Styling your home : When to save and when to splurge

Knowing when to save and when to splurge is key to styling your home. Here I share how to create a home that lasts!

A timeless question is and will probably always be: when do you save on home stylings and when do you splurge? Knowing the difference is key to creating a home that will last!

Boy, do we all love a good sale! The thrill we all get when we find a quality piece of furniture or a trendy new home decor item for a fraction of its original price is like nothing else. But buying less expensive pieces for our homes isn’t always better.

Knowing when to save and when to splurge is key to creating a home that lasts. Nobody wants to be caught in the matrix furniture loop because eventually the wallet will dry up and you’re left with home items that don’t function properly.

Don’t overpay for “trends”

When shopping for my home I have a basic rule of thumb: don’t overpay for  “trends”. Styles come and go and nine times out of ten, that trend will be out of style in the next year or so. This is an area I always save in!

Splurge on home items that are timeless

When I splurge on an item it’s usually furniture. I look for items made from quality material that will hopefully last my entire lifetime. Sometimes that means heading to a furniture shop but not always.

I wholeheartedly believe they don’t make furniture like they used to. Try to find pieces made from solid wood. When I can opt for something made of real wood – I go for it! If I’m going to splurge on an item I don’t want to have to buy it again.

For example, timeless pieces for me are my kitchen table, my couch, oversized armchairs, piano, dining room chair, etc.

Styles do change – Don’t splurge on changing styles!

People often ask about styles changing. Yes, styles do change! Which is why I splurge on timeless pieces. Anything with solid wood and clean cut lines are timeless.

I like to save on items that may eventually go out of style. That way I can afford to swap them out when a new style is coming in. For instance,  throw pillows, duvet covers, art work etc. All of these items can be purchased at lower prices. So I say this is an area to save in!

One thing I alway save on and one thing I always splurge on!

The one thing I have to say that I always save on are throw pillow covers. BUT I always tend to splurge on the pillow insert!

Styles are always changing, so throw pillow styles, patterns, and textures are always changing too. I like to update mine every season.

But the pillow itself doesn’t have to change. I like a quality down feather pillow insert that holds it shape and is nice and full!

My secret to achieving a nice full-looking pillow is to go up a size up on the pillow insert and a size down on the pillow cover! This will make the pillow look nice and full!

Do you save or splurge on home decor?

When it comes to home decor I always opt to save on things like wall art, artwork, home decor, nick-knacks, candlesticks and holders, vases, picture frames, etc.

I try my hardest to save on these items or I wait for them to go on clearance,. I’ll find a similar version thrifting or even buying at a lesser quality shop.

I always ask myself: “how much traffic is this item going to get?” If it’s going to sit up on a shelf and not be handled it’s totally ok to spend less on that item!

One of my favorite places to shop for art is Etsy. You can now buy downloadable artwork for under $10 and send it off to be printed. Depending on the size of the print, I can send it to my local drug store and pick it up in an hour for only a few bucks! I love to get frames at Wallmart. They are cheap and I’ve never had issues with them falling apart.

What about Area rugs and light fixtures?

Area rugs and light fixtures I generally leave up to the discretion of the room. Meaning, if it’s something that is a part of the long term design plan I don’t mind splurging, but if it’s a trendier scone that could potentially get traded out in the next few years I almost never splurge. And will always try and find a cheaper version.

The same goes for area rugs. Area rugs are a great way to add a pop of color to a changing season. I love to layer rugs. On the bottom layer (which is generally more neutral) I’ll splurge and then save on the top layer which is usually smaller and “trendier”.

At the end of the day your home should reflect YOU!

At the end of the day, we all want a home that reflects our personalities, is welcoming and feels safe, and (most importantly) doesn’t leave us absolutely broke. So spend money on things that we’ll have to buy only once and save on things that we want to be interchangeable.

Looking to elevate your space with design and decor?!

I was recently featured in an article by Redfin on how to elevate your space with design and decor. Check it out here to see my feature and to see 21 must-dos to level up your space!

Be sure to pin for later!

Thanks so much for reading along, pals!