You could balance the top heavy look with furnishings. What type of flooring are you having? Scotia done as standard will look cheaper than skirtings unless you’re careful in its application. You can add skirtings fairly easily but if that’s what you want it’s about the same labour cost to do it upfront.

Hybrid wood flooring with 20mm stick-on scotias.

@bigreader may I ask what do you mean by furnishings? Heavy drapes?

Due to extensive costs at this stage, sounds like it will eventually have to be an upgrade.

Nothing wrong with prioritising your spend. Building and renovating is a game of compromises. Skirtings are one of the easier to change at a later date.

Example from another post

Actually never seen a house without skirting, guess time to stock up on some rugs.

Another thought...then do you require architraves for the doors?

Yes

900mm cornice with no skirtings.

Actually ended up looking better then expected, guess the 2.8m height helps.

I’m in Perth, and skirtings are not used unless you specifically ask for them. Most homes are built in double brick with internal brick walls and concrete floors, so have no need for full skirtings to cover up wall to floor joins. If installing a wooden floor then quarter rounds are sufficient. Carpet floors, no skirting at all. Have attached photos of display homes for examples.

My home. Not a skirting board in sight. You will save so much time in not having to dust the skirting.