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Using affordable materials is a great way to reduce the overall cost of execution of the interiors. However, one must never compromise on the quality of materials. Here are some great alternatives.

1. Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is an inexpensive flooring material that replicates the look of wood. It is available in a variety of colours and patterns that resemble different types of wood (or stone). It comprises multiple layers of synthetic materials that are fused together through the process of lamination.

Note that real wooden flooring costs ₹350 per square foot onwards, while laminate flooring starts at ₹75 per square foot.
 

2. Porcelain flooring
Give a designer look to your home with porcelain tiles. This is a hard-wearing flooring option when one is working on a tight budget. Porcelain tiles have great qualities: they are durable, long-lasting and can handle high levels of foot traffic. Also, digital tiles that replicate the look of wood are widely available in the market.

Good-quality porcelain tiles start at ₹65 per square foot.

3. Vinyl flooring
For easy installation and a cost-effective flooring option, go for vinyl plank flooring. This flooring is anti-slip and looks elegant. In this example, the vinyl flooring resembles real wood. Vinyl floors are very sturdy and easy to clean, so they work well for areas exposed to everyday wear and tear and dirt – and there are many varieties to choose from.

Good-quality vinyl flooring is available at ₹75 onwards.

4. Vitrified flooring
Install vitrified flooring to bring in a glossy look your floors. Some vitrified tiles are printed with patterns that replicate the grain of Italian marble. For a seamless look with fewer joint lines, go for large vitrified tiles.

The price range for vitrified tiles from premium brands starts at ₹65 per square foot.

5. Indian Statuario marble
Nothing beats the beauty and shine of premium Italian marble. So, if you want to achieve the look of Italian marble within a budget, then opt for Indian Statuario marble. It is available at prices upwards from ₹150 per square ffort while the starting price of Italian Statuario marble can range around ₹350 per square foot.

6. Leatherette
Leatherette is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look of real leather. It is commonly known as fake leather, faux leather or PU in the furniture industry. It is a great way to achieve the look of real leather for less.

Good-quality leatherette comes in rolls of material and the price starts at around ₹350 per metre.

7. MDF
MDF is a popular substitute to real wood. Shapes and patterns can be easily cut out in MDF, hence MDF is widely used to make jali screens and 3D boards. In this example, just see how MDF is used to create an elaborate patterned look on the wall, which would have been very expensive to achieve in real wood. So chic!

8. Paint
Use paint in creative ways, as it is one of the most affordable materials that can transform the overall look of any interior. Paint is not only meant for walls; it can be used on a variety of surfaces such as wood, plywood, floor tiles, and so on. Additionally, it can be applied as texture paint or spray paint on the walls.

Textured wall paint starts at ₹35 per square foot.

9. Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper is a great material to use on accent walls or to create a focal point within any given space. Wallpaper effortlessly adds a touch of sophistication and class, just as in this example.

The cost of designer wallpaper starts from ₹50 per square foot.