How to Compromise on Finishes in a Renovation (Without Losing the Plot)
Renovation budgets almost always stretch further than expected — and not in a good way. If you’re facing tough choices about finishes, fixtures, or where to spend vs. save, this guide will help you make smart compromises without losing sight of your dream home.
After I shared a post about surviving a renovation, a follower messaged me with a familiar dilemma: what do you do when the budget gets blown and the dream details are suddenly off the table?
"Like every renovation story you've heard, our budget got smashed by invisible fixes and now all the things I was dreaming about are no longer possible. It feels disheartening after a year of upheaval. I know we're lucky to do the work, but how do we hold onto the exciting bits?"
This one’s for you if your budget’s been eaten alive by rewiring and plumbing, or you're just realising the numbers don't stretch as far as you hoped. Let’s talk about how to compromise smartly, without compromising your values or vision.
Where to Spend, Where to Save
There are two strong ways to approach spending decisions:
Spend where it sings. Invest in something that makes your heart skip. The thing you’ve loved for years. Not a passing trend.
Spend on comfort and touch. Prioritise items you interact with daily — a great mattress, a solid sofa, good seating, quality switches and handles.
If you’re unsure about big-ticket items (like sofas or wall colour), stick to neutral tones within your broader palette. They’ll stand the test of time, and you can change up accessories and accents later. Interiors can be wasteful — aim for longevity, and accessories really can transform a plain sofa or wall.
How to Compromise Without Regret
Very few people will be able to buy all of the dream objects, colours and finishes for their home. What then? Then we compromise. But compromising is actually an art. There are ways to compromise that still retain the integrity of your values and your vision for the space. This why it is so important to have a really clear brief or a design file for your home before you go into this. This is a place that summarises your values, the things you love, your style, so that when you do have to compromise, you've got something to fall back on and look at. Making a design file is the key work in my fresh nest ecourse. You can check that out here if you want to read a bit more about the design file.Most of us can’t afford everything on the dream list. Here’s how to make peace with it:
Create your design file. If you’ve taken my Fresh Nest course, you’ve got this already: a visual, values-based summary of what you love. Somewhere to hold all your inspiration and interior loves. A list of what you love. A design brief. This is your compass when compromise calls.
Find the lookalike. If your dream is a specific designer piece, search for similar shapes or styles from lesser-known makers or even dupes. It’s not ideal — but sometimes it’s realistic. Use Google Image Search to help you find similar items.
Buy it secondhand. Set up alerts on FB Marketplace and eBay, Gumtree etc for the exact item you want. Be patient and persistent. The earlier you can do this the better.
Shop smart and early. Factory seconds, sales, sample stock — it’s all fair game. Know what you’re looking for (ie you have a design brief and vision for the space) well before you need it so you can pounce when sales and deals are announced. Starting early can save so much money in your renovation.
Pre-wire, pre-plumb, and pause. If funds are low, get electrics and plumbing placed — then cap them and come back later when you can afford the fixtures. It’s most important you have these in the right places, the actual fixtures may be able to wait.
Compromise on certain finishes. Look into colour matching designer paint. Sometimes colour matching designer paint is really good, sometimes it's really bad. The key is to buy small pots of both colours and test them.
Use luxe fabric in small doses. Instead of the dream fabric in your curtains, which can get very expensive very quickly, use it on an upholstered headboard, an ottoman or, valance or a pair of cushions, and then use a cheaper, plain fabric in the curtains
Wait. Sometimes you just have to. Live with the old kitchen, delay the new windows, make the best of it. It’s not failure — it’s real life. Make it as beautiful as you can in the meantime. Temporary fixes are worth it!
Pick your heroes. Allocate budget to one or two visually impactful objects in each room. Think: a statement pendant, a bold fabric, or a stunning tap. Let those pieces carry the space.
What Actually Has Visual Impact
I’ve spent years studying what makes a room visually work — and the answer is usually one or two standout “hero” pieces that catch the eye. Focus your budget there, and you can go simpler elsewhere without the space feeling compromised. It’s subjective, of course — what matters most is what you love and notice when you walk into a room. That said, here’s where I think the biggest visual impact tends to come from
Living Room
Standout fabric (used sparingly!)
Oversized cushions with good inners
Sculptural lighting: a huge pendants, floor lamps, pair of wall lights
Thoughtful art groupings (a pair, or grouping)
It’s about scale, colour, and a bit of boldness.
Kitchen
Beautiful lighting over the island or table
Statement tiles
Coloured cabinetry or vintage pieces
Gorgeous tap or range
You don’t need all of them—just choose what you love most and let that shine.
Study
A design-led desk light
Art and a nicely shaped desk/chair
Dining Room
Large pendant over the table
A curved or contrast-coloured light to balance hard furniture
Built-in cabinetry in a lovely colour
Bedroom
Headboard fabric, bedding, cushions
Great bedside lighting
Bold art
And always, a hit of pattern
Across all rooms, the magic is in three things:
Lighting, pattern, and colour.
A bold print, a pop of colour, or a beautiful lamp creates that instant focal point. Whether it’s a vivid cushion, a sculptural pendant, or a vintage chair in a standout shade—it’s these choices that make a space sing. One or two well-chosen moments will lift everything.
Sourcing Without Stress (or Regret)
Now I'm going to talk a little bit about some warnings about sourcing, because there are definitely some ways things can go wrong!
Don’t buy it all at once. A home built in one shopping trip often lacks soul. Mix it up.
Start early. Get your design brief nailed asap. Sourcing well takes time. Be prepared to trawl, wait, and plan.
Mix old and new. Buying everything new will date your house to the year it was finished. Blend vintage, antique, secondhand, and personal pieces for timelessness.
Compromise is inevitable. That’s not defeat. That’s design. Be clear on what matters to you.
You will feel overwhelmed. Every decision leads to five more. Use your design file to anchor you.
Pause under pressure. If a trade wants an answer now, ask for 24 hours. You’ll make better decisions with a clearer head.
Variety is key. Don’t shop from just one place. Mix sources, styles, and eras for depth.
Final Thoughts
You’re probably going to have to compromise. That’s not a flaw in your project, that is the project. The more prepared and clear you are, the less painful those compromises will feel. Whether you go for comfort, wow-factor, or a blend of both, decide before you start. Then hold the vision, even if the timeline stretches or the finishes shift.
Your future self — rested, soothed, and curled up in a space that truly feels like yours — will thank you.
FAQ
What should I prioritise when renovating on a budget?
Focus on comfort, daily-use items, and key visual moments like lighting or textiles. Spend where it sings — and save where it won’t be noticed.
Is it worth buying secondhand during a renovation?
Absolutely. Buying vintage or secondhand can save money and add character. Look for quality pieces with timeless shapes and materials.
How can I make a budget renovation look high-end?
Use contrast, texture, and scale. One or two statement pieces, mixing in antiques, beautiful lighting, and thoughtful styling can make even modest finishes feel elevated.
What finishes can I compromise on without regret?
Items like internal doors, basic lighting, carpets, wall paint, or simple handles can often be upgraded later. Focus first on layout, comfort, and the pieces you use every day.
