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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Get Organized with Anna Bauer, Part 2
02/08/2016 Duration: 35minBetsy Helmuth introduces premium membership benefits and welcomes guest Anna Bauer. They discuss organizational strategies for playrooms, including decor and storage solutions, and share tips for kitchen utensil drawers. They also talk about common organizational pet peeves, Marie Kondo's method, and offer clutter solutions. Closing remarks include announcements about the new YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:17 Introduction of guest Anna Bauer 1:32 Organizational strategies for playrooms 3:12 Incorporating decor in playrooms 5:57 Importance of open and closed storage in playrooms 7:35 Tips for organizing kitchen utensil drawers 10:42 Strategies for maintaining successful organizational systems 16:59 Discussion on organizing pet peeves 21:01 Betsy's pet peeve: Curse of the medium furniture 23:44 Solutions for clutter in clients' homes 25:41 Discussion on Marie Kondo's method and its practicality 30:19 Closing remarks and where to find A
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Get Organized with Anna Bauer, Part 1
26/07/2016 Duration: 30minCatherine Heller introduces Betsy Helmuth and Anna Bauer. They discuss the importance of not filling every space, creating organizing strategies, and personality types in organizing. They give thoughts on Marie Kondo's method, share Betsy's favorite tip, cord management advice, and recommend organization apps. 0:00 Online class bundle promotion 1:25 Introduction by Catherine Heller 1:39 Betsy Helmuth introduces Anna Bauer 2:32 Discussion on not filling every space 4:03 Creating an organizing strategy 6:20 Personality types in organizing 11:09 Thoughts on Marie Kondo's method 14:22 Betsy's favorite organizational tip 17:21 Cord management tips 23:22 Recommended apps for organization 24:48 Part 2 preview for next week - Creating an entryway solution tailored to your habits and space can significantly reduce clutter and improve organization. - Using binder clips and mountable power strips can effectively manage and hide cords, keeping spaces tidy. - Recognizing and adapting to your organizational style, rather
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Tool(kit) Time
19/07/2016 Duration: 33minBetsy shares her on-site toolkit essentials, discusses using votive candles for ambiance, and compares Frog tape with blue painter's tape. She also recommends motivating music for installs, the "Pocket Decorator" book, and promotes her online class bundle. Closing with cleaning tips and contact info. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:17 Podcast introduction 1:32 Betsy's on-site toolkit essentials 4:07 Using votive candles for ambiance 6:27 Frog tape vs. blue painter's tape 14:06 Motivating music for installs 20:03 Pocket Decorator book recommendation 20:28 Online class bundle promotion 27:04 Windex wipes for cleaning 28:40 Closing remarks and contact information 30:15 Social media links - Always bring a comprehensive toolkit to installations, including essentials like band-aids, votive candles, clear packing tape, and a hammer. - Use frog tape for precise painting and blue painter's tape for marking placements to avoid damaging surfaces during installations. - Magic erasers are indispensable for remov
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Naughty Word List, P-W
12/07/2016 Duration: 31minBetsy Helmuth discusses pleather furniture, popcorn ceilings, and reupholstery. She covers shag carpeting and window treatments, answers a listener's question about a shelf above a desk, and announces premium membership and Facebook live events. Plus, details on an online class bundle. 0:00 premium membership announcement 1:25 introduction and episode theme 2:20 purpose of the podcast 4:52 Facebook live events 5:34 pleather furniture discussion 7:23 popcorn ceilings 8:05 reupholstery considerations 9:00 shag carpeting 11:09 shears and window treatments 21:40 listener question: shelf above desk 26:15 closing remarks - Interior design is a learned skill that anyone can master with the right principles and tips. - Pleather can be practical and stylish for certain furniture pieces like dining chairs and ottomans. - Avoid using cacti or prickly plants in your workspace as they can create anxiety and disrupt a peaceful environment. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design question. Click
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Naughty Word List, A-M
05/07/2016 Duration: 29minBetsy Helmuth introduces the premium membership, shares her naughty word list, and discusses accent walls, cherry-stained wood, clip rings, concealing cords, and decals. She covers flash sale sites, answers listener questions about bicycle storage and slipcovers, and wraps up with a call for listener input. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Betsy Helmuth's naughty word list introduction 2:33 Accent walls 4:28 Cherry stained wood 6:30 Clip rings 8:21 Concealing cords 10:34 Decals 12:59 Flash sale sites 17:32 Listener question about bicycle storage 21:25 Listener question about slipcovers 24:01 Outro and call for listener input - Accent walls often signify hesitation in making a bold design statement, detracting from the overall impact of a space. - Cherry-stained wood and other warm-toned woods can appear dated and lack broad appeal, making cooler wood tones a more versatile choice. - Avoid using clip rings for curtains as they give off a dorm room or DIY aesthetic, detracting from a polished and
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Talkin' Textiles
29/06/2016 Duration: 35minBetsy Helmuth dives into textile choices, addressing challenges in sourcing, drapery dilemmas, and rug recommendations. She offers pillow styling tips, bedding preferences, and answers a listener's question about achieving a boho chic style. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:32 Introduction to textile discussion 2:12 Challenges in sourcing textiles for clients 6:11 Client's drapery dilemma 9:18 Rug recommendations and tips 12:46 Pillow styling tips 16:31 Bedding preferences and recommendations 23:33 Listener question from Stephanie about boho chic style - Textiles like throw pillows, rugs, and drapes can easily and affordably transform a space by adding color, pattern, and texture. - Opt for synthetic rugs with patterns to conceal stains and maintain an interchangeable, low-maintenance floor covering. - Incorporating more lighting, especially through floor lamps and drapes, can significantly enhance a room's ambiance and make it feel brighter and more inviting. Additional show notes: Click here to as
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Tough Love
21/06/2016 Duration: 31minBetsy Helmuth shares tips on overcoming designer's block and answers listener questions. She advises Rachel on styling a 1930s craftsman home, including painting wood trim and budget-friendly design tips. Betsy also addresses Shaney's bed pillow query and Carol's furniture color choices for a mid-century modern home. 0:00 Online class bundle promotion 1:25 Show introduction by Speaker 2 1:39 Betsy Helmuth discusses designer's block and listener questions 2:25 Rachel's question about styling a 1930s craftsman home with wood trim 6:32 Advice on painting wood trim and wall color suggestions 8:11 Rachel's follow-up question on tackling room design on a small budget 13:07 Betsy announces new YouTube channel and social media links 13:45 Shaney's question about bed pillows 16:08 Carol's question about choosing furniture colors for a mid-century modern home 24:17 Betsy promotes online interior design consultations - Paint the trim white to create a cohesive look and avoid mismatched wood tones. -
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Shopping Spree
14/06/2016 Duration: 34minBetsy announces a new online class bundle and dives into her shopping preferences. She shares tips on selecting throw pillows, blankets, rugs, candles, and art with personal connections. Betsy advises against word art, discusses picture frames, lamp wattage, functional bookends, and answers a listener's flooring question. 0:00 Online class bundle announcement 1:07 Purchase details and pricing 1:39 Betsy’s shopping preferences 2:38 Shopping spree introduction 3:20 Tips for selecting throw pillows 4:58 Choosing throw blankets 8:45 Selecting rugs 10:49 Shopping for candles 11:52 Choosing art with personal connection 13:10 Commercial break: YouTube channel and social media 14:40 Avoiding word art 16:22 Shopping for safe and aesthetic home art 18:08 Picture frames and custom mats 18:59 Importance of lamp wattage and features 20:51 Selecting functional bookends 22:00 Listener email: Flooring advice 30:05 Premium membership announcement - Splurging on unique, high-quality throw pillows and blankets can elevate t
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Feng Shui Potpourri
07/06/2016 Duration: 32minBetsy Helmuth shares tips on Feng Shui, including keeping the toilet lid down, space cleansing techniques, and the power of fresh flowers and uplifting images. She also discusses using all stove burners and answers a listener's question on refining personal taste. Plus, a new YouTube channel announcement. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Host introduction and enthusiasm for Feng Shui 2:15 Importance of keeping the toilet lid down 3:15 Space cleansing techniques 6:42 Creating a cleansing ritual 8:18 Bringing in good energy with fresh flowers 12:07 Choosing uplifting images 16:02 Using all four burners on the stove 20:02 Listener email about refining personal taste 28:05 Announcement of the new YouTube channel - Keeping your toilet lid down and bathroom door closed helps retain wealth and positive energy in your home according to Feng Shui principles. - Regular space cleansing, whether through burning sage, using essential oils, or ringing a bell, can refresh and uplift the ener
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Facebook Lightning Round
24/05/2016 Duration: 26minBetsy announces the premium membership, recaps a Facebook live event, and answers audience questions. She shares tips on hanging pictures evenly, organizing baseball hats, and overcoming creative blocks. Topics include decorating awkward corners, using red in decor, the 60:30:10 color rule, accent walls, and using two coffee tables. She wraps up with announcements about the YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:25 Introduction and Facebook live event recap 2:18 Answering Facebook live questions 2:40 Trick for hanging pictures evenly 4:28 Organizing baseball hats 5:35 Helping a client with creative block 9:20 Decorating awkward corners 11:17 Using red in decor 13:13 60:30:10 color rule for open floor plans 16:29 Deciding on an accent wall 19:35 Using two coffee tables in a living room 21:25 Announcement: YouTube channel and social media 23:10 Show wrap-up and thank yous - Measuring from the floor or ceiling, rather than using a level, ensures pictures are hung evenly and lo
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Feng Shui for Wealth
17/05/2016 Duration: 30minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, Feng Shui for productivity, and addressing negative feelings about money. She shares tips on building wealth starting with the entryway, reducing clutter, and using plants for prosperity. Plus, enhancing the dining area's potential and a listener Q&A on design steps. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:39 Maximizing work time through Feng Shui 2:08 Addressing negative feelings around money 3:47 Building wealth starting with the entryway 5:50 Reducing clutter for prosperity 7:17 Using plants to boost prosperity 9:13 Enhancing the dining area's potential for abundance 15:00 Listener question: Order of design steps 25:10 Announcement: Facebook live design Q&A - Clearing negative feelings about money through a physical act like tearing up a paper can be a powerful foundation for building wealth. - Creating a strong and inviting entryway by maintaining and decorating it seasonally can significantly enhance the flow of energy and prosperity into your home
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Big Announcement: Live Event
14/05/2016 Duration: 04minBetsy Helmuth shares listener feedback, announces the new YouTube channel and social media presence, and provides details on an upcoming live Facebook event. She explains how to join the event, encourages participation, and offers alternative ways to submit questions and watch later. 0:00 Introduction and listener feedback 0:32 Announcement of new YouTube channel and social media presence 0:55 How to find and follow Affordable Interior Design online 1:40 Introduction of live Facebook event 2:11 Details of the live event and question format 2:38 Instructions on how to join the live Facebook event 3:12 Encouragement to participate and ask questions during the event 3:47 Alternative ways to submit questions and watch the event later - Affordable Interior Design now has a YouTube channel along with Instagram and Facebook pages to help you visualize the design concepts discussed in the podcast. - Betsy Helmuth will be hosting a live Facebook event on May 18th from 3 to 4 PM EST to answer listener questions in re
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Feng Shui for Love
11/05/2016 Duration: 31minBetsy Helmuth delves into Feng Shui tips for attracting love, sharing her personal quest and insights on the bagua map's love sector. She offers practical advice for bathrooms and bedrooms, including budget-friendly bedding tips, and discusses manifesting love and Oprah's love list. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:25 Spring and love introduction 1:42 Feng Shui for love 2:26 Betsy's personal quest for love 2:48 The bagua map and love sector 4:06 Bathroom Feng Shui tips 7:14 Manifesting love with Oprah's love list 10:22 Ordering your perfect partner from the universe 11:43 Feng Shui tips for the bedroom 18:35 Budget-friendly bedding tips - Incorporating Feng Shui elements like bamboo, balanced imagery, and closing toilet lids can significantly enhance the love energy in your home. - Creating a "love list" with specific, non-superficial traits can help manifest the ideal partner by clearly defining your intentions. - Setting up your bedroom with balanced, appealing elements and avoiding overly gender-sp
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Into the Ol' Mailbag
03/05/2016 Duration: 26minBetsy Helmuth shares updates, answers listener questions on custom slipcovers for leather sofas, and recommends new sofas. She addresses a correction on piano soundproofing, advises on using spreadsheets for planning purchases, and offers tips for dividing studio apartments. Plus, news on new staff and Feng Shui services. 0:00 Introduction and premium membership details 1:25 Listener updates and new questions 2:15 Advice on custom slipcovers for leather sofas 4:34 Recommendations for new sofas 5:10 Correction from vocal teacher Tim on piano soundproofing 6:32 Planning purchases with a spreadsheet 8:44 Tips for separating spaces in a studio apartment 13:06 More tips on dividing a studio space 18:00 Design TMI: New staff and Feng Shui services - Slipcovers are often not recommended for leather sofas because they tend to be saggy and slip off easily. - Using a folding screen is a flexible and aesthetically pleasing way to create separate zones in a studio apartment without blocking natural light. - Creating a
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All About Ellie
26/04/2016 Duration: 33minBetsy Helmuth discusses the benefits of Uploft's premium membership and shares insights on listener growth and rebranding. She answers Ellie's questions about living room layout, lighting, and dining chairs. Betsy also offers advice on hall trees, seating from Overstock, and taxidermied decor. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 0:31 Benefits of premium membership 1:17 Episode introduction 1:31 Listener growth and rebranding 2:22 Importance of listener questions 2:45 Introduction to Ellie's letter 3:26 Ellie's design journey and questions 4:59 Living room furniture and area rug placement 8:14 Lamp placement and overhead lighting 14:07 Opinion on hall trees 18:27 Choosing dining chairs for a round table 20:30 Ordering seating from Overstock 22:48 Dealing with a taxidermied moose head 26:25 Remote consultation services 27:53 Closing remarks and listener engagement 28:37 Announcement of new YouTube channel and social media links - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to achieve a luxurious
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Coupon Queen
19/04/2016 Duration: 25minBetsy Helmuth discusses the benefits of premium membership, her personal dislikes, and why you should never pay full retail. She shares tips on finding the best deals, using Google and PayPal for reliable purchases, and introduces Ebates.com. She also announces a new YouTube channel and highlights the best times to shop. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:17 Betsy's personal dislikes 1:50 Importance of not paying full retail 2:28 Tips for getting the best deals 3:03 Using Google to find better prices 4:15 Ensuring vendor reliability with PayPal 7:39 Introduction to Ebates.com 13:37 Best days and months to shop for deals 20:14 Announcement of the new YouTube channel - You can find the best price for an item by searching for it on multiple websites and considering additional costs like shipping and taxes. - Joining store clubs, using dedicated shopping email accounts, and downloading retail apps can provide significant discounts and exclusive deals. - Using cashback websites like Ebates can give you a
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Romancing Your Space: Part II
12/04/2016 Duration: 32minIn this episode, Betsy Helmuth and Shannon discuss adding sensuality to every room and offer tips on romancing your space. They answer listener questions about grand pianos, photo booths, design conflicts with partners, and merchandise displays. Plus, Betsy shares a two-word phrase for workspaces and reads listener reviews. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:32 Sensuality in all rooms 2:02 Romancing your space, part 2 2:18 Question from Beverly L about a grand piano 6:36 Question from Shannon about a photo booth 12:04 Question from Shannon about design conflicts with her partner 16:47 Question from Shannon about merchandise display 21:08 Two-word phrase for workspace 25:23 Listener reviews and shoutouts - Every room, including your office, should appeal to multiple senses to create a truly engaging and personal environment. - To muffle the sound of a grand piano, focus on adding fabric screens, drapes, and wall art to absorb sound rather than just relying on a rug. - Creating a branded photo booth area
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Romancing Your Space: Part I
05/04/2016 Duration: 31minBetsy Helmuth discusses the importance of loving and committing to your space, shares a client story from Westchester, and answers listener Shaney's question about choosing a dining area rug. The episode also includes details on premium membership, a design TMI segment, and a call for podcast reviews. 0:00 Premium membership details 1:17 Introduction 1:32 Importance of loving your space 2:07 Romancing your space 2:44 Design TMI segment 3:19 Client story in Westchester 5:04 Committing to your space 9:02 Listener question from Shaney 19:47 Shaney's dining area rug question 24:24 Encouraging podcast reviews - Fully committing to your space, regardless of its temporary nature, can transform it into a haven that feels uniquely yours and enhances your daily comfort and satisfaction. - Incorporating multi-sensory elements like appealing scents, thoughtful lighting, and evocative music can elevate the ambiance of a space, making it more inviting and engaging for guests. - Choosing the right size and type of rug for
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Spruce Up for Spring
29/03/2016 Duration: 26minBetsy Helmuth shares tips on sprucing up your home for spring, discusses the pros and cons of hiring help versus DIY cleaning, and highlights the importance of starting with surfaces and cleaning your mattress. She also introduces a new cleaning product and offers advice on donating or selling unwanted items. 0:00 Introduction by Speaker 1 0:22 Springtime and cleaning visibility 0:47 Episode topic: Spruce up for spring 1:24 Betsy's take on hiring help versus DIY cleaning 2:04 Spring cleaning tip: Start with surfaces 5:05 Places to donate or sell unwanted items 7:00 Importance of cleaning the mattress 9:51 Things you can half-ass during spring cleaning 12:48 New cleaning product discovery: Bounty towels with Dawn 18:51 Closing remarks - Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter your surfaces, starting with countertops and bookshelves for an immediate visual impact. - Use tough love when sorting through your closets and drawers by asking if items fit, if you'd buy them again, and if you've worn them i
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Anniversary Follow-Up
22/03/2016 Duration: 32minBetsy Helmuth announces an online class bundle, celebrates the podcast anniversary, and answers listener questions on planning for a boyfriend's move-in and shoe storage solutions. She recaps a store opening event, discusses a billionaire project, and invites feedback on the space before signing off. 0:00 Online class bundle announcement 1:25 Episode introduction and anniversary celebration 2:55 Question from Tyra about planning for a boyfriend's move-in 8:13 Question from Yelena about shoe storage solutions 12:26 Store opening event recap and thanks 14:34 Client inquiry about the billionaire project 19:01 Lessons learned from the billionaire project 27:00 Invitation for listener feedback on the billionaire space 27:38 Thank you message and podcast farewell - Discussing and agreeing on what items a partner will bring and making room for their belongings can help ease the transition when moving in together. - Using a combination of open shelving and closed cabinets for shoe storage can be both functional an