When decorating or remodeling every dollar counts.  In order to get a high end look with limited budget, you have to decide what counts and what is less important; you must prioritize your wish list.  Establishing a wish list is a good start.

Whether you are decorating a family room or remodeling a kitchen or bath, each person using the space will have something to say about how he or she wants the room to function.  The lifestyles of the family are the first thing to consider, so make a list and remember that form follows function--always!

Once you have determined how the room will be used and what each family member's priorities are, you can begin by considering the materials you would like to use in the room; having pictures to support your ideas makes a great beginning.

If you are working on a remodel of a kitchen or bath, appliances and fixtures will be the biggest part of your budget and the most important part of your project.  Determine what you can afford within your budget and design wishes.

Next consider your flooring, as a permanent part of any room,--a lasting element as well as a timeless one.  If you are dazzled by fancy tile trims and hardwood inserts, keep in mind that as styles change, these trims will remain; so use them sparingly.  Tile listillos are typically sold by the linier foot and quite pricey, so step back and think how they will enhance your space for the long term.  The same is true for hardwood inserts, that you frequently find these in entry ways; they are used to create a nautical star or make a strong geometric design.  Borders in both tile and hardwood can have an impressive impact without dating the space; homes from previous centuries had wood inlay trims that showed the craftsmanship and style of the day, and it has become a classic look that is used today.

Color is the easiest thing to change in a room, but when choosing tiles, especially accent or listillo tiles, selecting colors can be a bit tricky.  Elegant homes from the early 20th century will have styles and colors of their time period.  Trying to incorporate that into today's decor can be a decorating challenge, unless you are trying to restore a home in that period.  Keep your colors more neutral for longevity and add your splashes of color in the accessories and paint on the walls.

Good quality cabinetry is expensive, so if what you have works, but you don't care for the wood, or finish, have it painted or refinished, or just have the doors replaced.  You will save a good deal of money by not ripping out the boxes.  It goes without saying that if you have cheap or broken cabinets, you will be better served to replace them even if they are another big expense.

Once you have your core finished, you can move onto some of the finishes; knobs, drawer pulls, faucets and such.  While these items can get costly, you will find many up-to-date styles to meet your budget.

All the rest is really window dressing, the things that you can change easily and add as your budget allows.