David Bromstad's Relatable Advice For Finding Budget-Friendly Interior Decor

Contrary to the opulent mansions that interior designer David Bromstad shows to lottery winners on his HGTV show "My Lottery Dream Home," giving your home a proper makeover doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, Bromstad has a ton of helpful tips on how to decorate your home on a budget. When it comes to finding budget-friendly interior decor for your very first design project, as simple as they are, Bromstad's trick makes perfect sense: "Plan, plan, and plan more. What it comes down to in every single design ... it really comes down to is money." 

In an interview with Good Morning America, the first-ever winner of "Design Star" explains that it's important to have a concrete budget plan where you list out all of the items you want, before jumping into your design projects. Per Bromstad, you should review where you're allocating your money, whether it's on supplies or decor like pillows. "Make sure everything is perfectly bullet-pointed. The more you do this, the more efficient it will be," he tells GMA's Sara Haines.

Just as you would budget for a trip abroad or a cross-country move, the most cost-effective tip to tackle major design projects is to know where you're allocating your funds. Bromstad advises that to do this efficiently, you need to go through your budgets, make a list of everything you plan on purchasing, and leave no stone unturned. The way you break down and track your decorating budget depends on your preferences. You can write it out by hand or use software, like a spreadsheet, to break down different categories and easily tally up your totals.

It helps to consider your end goal, or in other words, the perfect design style for your space. What pieces would help you achieve that? Your dream list might not fit your budget, but it gives you a starting point. For example, if you're updating your living room, you may want to divide the bullet-point list of the decor items you already have that complement the overall vibe of the space, along with pieces that you want to add. This helps you get a better idea of where your money is going, and there are no surprises in the future.

You can also save money by refining your home decor search to affordable stores, a tip that Bromstad follows himself. "I shop at Target a lot," Bromstad shares with HGTV. Thrifting is an affordable option and is especially ideal for creating a curated and vintage vibe. Consider decor items and furniture you should always check out at estate sales, like designer brands or valuable antiques, to keep your budget in check.