture and Décor that Complements Simple Design

A simplistic house design can act as a beautiful canvas for painting all types of house styles. This means that you can experiment with a bit of everything that suits your taste. The best way to highlight your simple house design on a low budget is by adding some jazz to your used-up old sofa sets by adding classy decorative cushions.

There are two ways to transform your dull sofa – one is by adding slipcovers on the sofa with pretty cushions to add a variety of prints and patterns, and the second is by adding printed or embroidered cushion covers to achieve a refreshing look on a low budget.

Creating a contrast with the colours of the cushions and couch can add a chic factor and even incorporate a pop of colour to break the monotony of a simple living room.

Bottom Line

There are several ways in which you can build the home of your dreams without having to break the bank. We hope these tips and tricks will help you get closer to building a simple home design on a low budget without sacrificing aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions on Low-Budget Simple House Design 

1. What is a low-budget, simple home design?

Low-budget, simple home design refers to designing a home with a limited budget using basic design elements that are affordable and easy to implement.

2. What are some simple design ideas for a low-budget home?

Some simple design ideas for a low-budget home include using neutral paint, adding plants and greenery, using affordable furniture and décor, and incorporating natural light.

3. How can I make my home look expensive on a low budget?

Making your home look expensive on a low budget doesn’t necessarily have to be daunting. Try using high-quality fabrics and materials, incorporating metallic accents, adding statement pieces, and focusing on creating a cohesive and well-designed space.

4. How can I maximise storage in a small, low-budget home?

To maximise storage in a small, low-budget home, you can use multifunctional furniture, incorporate built-in storage, use vertical space, and declutter regularly.

5. How do I determine my budget for a home design project?

To determine your budget for a home design project, you should consider factors such as the scope of the project, the materials and furniture you’ll need, and the cost of labour. Research the costs of similar projects in your area and factor in any unexpected expenses.

6. Can I renovate my home on a low budget?

Yes, you can renovate your home on a low budget. Renovation projects can range from simple cosmetic changes to more extensive updates. Start by prioritising your renovation goals and focusing on areas with the biggest impact.

7. How can I make a small room look larger on a low budget?

To make a small room look larger on a low budget, use light-coloured paint or wallpaper, incorporate mirrors to reflect light, choose furniture with a small footprint, and eliminate clutter.

8. What are some low-budget flooring options?

Some low-budget flooring options include vinyl plank or tile, laminate flooring, and an inexpensive carpet. You can also consider refinishing existing hardwood floors instead of replacing them.

9. How do I choose the right lighting for a low-budget home design?

To choose the right lighting for a low-budget, simple home design, consider the function of each room and the mood you want to create. Look for affordable options, like table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lights.