Whether you are students, young parents, living alone, with roommates, or with a partner, the high cost of living is particularly noticeable now, and designing your home might seem like an expensive task. But what if we told you there is a smart way to do it? Amiran Elfasi, the commercial designer for the Kaufman Group, reveals how to design your living room or bedroom without spending more than NIS 5,000 while still making it look like a million dollars.
"It’s not impossible to design your home without spending a fortune; it all depends on the choices you make," he says. "It doesn't mean you have to compromise, just choose wisely." With his help, we have outlined several key principles.
Choosing Upholstery"If you want to stick to your budget, opt for fabric upholstery, which is generally more affordable than leather," Elfasi recommends. Three-seater fabric sofas usually cost half as much as leather ones. They also allow for a mix of textures and colors in the space, and if maintenance concerns you, know that most fabrics can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Incorporating Accessories"Choose coffee tables made from less expensive materials, yet still interesting and high-quality in design. Unlike wood, marble, or glass, metal is cheaper and can achieve modern and colorful designs." You can also add a side table next to the sofa, which, apart from being convenient for placing your phone, can serve as a stylish piece.
Diversifying FurnitureDesigning a living room isn't just about the seating arrangement; you need to style the atmosphere, add items, and match them with other furniture pieces. "You don't have to go for a set of a two-seater and a three-seater, which can increase the price. You can choose a three-seater sofa and add a delicate armchair to complete the design look."
Paying Attention to Delivery and AssemblyThe price may seem great, but who will deliver and assemble the furniture for you? Ensure the cost of delivery and assembly doesn't raise the price, and if possible, choose a service that includes it for free (like on the Napo website).
Creating a Boutique Hotel Room FeelYou can also design your bedroom affordably. "Our goal is to offer our customers quality products at attractive prices. We believe that cost should not come at the expense of design and quality," says Idan Kaufman, manager of the brand www.napo.co.il by Dr. Gav. How can you achieve this?
Starting with the MattressIt's clear the most important thing is comfort. Choose a mattress that suits your body type, sleeping habits, sleeping position, and personal comfort. Kaufman says, "The mattress should match the sleeper. Comfort is subjective; what’s comfortable for me might not be for you because we are different people."
One of Napo's standout advantages is the variety of five mattresses, each suited to a different sleeping style. We've leveraged Dr. Gav's 40 years of experience to create a collection of quality mattresses at accessible prices.
Moving to the BedOnce you have the mattress, the bed frame is the largest piece of furniture in the bedroom. A bed with an upholstered headboard sets the room’s tone, and for a bolder look, you can choose vibrant colors. For those who prefer a more subdued style, select a neutral-colored base without a headboard. Don’t worry; you can add style and color with accessories.
Enhancing with NightstandsAdding nightstands on either side of the bed completes the design and offers convenience for storing items you want close by.
Ultimately, whether you are designing your bedroom, living room, or both, it’s crucial not to compromise on quality, even if your budget is tight. While we don't want to overspend, avoid being dazzled by low prices that compromise on other aspects. Choose a reputable brand that focuses on both cost-effectiveness and quality design.