Building a house is like committing to a high-quality pair of shoes. The cost-effective ones can get the job done, but they’ll be more susceptible to quicker wear and tear. Interior designer Neha Kaimal stresses the importance of splurging on high-traffic areas. She explains, “When faced with budget constraints while building a new house, it’s prudent to prioritize spending on high-activity spaces over less frequently used areas. Key rooms such as the mudroom, living room, kitchen, and master bedroom, which see the most daily use, should receive careful design and budget allocations. In contrast, spaces like guest bedrooms, basements, and outdoor lounging areas can be designed and budgeted for at a later stage, as time and financial resources permit. Making these distinctions based on the frequency and nature of space utilization is crucial. It ensures that the areas most integral to daily activities are well-designed and adequately funded, while secondary spaces can be addressed as the budget allows, without compromising the functionality of the essential living areas.”
