Affordable Interior Design Presents Big Design, Small Budget

Betsy Helmuth announces an online class bundle for affordable interior design. She shares tips on styling surfaces, bookcases, and dressers. Betsy answers a listener question about shelves and mantles, discusses floating shelves, and gives advice on entry console styling. 0:00 Online class bundle announcement 1:07 Affordable interior design classes pricing 1:39 Styling your surfaces 6:06 Bookcase styling tips 11:21 Bookcases with cabinets 14:46 Listener question: Styling shelves and mantles 19:27 Styling dressers 21:34 Floating shelves 22:52 Design TMI: Entry console styling - Styling your home effectively involves selecting decorative pieces between 5 to 14 inches in height to avoid clutter and ensure visual impact. - When organizing bookshelves, mixing personal items with generic decor creates a balanced and visually interesting space. - Practicality should always come first in home design, so ensure that functional items like lamps and trays are part of your styling efforts. Additional show notes: Clic

Betsy discusses her move from Brooklyn to Westchester and the transition to suburbia. She answers Jenna's questions about a peacock blue couch and daring paint choices, offers tips for designing kids' rooms with character themes, and advises Dory on affordable built-in bookcases. She also announces the podcast's YouTube channel and social media links. 0:00 Becoming a premium member for extra content 1:25 Moving from Brooklyn to Westchester 3:36 Transitioning to suburbia and homeownership 4:37 Answering Jenna's question about a peacock blue couch 7:08 Choosing paint colors for a new home 10:28 Suggesting colors for Jenna's home 10:50 Jenna's second question about a daring paint choice 13:36 Designing kids' rooms with character themes 16:34 Dory's question about affordable built-in bookcases 19:53 Announcing the podcast YouTube channel and social media links - A neutral sofa is recommended for longevity and flexibility in design, as bold colors like peacock blue can quickly become overwhelming or outdated. -

Betsy Helmuth shares insights on adjusting to a new home in Westchester, embracing quirks, and setting up home systems. She offers tips for furnishing quickly and thinking long-term for furniture. Listener Tina's rug query and advice for a cold room are addressed. Teaser for part 2 and YouTube channel announcement. 0:00 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 0:32 Adjusting to a new home in Westchester 1:18 Embracing new home quirks 1:53 Tips for moving to a new house 2:52 Importance of setting up home systems 3:58 Creating a cohesive vision for your home 5:35 Furnishing your home immediately 7:39 Thinking in 5-year chunks for furniture 9:43 Listener question from Tina about rugs 15:02 Additional tips for a cold room 16:21 Conclusion and teaser for part 2 17:21 Announcement: Affordable Interior Design YouTube channel 18:50 Thank you - Make your new house feel like home immediately by organizing and setting up systems before life gets busy. - Consider creating a cohesive vision and a detailed shopping list for your ho

Betsy Helmuth discusses her journey in starting a small business, shares insights from experts like Donny Deutch and Seth Godin, and answers listener questions on topics like personal styling and logo creation. She also announces her new storefront and encourages listener engagement. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:17 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 1:32 Betsy's business journey 3:21 Topic of the episode: Starting a small business 5:04 Mandy's question on starting a personal stylist business 7:20 Best business advice from Donny Deutch 8:59 Importance of a website 11:48 Importance of working for free initially 12:40 Niching down your target market 13:44 Advice from Seth Godin 15:23 Catherine Heller's question on creating a logo 20:51 Encouragement for listener questions 21:08 Betsy's new storefront announcement 22:45 YouTube channel and social media announcements 24:16 Credits and closing remarks - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to achieve a luxurious look in your home.  - Build

Betsy Helmuth introduces premium membership and apologizes for the episode delay. She announces a new storefront and retail options before diving into the topic of wood in design. Betsy discusses avoiding solid wood, types of wood, and answers listener questions on mixing woods in lofts and matching wood furniture with floors. She shares a design secret on using painted wood to break up wood elements and closes with news about her new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Apology for episode delay 1:47 Announcement of new storefront and retail options 2:59 Introduction to episode topic: wondering about woods 3:20 Explanation on avoiding solid wood 5:15 Discussion on different wood types 11:36 Listener question: mixing and matching woods in a loft space 13:13 Listener question: matching wood furniture with wood floors and trim 19:12 Design secret: breaking up wood elements with painted wood 21:06 Closing remarks and new YouTube channel announcement - Choosing solid wood furniture can

Betsy Helmuth discusses the importance of lighting in interior design, covering recommended wattage, the use of dimmers and three-way switches, and choosing the right lamps. She answers a listener's question about office lighting and shares tips on upgrading recessed cans. 0:00 Introduction to online class bundle 1:25 Podcast introduction by Speaker 2 1:40 Importance of lighting in design 3:35 Recommended wattage for lamps 5:05 Using dimmers and three-way switches 6:01 Choosing table lamps 10:16 Adding floor lamps for height 13:26 Listener question from Prescott about office lighting 19:13 Design TMI: Upgrading recessed cans 20:57 Conclusion and premium membership details - Every room, regardless of size, should have three points of light at a human level to create cozy and defined areas. - When choosing table lamps, it's important to select a lamp with a different texture than the table and ensure the lamp height is within three inches of the table height. - Floor lamps can add height and visual interest t

Betsy Helmuth delves into seating essentials, sharing her favorite features and key considerations when buying a sofa. She discusses preferred fabrics, textures, and the pros and cons of chaise sofas. Betsy also covers sectional versatility, choosing the right chairs and ottomans, and announces a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:25 Betsy's favorite things about seating 3:04 Key considerations when buying a sofa 4:44 Betsy's preferred sofa fabrics and textures 6:43 Considerations for sofa legs and sectional sofas 8:48 Pros and cons of chaise sofas 10:12 Fully backed sectionals and their versatility 12:42 Choosing the right chairs and ottomans 19:20 Summary and key takeaways on seating 19:40 Announcement of the new YouTube channel and social media pages - Comfortable seating is essential for creating cozy and memorable experiences at home. - Opt for a three-cushion sofa with a mid-tone fabric blend like polyester or polyester-acrylic for durability and ease of maintenanc

Betsy Helmuth discusses living in micro apartments, offering tips like avoiding dark colors and using light blue paints. She covers the pros and cons of multipurpose furniture, clear pieces, Murphy beds, and sleeper sofas. Betsy also shares lighting solutions and the use of wall-mounted bookcases. 0:00 Becoming a premium member 1:17 Introduction to micro apartments 2:00 Personal experience with small spaces 3:27 Tips for living in micro apartments 3:58 Avoiding dark colors 4:37 Recommended light blue paint colors 5:58 Multipurpose furniture drawbacks 8:23 Benefits of clear furniture 9:37 Considerations for Murphy beds 13:43 Benefits of futons and sleeper sofas 16:16 Lighting solutions for small spaces 17:36 Using wall-mounted bookcases 18:25 Contact information and closing remarks 18:58 New YouTube channel and social media platforms 19:53 Thank you to sponsors and supporters - Light blue paint can make small spaces feel more expansive and open due to its association with the sky and ocean. - Avoid overly mu

Betsy Helmuth discusses the benefits of premium membership, reflects on New Year's goals, and explores 2016 Pantone colors. She highlights trends like patterned linens, pedestals, Guatemalan fabrics, and oversized artwork. Betsy also talks about outdated trends and announces an upcoming office opening in Westchester. 0:00 Premium membership benefits   1:25 New Year's reflections and goals   2:11 Pantone colors of the year 2016   3:53 Trend: Patterned linens and bedsheets   4:45 Mixing and matching prints   5:33 Trend: Pedestals in interior design   6:07 Trend: Guatemalan fabrics   6:59 Shift in wallpaper trends   10:04 Trend: Oversized artwork   11:54 Outdated trends: Animal prints, fake furs, and piped furniture   17:20 Upcoming office opening in Westchester   19:32 Announcement: YouTube channel and social media pages   - Pastel colors like rose quartz and serenity blue are making a significant comeback and may challenge traditional color preferences. - Patterned linens and bedsheets are becoming trendy, w

Betsy Helmuth shares her suburban dream, answers Audrey's questions on choosing rugs and leather sofas, and offers tips for accessorizing a new home. She highlights the importance of lamps in interior design and introduces a new premium membership and online class bundle. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:25 Personal story about suburban dream 2:02 Introduction to Audrey's episode 2:47 Audrey's question about rugs 6:37 Audrey's question about leather sofa 9:21 Tips for accessorizing a leather sofa 11:23 Audrey's question about accessorizing a new home 14:02 Importance of lamps in interior design 15:22 Closing remarks and thanks - Layering rugs can add plushness and visual interest to rooms with low pile rugs. - Using colorful throw pillows and blankets can help soften and warm up a leather sofa. - Incorporating lamps not only adds practical lighting but also serves as artistic elements in a room. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design question. Click here to upgrade to a

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, room-by-room home design strategies, and entryway organization. She offers tips on using mirrors, multifunctional furniture, and creating office spaces in living rooms. Betsy also shares bedroom and playroom ideas, and her new favorite household appliance. 0:00 premium membership benefits 1:32 tackling home design room by room 1:49 entryway organization tips 2:40 creating a welcoming entryway 5:17 using mirrors in entryways 6:06 office space solutions in the living room 8:25 multifunctional furniture recommendations 10:36 bedroom furniture and cozy nook ideas 13:51 playroom organization tips 16:22 Betsy's new favorite household appliance 19:24 new YouTube channel and social media links 20:23 closing remarks - Taking your space room by room can make decorating an entire home feel less overwhelming. - In an entryway, creating a system for coats and shoes and adding a focal point like a mirror can keep the space tidy and inviting. - Using labeled bins instea

Betsy Helmuth announces a premium membership and dives into window dressing tips. She answers listener questions on making a Victorian home cozy, window treatments, and patio door treatments. Betsy also discusses privacy and light control, shares her personal choices, and announces a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:25 Introduction to window dressing 2:25 Listener question from John about making a Victorian home cozy 4:26 Listener question from Kathy about window treatments 5:28 Discussion on privacy and light control with window treatments 9:51 Listener question from Kathy about patio door treatments 12:54 Design TMI: Betsy’s personal window treatment choices 15:08 Announcement about new YouTube channel and social media 16:31 Closing remarks  - Windows can serve as dynamic artwork for your walls, providing both light and a view that surpasses most static decorations. - Drapes can add significant coziness and texture to a room, especially in homes with high ceilings, and can be a

Betsy Helmuth shares winter holiday decor tips, from hanging mistletoe to using Christmas tree bases creatively. She discusses cozy seasonal transformations, favorite holiday gifts, and personalized ideas from Shutterfly. Plus, details on Affordable Interior Design's online class bundle. 0:00 Premium membership details   1:25 Introduction and holiday greetings   2:01 Winter holiday decor discussion   5:30 Tips for making your home cozy and seasonal   13:16 Hanging mistletoe for holiday spirit   14:52 Using Christmas tree bases for decor   17:28 Favorite holiday gifts from fancy.com   18:30 Personalized gifts from Shutterfly   19:16 Betsy's holiday wish list - Transform your living space into a cozy winter haven with simple, budget-friendly decor tips like using gift wrap creatively and incorporating aromatic elements.  - Get festive by creating DIY decorations such as wrapping paper cones and using fresh herbs tied with ribbons to add both visual and aromatic charm to your home.  - Personalized and thoughtf

Betsy Helmuth discusses listener questions on creating a reading nook for April, layout tips, and defining spaces. She also addresses John's bathroom renovation and maintaining cohesiveness in home design, and Jacqueline's query about Target decor. Plus, special promotions and closing remarks. 0:00 Premium membership promotion 1:25 Introduction and answering listener questions 1:47 April's small nook space dilemma 3:16 Layout considerations for April's nook 5:34 Defining the reading nook area 8:50 John's bathroom renovation query 10:24 Cohesiveness in home design 14:02 Jacqueline's question about Target decor 17:27 Closing remarks and social media promotion - Use the longest wall in a small nook for the largest function to make the space feel more anchored and welcoming. - When renovating a bathroom, ensure it visually aligns with your home's overall design to maintain cohesiveness and boost resale value. - Target is great for affordable accessories and trendy items, but not recommended for investment piece

Betsy Helmuth introduces the Premium membership and then dives into the Super Secret 7 checklist for affordable interior design. She answers a listener question from Tammy and elaborates on the seven key elements: color, pattern, texture, something shiny, life, chi, and black. The episode also includes a sponsor message about an online class bundle and announcements about the YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Premium membership introduction 1:17 Episode introduction 1:31 Super Secret 7 checklist introduction 2:00 Listener question from Tammy 3:11 Element 1: Color 4:01 Element 2: Pattern 5:17 Element 3: Texture 6:34 Element 4: Something shiny 7:07 Sponsor: Online class bundle 8:14 Element 5: Life 10:48 Element 6: Chi 12:28 Element 7: Black 15:10 Announcement: YouTube channel and social media 15:44 Thank you and closing remarks - To achieve a high-end look in any space, incorporate at least three colors, ensuring they are not neutrals like gray or beige. - Mix at least two patterns in a room, varying the

Betsy Helmuth covers pet-related decor challenges, including preventing scratching and dealing with accidents. She suggests carpet squares for easy cleaning and offers creative litter box furniture ideas. Plus, she answers listener questions and shares updates on a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Becoming a premium member for bonus content 1:33 Pets and decor challenges 7:13 Preventing pet scratching 9:34 Dealing with pet bodily functions 11:27 Using carpet squares for easy cleaning 13:22 Better litter box furniture ideas 15:21 Listener design questions and feedback 15:35 New YouTube channel for podcast visuals 16:38 Social media links and thank yous - Pets can be trained to stay off furniture using techniques like keep away spray, tape loops, and aluminum foil.  - Low pile rugs and stain-resistant fabrics help manage pet hair and accidents, making cleanup easier and maintaining your decor.  - Choosing pet toys that are visually distinct from your decor and using performance fabrics or indoor-outdoor rugs can pre

Betsy Helmuth discusses studio apartment living, answering Julia's question about maximizing space. She covers the KISS rule, Murphy bed concerns, closet storage tips, and paint colors for enlarging a room. Betsy also shares personal stories and announces an online class bundle, her book, and a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:32 Introduction to studio apartment living 2:08 Listener question from Julia 2:43 Living in your space 350 days a year 3:54 Keep it simple studio (KISS) rule 5:09 Concerns about Murphy beds 6:36 Maximizing closet storage 7:42 Paint colors to make a space look larger 8:47 Online class bundle and book promotion 10:24 Design TMI: Personal stories about small spaces 14:01 New YouTube channel and social media announcement - Prioritize furniture and items that will be used 350 days a year, rather than for occasional events or gatherings. - Avoid overly complicated multi-functional furniture pieces that don't perform any one function well; instead, keep it simple

Betsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, shares professional shopping insights, and reviews products from Overstock, HomeGoods, and IKEA. She answers a listener's question about Bed Bath & Beyond and reveals her favorite stores for big pieces. The episode also includes a sponsor mention for an online class bundle. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:25 Betsy Helmuth: Professional shopper insights 2:06 Revealing favorite and least favorite stores 2:36 Listener question about Bed Bath & Beyond 5:01 Review of Overstock products 12:13 Review of HomeGoods products 18:03 Favorite places for big pieces 19:33 Review of IKEA products 31:43 Betsy Helmuth: Personal shopping experiences 35:41 Closing remarks and sponsor mention - Bed Bath & Beyond is best for purchasing fundamental household items like mops, shower curtain liners, and curtain rods, but not for decor items. - Overstock excels in offering high-end rugs, beds, and armchairs at low prices, but their large wooden items often arriv

Betsy introduces her online class bundle and shares pricing details. She discusses her experience with studio apartments, answers Julia's question on designing small spaces, and shares tips on Murphy beds, maximizing closet space, and paint colors. Betsy also shares personal studio apartment stories. 0:00 Introduction to online class bundle   1:07 Pricing and purchase information for classes   1:39 Betsy shares her experience with studio apartments   2:16 Listener question from Julia about designing a small space   2:50 Betsy's rules for living in small spaces   5:10 Betsy's thoughts on Murphy beds   7:06 Maximizing closet space   9:37 Paint colors to make a space look larger   10:35 Design TMI: Betsy's personal studio apartment experiences   14:10 Closing remarks and premium membership information - Focus on living in your space for your everyday needs rather than occasional events to avoid clutter and impractical furniture. - Opt for simple, functional furniture instead of multi-purpose pieces that may no

Betsy Helmuth introduces her online class bundle, discusses pricing options, and delves into molding and trim. She covers treating and painting interior doors, essential places for molding, and maintaining consistency throughout the house. Tips on crown molding, non-white molding, and making bad trim recede are also shared. 0:00 Introduction to the online class bundle 0:39 Pricing and options for the online classes 1:38 Introduction to molding and trim 4:09 Treating and painting interior doors 5:01 Places that must have molding 8:02 Consistency of molding in different parts of the house 9:54 Crown molding and ceiling height considerations 10:42 Using non-white molding 12:24 Design TMI: Making bad trim recede into the background 15:11 Premium membership details - Molding and trim help define a space by hiding seams and creating a polished look, but they should be durable and often painted in semi-gloss for easy maintenance.  - It's generally best for all molding and trim in a home to match in color, style, a