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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Decorative Curtain Hardware and Styling a TV Stand
23/09/2022 Duration: 30minBetsy discusses her recent move, renovation challenges, and wildlife issues at her new home. She shares how her son's school transition is going and how she's balancing work and home life. Listener questions cover curtain rods and media centers. Plus, announcements about a new YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:32 Betsy's recent move and challenges 3:32 Home renovation issues 5:00 Wildlife problems in the new house 6:33 Betsy's son's school transition 7:50 Balancing work and home life 8:05 Listener question from Marissa about curtain rods 17:45 Listener question from Dion about media center 26:14 Announcement: New YouTube channel and social media - You can achieve a luxe look in your home without a high-end designer or a big budget by becoming your own interior designer. - It's important to maintain consistency in design elements like curtain rod finials to avoid a mismatched look in any room. - Styling a media center can be both functional and beautiful by using bas
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Evolution of a Design(er) with Thom Filicia, Part II
25/08/2022 Duration: 26minBetsy Helmuth and Thom Filicia discuss professionalism in interior design, blending high, medium, and low-cost elements, and creating personal style. They draw inspiration from street food and diverse influences, tackle current design trends, and share Betsy's latest design challenge. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:18 Introduction of Thom Filicia 2:39 Professionalism in interior design 3:24 Mixing high, medium, and low in design 4:02 Creating personal style in interiors 6:36 Inspiration from street food and diverse influences 12:18 Betsy's question on current design trends 15:08 Betsy's personal design challenge 18:02 Thom's social media and business ventures 23:37 Closing remarks and credits - Innovative design often involves breaking traditional rules and modernizing processes, leading to a blend of high, medium, and low elements that create a captivating and personalized aesthetic. - Professionalism in interior design is crucial, with clear contracts and defined roles ensuring that designers are
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Evolution of a Design(er) with Thom Filicia, Part I
18/08/2022 Duration: 37minBetsy Helmuth welcomes Thom Filicia to discuss his journey from architecture to interior design, the power of internships, and the industry's challenges and evolution. They also touch on the increasing inclusivity in interior design. Part 2 preview concludes the episode. 0:00 Podcast introduction 0:33 Betsy Helmuth welcomes Thom Filicia 2:44 Thom Filicia discusses the power of internships 6:17 Thom Filicia's origin story 10:50 Thom Filicia's early interest in architecture 17:47 Challenges in finding schools with interior design programs 19:30 Transition from architecture to interior design 23:53 Difficulties and discouragements in the design industry 30:02 The evolution of interior design and inclusivity 32:30 Preview of part 2 with Thom Filicia - Internships are crucial for gaining hands-on experience and confidence in the interior design field. - The design industry has evolved from being exclusive to the elite to becoming more accessible and inclusive for everyone. - Balancing a strong social foundatio
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Embracing Glam: Hygge and Pocket Doors
11/08/2022 Duration: 25minBetsy introduces premium membership, shares an emotional farewell to her home, and answers Dina's question from Los Angeles, offering critique and color suggestions. She gives a personal life update, answers Allison's question about bedroom door swing, and announces a new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:33 Betsy's emotional farewell to her home 2:32 Betsy answers Dina's question from Los Angeles 6:09 Betsy's critique and suggestions for Dina's space 10:20 Betsy discusses the need for color in Dina's design 14:48 Betsy's personal life update and transition 16:50 Betsy answers Allison's question about bedroom door swing 19:34 Betsy's final thoughts and summer wishes 20:47 Announcement of the new YouTube channel - Dark, moody elements should be balanced with lighter features to achieve a cohesive organic modern style. - Consider incorporating a pocket door to solve space issues and allow for better furniture placement. - Incorporating color and larger, cohesive elements can help unif
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Coaching Session with Courtney Clark
04/08/2022 Duration: 49minBetsy Helmuth and guest Courtney Clark discuss tips for making large walls feel intimate and alternatives to framed art. They also cover challenges faced by new business owners and handling changes in client decisions. Plus, details on the Uplift Interior Design Academy and a premium membership announcement. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:27 Introduction and episode overview 1:41 Uplift Interior Design Academy details 2:54 Introduction of guest Courtney Clark 3:28 Courtney Clark's background and business 5:34 Tips for making large walls feel intimate 8:23 Alternative ideas to framed art 20:30 Challenges as a new business owner 22:03 Handling changes in client decisions 44:00 Closing remarks and gratitude - In new builds with high ceilings and vast wall spaces, using drapes and shelving can reduce the amount of wall space and add visual interest without feeling cluttered. - When clients change their minds about key design elements, it's crucial to communicate the importance of those pieces and be pre
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Decorating Tips and Tricks with Kelly and Anita
29/07/2022 Duration: 51minBetsy Helmuth is joined by Kelly and Anita to discuss their journeys into interior design and the dynamics of their partnership. They share valuable tips on limiting color palettes and mixing styles. Listener feedback, sponsor details, and a new YouTube channel announcement round out the episode. 0:00 Premium membership announcement 1:18 Introduction with Anita 1:33 Introduction of special guests Kelly and Anita 2:03 Kelly's background and journey into interior design 5:17 Discussion on podcasting and audience connection 7:32 Listener feedback and connection 9:04 Kelly and Anita's partnership dynamics 12:09 Tips from Kelly and Anita 27:27 Limiting color palette 32:37 Betsy's perspective on mixing styles 39:13 Curated vs. instant design 45:06 Where to find Kelly and Anita 46:51 Closing remarks and gratitude 47:02 Announcement of new YouTube channel - Take a photograph of your room before starting any design changes to identify issues and document progress. - Incorporate at least three sources of lighting in
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Inside the Business of Interior Design with Paulina DuPain, Part 3
26/07/2022 Duration: 33minBetsy Helmuth and guest Paulina DuPain discuss premium membership perks, budget-friendly client strategies, avoiding unreliable furniture companies, launching an interior design career, client acquisition and marketing, building strong client relationships, and designing in various styles. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:32 Introduction of guest Paulina DuPain 2:22 How to meet clients' budget 6:19 Avoiding bad furniture companies 9:12 Starting a career in interior design 17:33 Finding and marketing to new clients 22:15 Building client relationships 24:59 Designing in different styles 28:29 Submitting questions to the podcast - Prioritize spending on key furniture pieces like sofas and art, and use leftover budget for smaller items to stay within the client's budget. - Building a strong client relationship through active listening and personal connection can lead to repeat business and referrals. - Educate yourself on various design styles to appeal to a broader client base, but focus on timeless elements
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Inside the Business of Interior Design with Paulina DuPain, Part 2
21/07/2022 Duration: 35minBetsy Helmuth and Paulina DuPain discuss designing cohesive yet distinct rooms, handling client dissatisfaction with out-of-stock items, paint colors to avoid, and the day-to-day life of a designer. They also introduce a premium membership and promote an online class bundle. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:17 Podcast intro by Betsy Helmuth 1:33 Introduction to Paulina DuPain and episode series 2:21 Question from Brooklyn: Designing cohesive yet distinct rooms 7:06 Question from Chan: Handling client dissatisfaction with out-of-stock items 12:37 Question from Jim: Paint colors to avoid 20:19 Question from Rachel: Day-to-day life as a designer 29:26 How to submit questions for the podcast 30:22 Preview of next week's episode and promotion of Uploft Interior Design Academy - Committing to a single design style throughout an apartment ensures a cohesive and harmonious feel. - Repeating colors from one room to another can help connect different spaces while maintaining distinctiveness. - Collaborating
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Inside the Business of Interior Design with Paulina DuPain, Part 1
19/07/2022 Duration: 31minBetsy Helmuth introduces the episode and welcomes guest Paulina DuPain. They discuss Paulina's background and the rewards and challenges of being an interior designer, including supply chain issues. They answer listener questions on setting client boundaries, presenting design visions, and career transitions. Betsy announces the new YouTube channel and social media updates. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:17 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 1:34 Welcoming guest Paulina DuPain 2:03 Paulina's background and experience 3:47 Question from Milicent: Rewards and challenges of being an interior designer 7:48 Supply chain issues and subjective nature of design 12:21 Question from Wendy: Setting boundaries with clients 16:24 Question from Sarah Lou: Presenting design visions to clients 19:35 Question from Pam: Transitioning to a career in interior design 27:13 Announcement: Affordable Interior Design YouTube channel and social media - Interior designers can find the industry rewarding due to the creative freedom it
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Selecting a Style For Your Space
05/07/2022 Duration: 32minBetsy introduces premium membership benefits and shares her mixed feelings about her new house. She offers tips on avoiding real estate regrets and discusses her moving logistics. Betsy answers listener questions on decorating hallways, using wallpaper and paint, and styling rental homes. She signs off by mentioning her new YouTube channel. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:26 Betsy shares her excitement and cold feet about her new house 2:21 Betsy discusses avoiding real estate regrets 3:36 Betsy's moving logistics and design planning 6:38 Nicola's question about decorating a hallway 12:51 Betsy's advice on using wallpaper and paint 17:49 Erin's question about styling a rental home 24:15 Betsy's advice on mixing contemporary and traditional styles 27:45 Betsy signs off and mentions new YouTube channel - Painting low-quality wood doors the same color as the trim can give a hallway a beautiful facelift without breaking the bank. - Utilizing a neutral palette with interesting
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Learning About Your Land with Andy Ciccone
23/06/2022 Duration: 45minBetsy Helmuth and guest Andy Ciccone discuss seasonal eating, cultural identity, and Betsy's move to Connecticut. They explore adapting to new environments, historical significance of homes, and practical steps for soil suitability, emphasizing land stewardship and community building. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:18 Introduction by Betsy Helmuth 1:33 Guest introduction: Andy Chacone 5:18 Seasonal eating and cultural identity 7:15 Betsy's move to Connecticut 9:00 Adapting to a new environment 19:23 Being a steward of the land 24:09 Historical significance of homes and landscapes 31:34 Practical steps for determining soil suitability 37:26 Building community through land stewardship 40:44 Closing remarks and thank yous - You don't need a high-end designer or lots of money to achieve a luxurious look in your home. - Understanding and respecting the natural ecosystem of your property, including native plants and soil conditions, is crucial for successful land stewardship. - Building a sense of community a
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Living Room Layouts and Flooring Decisions
20/06/2022 Duration: 29minBetsy Helmuth discusses her engagement to a new house, answers listener questions about living area dilemmas and kitchen flooring, and shares her favorite podcast. Plus, learn about her online class bundle and premium membership. 0:00 Introduction to online class bundle 1:34 Betsy Helmuth: Engaged to a new house 5:23 Answering listener questions 7:31 Alicia's living area dilemma 10:58 Recommendations for Alicia's living area 18:53 Renee's kitchen flooring question 23:51 Betsy shares her favorite podcast 25:02 Farewell and premium membership information - Embrace a cohesive color palette by integrating both silver and black metals to harmonize the space's visual elements. - Opt for mid-tone neutrals for upholstery to balance durability and style, especially in homes with kids and pets. - Replace mismatched or cheap flooring with tile in the kitchen to avoid clashing wood tones and enhance durability. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design question. Click here to upgrade to a premi
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Finding Your Style and Bathroom Storage
09/06/2022 Duration: 33minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, shares her COVID-19 recovery update, and encourages listeners to submit design questions with pictures. She answers Renee's question on small bathroom storage and mixing metal finishes and advises on vanity cabinets. Catherine's question about Scandinavian style is addressed by emphasizing the personalization of design phrases. The episode also includes a sponsor segment on an online class bundle and book promotion. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership benefits 1:27 Betsy Helmuth shares personal update on recovering from COVID-19 2:10 Encouragement to submit design questions with pictures 2:41 Renee's question about small master bathroom storage 4:58 Advice on mixing metal finishes in the bathroom 7:17 Recommendation for vanity cabinets with storage 14:26 Catherine's question about choosing a feeling word for Scandinavian style 19:55 Importance of personalizing the two-word design phrase 28:34 How to submit questions to the podcast - Consider using a v
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Designing Basements and Open Concept Spaces
07/06/2022 Duration: 28minBetsy discusses her excitement about a new house viewing and the decision to make an offer. She answers listener questions on basement design and dining room-kitchen layouts. Plus, there's news about her YouTube channel and a sponsor for online class bundles. 0:00 Becoming a premium member 1:26 Betsy's new online boyfriend 2:17 Betsy's house viewing anticipation 4:15 First impressions of the house 6:28 Decision to make an offer on the house 8:26 Listener question: Basement design advice 15:13 Listener question: Dining room and kitchen layout 23:16 YouTube channel announcement 24:51 Credits and sponsor mention - You don't need a high-end designer or a lot of money to get a luxe look in your home. - When designing an open space, use rugs and color palettes to create distinct zones and maintain cohesion. - In a basement, keeping built-ins and wainscoting a lighter color can make the space feel more inviting and less cave-like. Additional show notes: Click here to ask Betsy Helmuth a design question. Click h
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Betsy's Personal and Professional Diary
26/05/2022 Duration: 28minBetsy Helmuth introduces a new online class bundle, discusses a Manhattan client's flooring dilemma, and offers advice on handling client pushback. She also explores the importance of resale value in design decisions and tackles a Connecticut client's kitchen nook challenge. Plus, a call for listener questions. 0:00 Introduction to the online class bundle 1:36 Mailbag running low and episode filler 2:15 Design TMI and client project overview 3:30 Manhattan client’s flooring dilemma 7:15 Advice on flooring choices and client pushback 11:01 Introduction to Scarsdale client project 14:46 Importance of resale value in design decisions 17:22 Connecticut client’s kitchen nook design challenge 23:50 Call for listener questions - Clients often have preconceived notions about their design choices, and it's important to offer professional advice while also respecting their desires. - When designing a multifunctional space, it's crucial to explore all possible options and weigh the pros and cons to find the best fit
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Picking Doors for Kitchen Cabinets, and Finding Your Design Style
20/05/2022 Duration: 38minBetsy Helmuth shares updates on premium membership, explains the irregular episode schedule, and invites listener questions. She discusses personal life challenges and answers design questions about kitchen cabinet colors, bar area design, and coordinating kitchen and living room styles. Plus, there's news about a new YouTube channel and social media links. 0:00 Introduction and premium membership details 1:27 Explanation for erratic episode schedule 2:09 Request for listener questions 2:51 Personal life updates and challenges 5:40 Answering Bobby's question about kitchen cabinet colors 14:23 Answering Michelle's question about bar area design 21:36 Answering Heather's question about kitchen and living room style 33:57 Mailbag status and closing remarks 34:19 Announcement of new YouTube channel and social media links - Consider two-tone kitchen cabinets to balance aesthetic appeal with practicality, especially in high-use areas like kitchens. - Mixing wood tones in furniture and decor can create a cohesive
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Turning Rooms That Are Blah Into Rooms That Awe
12/05/2022 Duration: 34minBetsy Helmuth discusses premium membership benefits, shares a personal real estate saga, and addresses house shopping challenges and market frustrations. She answers listener questions about living room design and great room layouts. The episode ends with announcements about a new YouTube channel and social media. 0:00 Premium membership benefits 1:23 Episode introduction 1:40 Real estate saga 3:18 House shopping challenges 5:42 Real estate market frustrations 8:47 Listener questions segment 9:23 Heather's living room design question 18:47 Veronica's great room layout question 29:48 Announcing new YouTube channel and social media 30:50 Show credits and closing - The challenges of finding the perfect home can be likened to the ups and downs of online dating, complete with falling for spaces that don't work out in reality. - Adding elements like drapes with color or texture can help create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, especially in a room dominated by neutral tones. - When designing a space, it's essential
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Softening Sterile Spaces
09/05/2022 Duration: 28minBetsy Helmuth updates on her moving plans and house hunting, discusses a potential move to Virginia, and answers listener questions on drapery and adding wooden beams. She also evaluates architectural vs. cosmetic changes and announces a YouTube channel and social media presence. 0:00 Introduction to premium membership 1:26 Personal update: Moving plans and house hunting 2:43 Considering a move to Virginia 3:56 Diving into listener questions 4:57 Listener question from Ghani about drapery 13:47 Listener question from Donna about adding wooden beams 15:24 Evaluating architectural changes vs. cosmetic changes 22:19 Encouragement to submit questions and leave reviews 23:39 Announcement of YouTube channel and social media - Consider alternative ways to warm up a space, such as using warm wall colors, adding textiles like rugs and throw blankets, and incorporating artwork with softer lines. - Avoid architectural changes like adding beams if they don't fit the room's dimensions or existing style, and instead focu
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Home Offices and Artwork Curating
28/04/2022 Duration: 32minBetsy shares premium membership perks, recounts a Chicago business trip, and discusses making interior design accessible. She offers tips on incorporating a home office into living spaces, creating cohesive designs, and decorating a large great room. Plus, insights on social media and YouTube content. 0:00 Premium membership details 1:27 Business trip to Chicago 3:05 Making interior design accessible 5:40 Energizing ideas from friends 6:10 Incorporating a home office into living space 11:08 Creating a cohesive home office 15:15 Wall decor in a large great room 19:45 Removing chair rail and furniture placement 27:20 YouTube channel and social media platforms - Creating a home office in your living room requires integrating the desk and chair with the room's existing wood tones and colors to maintain a cohesive look. - Using a mix of photographs and different types of art, such as paintings and wall sculptures, can create a harmonious and curated feel in your space. - When arranging artwork in
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Announcement: We're Hiring!
22/04/2022 Duration: 04minBetsy Helmuth introduces the episode and announces the launch of the new YouTube channel. She discusses the podcast's social media presence and how to follow and subscribe. Betsy shares a special announcement about hiring a design business manager, detailing the role, qualifications, and application process. 0:00 Introduction to the episode 0:08 Launch of the YouTube channel 0:37 Social media presence 1:03 How to follow and subscribe 1:26 Special announcement 1:34 Hiring a design business manager 1:53 Role requirements and qualifications 2:19 Additional job details 3:03 Application process and urgency - Affordable Interior Design now has a YouTube channel where listeners can visualize the design concepts discussed in the podcast. - Affordable Interior Design is hiring a design business manager with leadership experience and the ability to manage multiple projects remotely. - Listeners are encouraged to visit affordableinteriordesign.com/links for access to their new YouTube channel, Instagram, Facebook, and