Synopsis
Homeowners and renters of all means dream of having a beautiful home. Big Design, Small Budget makes luxury an affordable reality. During her podcast, Betsy Helmuth reveals insider tips and her tried-and-tested methods for designing on a budget.Helmuth has shared her affordable design advice and step-by-step approaches with millions through live teaching workshops, her design book, guest columns, television appearances, and interviews. Now, she is bringing her knowledge to the world of podcasting. The episodes reveal her design secrets and include topics ranging from creating a design budget, mapping out floor plans, selecting a color palette, accessorizing like a stylist, and much more.Its time to start living in the home of your dreams without maxing out your credit cards. Learn how with Big Design, Small Budget!
Episodes
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Design Q&A - Kids' Art Display, Warm vs. Cool, Greiges
29/04/2018 Duration: 30minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium membership perks, introduces Facebook live recordings, and shares her recent headshot session and client move. She answers listener questions on bedroom colors, natural light with grays, framing kids' artwork, choosing a couch color, area rugs, and using colors in different rooms. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:25 Introduction to Facebook live recordings 2:06 Betsy's headshot session and client move 4:10 Answering Sammy's question about bedroom colors 7:59 Live question from Paige about natural light and grays 12:34 Framing kids' artwork for a gallery wall 13:55 Victoria's question about choosing a couch color 18:21 Miranda's question about area rugs and furniture 22:27 Australian listener's question about using colors in different rooms - Reusing furniture effectively in a new space involves considering the architecture and possibly repurposing items for different uses. - Avoid using anxiety-inducing colors like red in bedrooms and instead opt for softer textures and dim
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Design Q&A - Following Your Passion, Going Overboard with Gray, Sofa Soul Mates
21/04/2018 Duration: 28minBetsy Helmuth discusses dealing with house leaks, answers listener questions about dining tables and creating color palettes, and provides tips for open concept layouts. She also covers selecting paint colors from inspiration pieces and choosing a couch to match a chair. Plus, announcements about premium memberships and the new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction and premium membership announcement 1:25 Betsy Helmuth's Facebook live sessions 2:18 Dealing with a house leak 3:32 Listener question from Renee about dining tables 5:45 Listener question from Monica about creating a color palette 9:02 Tips for open concept layouts and color coordination 11:59 Selecting paint colors based on inspiration pieces 13:24 Reading a listener's inspirational email 18:53 Listener question about choosing a couch to match a chair 23:16 Closing remarks and next week's preview 23:43 Announcement of the podcast's new YouTube channel and social media presence - Use contrasting colors to avoid a monochromatic look when pairing new
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Design Q&A - Reno Reality Check, Paintings with Appeal, and Sofas by Beds
13/04/2018 Duration: 29minBetsy discusses the perks of premium membership, introduces Facebook Live recordings, and shares insights from a New Jersey client project. She offers renovation tips, explains the process of elimination in design decisions, and answers listener questions about design certification and furniture arrangement. 0:00 Benefits of becoming a premium member 1:25 Introduction to Facebook Live recordings 2:32 Client project in New Jersey 3:14 Tips for starting a renovation 5:19 Process of elimination in design decisions 7:55 Listener questions: Ellen's interior design certification 15:52 Listener questions: Arranging a long salon 24:23 Sofa placement in a bedroom 24:59 Betsy signs off and mentions new YouTube channel - Plan your renovation by researching and bringing inspiration pictures to showrooms to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the numerous options. - Make appointments with vendors ahead of time to ensure you receive personalized assistance and discover all available products, even those not on display. - Use th
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Design Q&A - Gray Paint, Nursery Must-Haves, and Basement Layouts
06/04/2018 Duration: 27minBetsy introduces premium membership and Facebook live recordings, shares her busy day with clients, discusses challenges in running a small interior design firm, answers listener questions, and gives tips for decorating a nursery and finishing a basement. She also announces a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Introduction to Facebook live recording 2:17 Betsy's busy day with clients 5:12 Challenges of running a small interior design firm 6:06 Answering listener questions 11:31 Live listener questions 13:01 Tips for decorating a nursery 15:34 Advice on finishing and decorating a basement 23:19 Announcement of new YouTube channel - Gray paint is best suited for modern aesthetics, while a griege (gray-beige) can work better for traditional or transitional styles. - In open-concept spaces like basements, it's ideal to use the same paint color throughout to maintain visual continuity, using area rugs to define separate zones. - For nurseries, essential furniture includes a crib, c
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Design Q&A - Sectional Sofas, Painted Trim and Creating a Color Palette
04/04/2018 Duration: 20minBetsy discusses premium membership, shares updates from her Facebook live sessions, and recaps her jet lag and Palm Springs trip. She answers listener questions about sectional couches, window trim, kitchen cabinetry, and mixing warm and cool colors. She also announces the YouTube channel and social media links. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:17 Episode introduction 1:33 Betsy's Facebook live sessions 1:57 Betsy's jet lag experience 3:06 Palm Springs trip recap 3:23 Kristen's question on sectional couches 8:39 Rachel's question on window trim and kitchen cabinetry 14:34 Kara's question on mixing warm and cool colors 15:46 Announcement about YouTube channel and social media links - You can achieve a luxe look without hiring a high-end designer or spending a lot of money by being your own interior designer with a focus on big design and a small budget. - Sectional couches can be a game changer for families wanting to lounge comfortably together, but finding the right balance between comfort, size,
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Repeat of BuzzFeed Busts Bad Design with Katharine Heller
21/03/2018 Duration: 46minBetsy and Katharine discuss funny and bizarre home decor items, including creepy dolls in a cloche, fake books, a disembodied horse head, and a brain-like pendant lamp. They also promote Betsy's online class bundle, their YouTube channel, and share podcast recommendations. 0:00 Online class bundle promotion 1:25 Podcast introduction 1:39 Listener interaction and Buzzfeed article introduction 2:35 Funny home decor items discussion 5:52 Creepy dolls in a cloche 10:00 Fake books from restoration hardware 11:04 Disembodied horse head decor 17:55 Brain-like pendant lamp 41:42 Podcast recommendations and closing remarks - Don't let quirky design trends dictate your style; choose pieces that resonate with your personal taste and space. - While some eccentric decor items like the faceless rabbit lamp or the disco gnome can add whimsy, always consider their practicality and emotional impact. - Even affordable decor can look luxurious if styled thoughtfully, but always be cautious of overpaying for novelty items that
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Design Q&A - Decorating For A Forever Home, Tricky Transoms, Office Space, Betsy's Big News and More!
19/03/2018 Duration: 35minBetsy Helmuth discusses the benefits of premium memberships, the value of Facebook live recordings, and offers advice on design appointments with builders. She emphasizes budget clarity, decorating larger spaces, and the balance between splurging and saving on furniture. She also covers mixing materials, prioritizing functions in home office design, and answers a live question about window treatments for sliders with transoms. Sponsors include an online class bundle. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:25 Introduction to Facebook live recordings 2:47 Advice on design appointments with builders 4:51 Importance of budget clarity 7:28 Decorating a larger space from scratch 9:56 Splurging vs. saving on furniture 12:43 Decorating with a mix of materials 20:02 Prioritizing functions in a home office design 23:36 Live question on window treatments for sliders with transoms - Prioritize investing in quality pieces like a comfortable desk chair and a well-designed desk for a functional and stylish home office. - Use
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Design Q&A - Drapery Dilemmas, Color Advice and More!
12/03/2018 Duration: 28minBetsy Helmuth shares a personal update about a recent power outage, answers listener questions on updating a yellow color palette, choosing window treatments, replacing an under-sink cabinet, and overcoming paint color paralysis. Plus, an announcement about a premium membership and a sponsor mention. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:25 Introduction to Facebook live recording 1:56 Personal update: Power outage and hotel stay 3:01 Reading and answering listener emails 3:42 Amy's question on updating a yellow color palette 7:28 Raven's question on window treatments 13:33 Crystal's question on replacing under-sink cabinet 16:20 Aaron's question on paint color paralysis 23:19 Conclusion and listener questions invitation - Incorporate cool neutrals like grays or taupes to balance out overly warm or saturated color schemes. - Opt for practical window treatments such as Roman shades or top-down blinds to complement radiators and maintain a sophisticated look. - Ensure your kitchen sink cabinet matches the res
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Design Q&A - Making a Furnished Space Your Own, Working in the Bedroom, Outdoor Rugs, and What To Do When All Else Fails
01/03/2018 Duration: 34minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, Facebook live recordings, and answers Kindra's question on combining a bedroom workspace. She offers advice for decorating furnished rentals, updating rental spaces with textiles, choosing statement pieces, and shopping for outdoor rugs. She also covers the importance of rug size, decorating bay windows, and using neutral colors. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:25 Introduction to Facebook live recordings 1:55 Question from Kindra about combined bedroom workspace 5:26 Advice for decorating a furnished rental 9:27 Tips for updating a rental space with textiles and rugs 14:08 Discussion on statement pieces in a room 15:10 Shopping for outdoor rugs 18:03 Importance of rug size for defining areas 24:29 Decorating a bay window 29:23 Importance of neutral colors - A combined bedroom workspace can work well as long as the workspace activity is not stressful or cluttered, which can disrupt the restful environment. - When dealing with a furnish
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Design Q&A - Narrow Windows, Growing Big Pumpkins, Designing Your Cubicle
22/02/2018 Duration: 24minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium memberships, Facebook live sessions, and New York City's spring weather. She offers tips on window treatments, including double wide panels and tab top curtain alternatives. Business advice from Stacy, office color choices, and social media scheduling are also covered. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:17 Facebook live sessions 1:58 Spring weather in New York City 2:41 Window treatments for long narrow windows 5:46 Double wide panels for wide windows 8:40 Tab top curtains and alternatives 10:04 Business advice and feedback from Stacy 14:36 Color choices for a work office 18:00 Scheduling texts and Instagram posts 19:32 YouTube channel and social media links - You can achieve a luxe look without a high-end designer or a large budget by using strategic design tips. - For narrow windows, hanging brackets higher and wider than the window frame helps make the room appear larger and prevents light seepage. - Incorporating a calming color like light blue as the primary color
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Design Q&A - Awesome Sofas, Clearing Clutter, Rules for Lamps
17/02/2018 Duration: 25minBetsy announces an online class bundle and promotes the Affordable Interior Design website. She discusses Facebook live sessions, hosting international guests, and answers listener questions about West Elm sofas, comparing Crate and Barrel vs. Room and Board, lamp shades and table heights, finding a wardrobe, and decluttering with adult children. 0:00 Online class bundle announcement 1:07 Affordable interior design website promotion 1:39 Facebook live sessions on the podcast 2:13 Hosting international guests and preparing the home 4:00 Answering Amy's question about West Elm sofas 5:55 Comparing Crate and Barrel vs. Room and Board sofas 7:35 Renee's question about lamp shades and table heights 12:42 Caitlin's question about finding a wardrobe 17:38 Charlotte's question about decluttering with adult children - West Elm is great for many home decor items, but their sofas are not recommended due to comfort and quality issues. - Room & Board and Crate & Barrel sofas are of comparable quality as they use the sam
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Design Q&A - Hiring A Designer, Decorating Open Floor Plans, And What Not To Do When Building A House
08/02/2018 Duration: 26minBetsy Helmuth introduces the premium membership and its benefits, answers Millie's question about online courses, discusses setting expectations when hiring a designer, recommends ICovia design software, and shares tips on decorating open floor plans, painting furniture, and building a house. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 0:31 Benefits of premium membership 2:12 Question from Millie about online courses 2:59 Discussing expectations when hiring a designer 6:28 Setting expectations with designers 10:32 Recommended design software: ICovia 12:17 Promotion for online class bundle 15:13 Tips for decorating an open floor plan 18:16 Advice on painting furniture 20:13 Considerations when building a house - Avoid hiring an interior designer without clearly setting and agreeing upon expectations for deliverables and hourly rates to ensure value and satisfaction. - Use a consistent color palette with a base neutral and no more than three accent colors, applied in varying proportions across different areas, to
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Interview With Architect Steven Secon
07/02/2018 Duration: 41minBetsy Helmuth discusses her new online class bundle and welcomes special guest Steven Secon. Steven provides insights on his architectural work and compares commercial and residential projects. They clarify when to hire a designer versus an architect and address common confusions between contractors and architects. Betsy shares tips for speeding up project processes and highlights key considerations for working with architects. The episode wraps up with information on becoming a premium podcast member. 0:00 Betsy Helmuth: Introduction to online class bundle 1:39 Betsy Helmuth: Introducing special guest Steven Secon 2:24 Steven Secon: Overview of Steven Secon Architects 3:05 Steven Secon: Comparison between commercial and residential projects 5:40 Betsy Helmuth: When to hire a designer vs. an architect 8:10 Betsy Helmuth: Crossover confusion between contractor and architect 20:58 Betsy Helmuth: Tips for speeding up the project process 29:54 Betsy Helmuth: Important things to know about working with architects
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Trends for 2018, Part II
04/02/2018 Duration: 21minBetsy Helmuth discusses her new online class bundle and welcomes special guest Steven Secon. Steven provides insights on his architectural work and compares commercial and residential projects. They clarify when to hire a designer versus an architect and address common confusions between contractors and architects. Betsy shares tips for speeding up project processes and highlights key considerations for working with architects. The episode wraps up with information on becoming a premium podcast member. 0:00 Betsy Helmuth: Introduction to online class bundle 1:39 Betsy Helmuth: Introducing special guest Steven Secon 2:24 Steven Secon: Overview of Steven Secon Architects 3:05 Steven Secon: Comparison between commercial and residential projects 5:40 Betsy Helmuth: When to hire a designer vs. an architect 8:10 Betsy Helmuth: Crossover confusion between contractor and architect 20:58 Betsy Helmuth: Tips for speeding up the project process 29:54 Betsy Helmuth: Important things to know about working with architects
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Design Q&A - Making a Space Sophisticated, Elephants in Your Room, and Patterned Rugs
03/02/2018 Duration: 22minBetsy Helmuth introduces premium membership and announces a Facebook live event. She shares tips on achieving high-end design on a budget, parallels between parenting and design, and lessons from buying cheap furniture. Listener questions cover large items in rooms and finding the right rug. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:17 Facebook live event announcement 2:00 Casual setting explanation 2:54 High-end design on a budget 5:13 Parenting philosophy and design analogy 7:40 Lesson learned from buying cheap furniture 8:18 Answering listener questions 12:51 Dealing with large items in a room 15:46 Tips for finding the right rug 17:12 Farewell and upcoming updates - Investing in higher-quality furniture upfront can save time and money in the long run by avoiding issues with cheap, poorly-made pieces. - To create a sophisticated space, focus on decluttering, using a foundation of neutrals with minimal pops of color, and incorporating a few high-end touches. - Position any large, unsightly items, like a s
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Design Q&A - Emotional Mail, Best Places for Best Pieces, Barns with Potential
25/01/2018 Duration: 25minBetsy introduces the premium membership, recaps a Facebook live event, and shares updates on her busy week and upcoming projects. She addresses listener questions on wall color, furniture shopping, downsizing, and renovating. Plus, an announcement about her YouTube channel and social media links. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Recap of Facebook live event 2:00 Betsy's busy week and upcoming projects 3:27 Touching email from a listener 6:35 Live question from Kara about wall color 9:31 Question from Jenny about furniture shopping 16:07 Question from Melissa about downsizing and renovating 20:00 Betsy wraps up and previews next week's topic 20:44 Announcement of YouTube channel and social media links - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to get a luxe look; be your own interior designer with a big design, small budget. - When designing a small functional space, consider how long you plan to stay and tailor renovations to either your lifestyle or future resale value. - Incorporat
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Design Q&A - Armchairs, Choosing a Color Palette, Getting Your Start as a Designer
20/01/2018 Duration: 24minBetsy Helmuth introduces premium membership and Facebook live sessions, shares her busy schedule, and offers tips on budget party design. She discusses favorite sources for accent chairs, storage solutions for small entryways, and choosing pillow colors. Plus, advice on pursuing an interior design degree. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Facebook live sessions announcement 2:01 Betsy's busy schedule and client projects 3:07 Designing a party on a budget 4:25 Favorite sources for accent chairs and armchairs 6:39 Storage solutions for small entryways 12:15 Choosing pillow colors and creating a color scheme 16:05 Advice on pursuing an interior design degree 19:38 Closing remarks and thank yous - You can transform a raw, unfinished space into a luxurious event venue on a modest budget by creatively utilizing rental furniture and decor. - For accent chairs and armchairs, consider the balance between aesthetics and comfort, with budget options from Wayfair or Overstock for looks and higher-end options
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Trends for 2018, Part I
12/01/2018 Duration: 25minBetsy Helmuth announces an online class bundle and a new premium membership platform with exclusive benefits. She discusses the cancellation of a Today Show appearance and explores 2018 design trends including brass, Wabi Sabi, bold floral prints, stone, and artisan light fixtures. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's content and sponsor mentions. 0:00 Online class bundle announcement 1:40 New premium membership platform 4:10 Premium membership benefits 5:37 Cancellation of Today Show appearance 6:22 2018 design trends: Brass 7:58 2018 design trends: Wabi Sabi 9:39 2018 design trends: Bold floral prints 12:00 2018 design trends: Stone 12:53 2018 design trends: Artisan light fixtures 20:36 Conclusion and next week's preview - Brass accents are trending but can look dated if not carefully selected, so opt for higher-end pieces to avoid an '80s aesthetic. - The concept of Wabi Sabi, which celebrates the beauty in imperfection, is gaining popularity, but it's best to buy genuine handcrafted item
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Design Q&A - Metal Mixes, Cherry Wood, Mattress Reality Check
11/01/2018 Duration: 21minBetsy returns with exciting plans for Affordable Interior Design. She answers listener questions on mixing metals, cooling down cherry wood tones, choosing a mattress for a four-year-old, and organizing clothes in a small bathroom. Plus, an announcement about premium membership and an online class bundle sponsor. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:25 Betsy returns after being sick 2:29 Exciting plans for Affordable Interior Design 3:21 Melissa's question about mixing metals 5:59 Natalie's question about cherry wood in her apartment 8:48 Betsy's advice on cooling down cherry wood tones 10:28 Lisa's question about a mattress for her four-year-old 12:55 Irina's question about organizing clothes in a small bathroom 16:07 Closing thoughts and invitation for more questions - You can mix silver grommets with bronze curtain rods and other warm metals without it being noticeable or problematic. - To modernize a space filled with cherry wood without renovation, incorporate cool tones like blues an
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Design Q&A - Finishing Touches, Paint Color Selection, Bathroom Tattoos, & Polishing Your Place
14/12/2017 Duration: 22minBetsy Helmuth introduces her online class bundle and offers tips on becoming your own interior designer. She answers listener questions about making spaces magazine-worthy, choosing paint colors, adding decorative touches to a bathroom, and making a room look more polished. Plus, a commercial break and info on her YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Introduction to online class bundle 1:07 Be your own interior designer 2:17 Maria's question on making a space magazine worthy 6:12 Rebecca's question on choosing paint colors 12:23 Introduction to the YouTube channel and social media 13:21 Carl's question on adding decorative touches to a bathroom 15:44 Marissa's question on making a room look more polished 18:24 Wrap-up and invitation to become a premium member - Black accents can add depth and cohesiveness to any room by grounding the design and bringing all elements into focus. - Incorporating something shiny, such as metallic touches or mirrors, can elevate the look of a room by adding a l