Budget decisions

Demolition begins next week. I've spent the past month making budget, material, and design decisions. The remodel is relatively extensive, though mostly cosmetic. New surfaces are needed throughout the house: New floors, ceilings, baths (there are 2 small ones), & a kitchen. We'll put in recess lighting, change out the stair railing, and possibly add a fireplace. A few walls are coming down.

In creating my life thus far, an internal battle between what is practical and what I truly desire has consistenly raged. In most cases, practicality wins out. I do this to myself: I kill my desire, my dreams, my vision & go with what is practical, expectable, safe. I've become more and more aware of how I constrain myself, and with awareness comes choice and responsibility. So, I'm trying to do this differently. The challenge is in not going too far the other way-- throwing practicality out the window. As our budget grows, I fear that I'm running this risk. By Monday I will decide either to go with the more expensive flooring option downstairs, which is what I want, or to save some money here and make something else work, which I know I can do.

Balance is what I need to strive for; and the interior design of the home is intended to reflect a sense of harmony, calm, and balance. Now I need my budget to reflect the same....