A new flat's interior budget is not one decision but a sequence of four allocations, each with a different payoff.
In a flat, the builder has already laid the foundation of these spaces. The bathroom plumbing rough-in, the sanitary connections, the waterproofing.
Wardrobes, TV units, display shelving, and living room joinery are not decorative decisions. They are daily-use infrastructure.
Guest bedrooms, children's rooms, and secondary bathrooms can accept mid-range finishes without visible compromise to the home's overall quality.
The last category covers accessories, soft furnishings, art, plants, and the contingency buffer that no well-managed project avoids entirely.
Electricals and lighting are budgeted last but installed first. Lighting determines the character of every room. It is also one of the most expensive.
Not every reallocation across the four categories produces the same outcome.