How ALT Makes Design Work for Real Budgets
Let’s talk about the question everyone’s thinking but few people ask up front: How do I make interior design work for my budget? At ALT Design Studio, we believe design should be approachable, flexible, and grounded in what real people need—not one-size-fits-all packages.
Whether you're ready for a full-scale remodel or just want help refreshing a space, here's how we work with your goals, your budget, and your timeline to make it all happen.
Flexible Pricing, Built Around You
We Meet You Where You Are
Our pricing model shifts based on the project type:
Private residential, short-term rental, and commercial design: We work on an hourly basis to give clients flexibility—you can bring us in for validation or let us run the whole show.
Spec homes: These are priced with a flat fee, usually based on square footage. It’s especially helpful for investors working within tight, pre-set budgets.
This flexibility is intentional. No pressure to fit into a fixed structure—just the support you need, how and when you need it.
Where to Save, Where to Spend
Lifestyle Drives Investment
We help you decide where your money matters most by thinking about how you live. If you're constantly hosting, your sofa or dining chairs should be your splurge. If you work from home, we might focus on investing in a great desk or office setup.
When it comes to remodels, cabinetry is a big one—it gets the most daily wear. Meanwhile, elements like chandeliers, hardware, or rugs can be budget-friendly and swapped over time. We call those details "jewelry" for your space.
Creative, Budget-Friendly Solutions
We Think Outside the Big Box
Some of our favorite low-cost design wins:
Paint refresh: Always the biggest impact for the lowest investment.
Murals over wallpaper: Lower labor cost and supports local artists.
Using what you already own: We’ll reimagine your existing pieces instead of starting from scratch.
Facebook Marketplace + thrifted finds: You thrift, we provide the color scheme and treatment guide—so you’re not paying hourly for the hunt.
We keep the vision clear with layouts, moodboards, and sourcing support—and we refer back to past tools we shared in this blog about the ALT design process.
Our Process = Your Time Saved
Systems That Work for Real Life
Efficiency is everything. From day one, we use a streamlined process:
Onboarding call + site measurement
Shared editable scope of work document
2D layouts, moodboards, and visual guides
A spreadsheet tracker with order updates, delivery dates, product links, and notes
Most projects have two designers assigned so nothing slips through the cracks. That means faster decisions and fewer emails for you.
Interior Design: Luxury or Necessity?
Honestly? It’s Both.
We see our role as collaborators, not just stylists. Whether you're stuck in a decision loop or struggling to get contractors to follow through, we help move things forward and give you time back.
It only feels like a luxury when you want the full, from-scratch, all-in design + project management experience. But even when we’re just consulting hourly, our process delivers big value.
A Real-Life Example of Budget-Friendly Design
From Idea to Install—on Her Timeline
A client from Beaverdale came to us three years ago knowing she wanted to redo her kitchen eventually. We helped her with layout and planning so she could prepare.
A year and a half later, she was ready. She came back with a contractor and a budget, and we jumped in with hourly consults—helping her review bids, guide vendor selection, and weigh decisions as needed. She spaced out her hours across the project, got exactly what she wanted, and never felt like she had to sacrifice style or quality to stay on budget.
Behind the Design: How ALT Brings Interior Projects to Life
Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At ALT Design Studio, we love pulling back the curtain and walking clients through our process, step by step. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or tackling a whole-home remodel, here’s what to expect—and how we combine aesthetics, function, and a lot of collaboration to make it all happen.
Working with an interior designer doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At ALT Design Studio, we love pulling back the curtain and walking clients through our process, step by step. Whether you’re redesigning your living room or tackling a whole-home remodel, here’s what to expect—and how we combine aesthetics, function, and a lot of collaboration to make it all happen.
Step One: It All Starts with a Call
The Interior Design Process, Simplified
When a new client reaches out, our first move is a 20-minute onboarding call, typically within a week of your initial contact. Jess will guide you through what to expect, what kinds of materials or tools you might need, and how the next steps will unfold.
From there, we schedule a consult and on-site measurement visit within 1–2 weeks. Whether it’s furniture placement or a full remodel, we need to see the space to understand how to best support your goals. After that, the team builds out a scope of work document to clarify the vision and create alignment before diving in.
Step Two: Helping You Define Your Style
How to Find Your Interior Design Style
Not sure how to describe your aesthetic? You’re not alone. One of our favorite parts of the process is helping clients discover and define their personal style. We encourage people to create moodboards using Pinterest, flip through magazines, or even screenshot artwork and fashion that inspires them.
It doesn’t have to be interiors-specific—sometimes a photo or texture speaks volumes. We help clients sort through what they love and what they don’t, then build a clear direction from there.
Step Three: From Scope to Visuals
Design Concept Development in Action
Between the consult and the big mood board presentation, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Nearly every ALT project includes a mood board phase. Before we present anything, we create a scope of work document that lays out the plan, including any subcontractors or trades we may need to bring in.
Next comes 2D space planning, which helps us design the best layout for the room’s function and flow. For major remodels, we also create 3D renderings or elevations so clients can truly visualize their space—especially in bathrooms and kitchens where details matter.
We even begin product sourcing during this phase to ensure the mood board is grounded in real, actionable ideas.
Step Four: Making It Work Beautifully
Function + Form = Good Design
Design is about more than how things look. Our 2D space planning ensures that every piece fits with purpose—whether it’s dual-purpose furniture for a small space or building in more storage for a growing family.
We also tailor every plan to your lifestyle. Got kids? Let’s skip the sharp-edged coffee table. Have pets? Let’s talk performance fabrics. ALT makes sure your home works for you.
Step Five: Seeing It Come to Life
Interior Design Visualization Tools
To help clients see the full picture, we use tools like Photoshop and SketchUp for renderings and elevations. This helps bring wallpaper, art, and surface materials to life.
We also use platforms like Pinterest and Canva to build interactive moodboards—and we’re not shy about sharing edit access when it makes sense. Our goal is to keep communication clear, visual, and inspiring.
Step Six: Smart Sourcing
Affordable Interior Design That Doesn’t Cut Corners
Design is all about balance. We talk openly with clients about where to spend vs. save. For example, we usually recommend investing in seating since it sees the most use. We also have trusted retailers that we return to again and again because of their quality-to-price value.
Sourcing is collaborative—we save items to shared Pinterest boards and walk clients through the options that best fit their goals.
Step Seven: Expect a Few Surprises (The Good Kind)
What Clients Didn’t See Coming
One of the most common surprises? How easy it becomes to make decisions. Most of our clients are coming to us after battling decision fatigue. Once the vision comes together through visuals and moodboards, the momentum picks up—and clients feel confident making choices that reflect their style.
We’re not just here to decorate—we’re here to guide and validate every step of the way.
Step Eight: Proud Moments All Around
Why We Love What We Do
We’re most proud when we hand over a space and hear, “I didn’t think I could do this without you.” Whether it’s a major transformation or a refresh that lifts someone’s daily mood, we take pride in removing roadblocks and revealing possibility.
And yes, we love a good photoshoot too. It’s our chance to celebrate the before and after—and the collaboration that made it all possible.
Spring & Summer Design Projects: Refresh Your Home Without the Remodel
Spring is here and summer is around the corner—which means it’s prime time to hit reset on your space. Whether you want to make a big splash or keep things simple, we’ve got ideas to help your home feel fresh and intentional this season.
Small Projects with Big Payoff
Start with Texture, Color, and Personality
You don’t need a full renovation to make a statement. We love starting with interchangeable decor like pillows, florals, rugs, and shelf styling to reflect the season. Want something a little more impactful? Try a mural or wallpaper feature wall—you can always paint over it later!
And never underestimate the power of paint. A bold accent wall or even a small bathroom refresh can completely shift the energy of your home.
Color and Material Trends We’re Loving
Rich Meets Airy
Earthy tones are still in—think terracotta, olive, burgundy—but we’re loving how these colors pop when paired with airy yellows, pale blues, or light mauves. The result? A space that feels warm, grounded, and perfectly seasonal.
Materials matter too. Hand-thrown pottery, travertine, marble, and natural fiber textiles (like linen and cotton) help bring a soft, timeless feel to any room.
Summer Updates Without a Full Reno
Start Small, Think Big
Our go-to summer advice? Tackle your home updates in layers. Start with decor. Then move to paint or wall treatments. And if you're still itching for change, consider updates like cabinet paint, new hardware, or fresh lighting and plumbing fixtures—they pack major punch without a full remodel.
We help clients evaluate what to keep, what to refresh, and what to rethink completely.
A Current Favorite Project: Union Park Revival
We’re currently finishing a 1901 craftsman-style rehab with InvestDSM in Union Park, and it might be one of our favorites yet. Think original millwork, exposed beams, and moody Mediterranean flair with paprika-colored cabinets, patterned tiles, and timeless finishes. It’s the kind of project that reminds us how fun design can be when old meets bold.
Check out our remodel and renovation services.