When To Invest and When To Skimp

When decorating your home, you will always have a multitude of options no matter what it is you’re needing.  Most products come in a variety of styles, colors, sizes, and price.  So which one do you get?

I have heard it said in the design industry that, “You never want to skimp on what you sit on, what you walk on or what you sleep on.”  A general statement, but certainly an accurate one.  Here’s a list of my recommendations for when to invest , and when to skimp.

Invest In:

Seating Furniture That Is Used Daily

When it comes to seating furniture, especially those you use daily, quality does make a difference.  So do invest in the best quality your budget will allow.  If you can wait the 6 to 12 weeks, custom ordering upholstered furniture will allow you to choose more durable fabrics, which will hold up longer and are easier to clean.  For daily used furniture, investing in more durable pieces is well worth it in the long run.

Your Mattress

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep.  And to get that, you need a comfortable mattress.  Invest in one that will provide you support and comfort.

 

New Faucets

One cannot underestimate the impact a beautiful faucet has in the room.  So refrain from using low quality faucets and invest in better quality pieces that provide you maximum comfort and function, especially the kitchen faucet which you use many times a day.  Just as importantly, find one that you feel is beautiful and that you love to look at.

Your Bedding

Your bedding is a significant part of your bedroom and it’s important that you find one that inspires you.  It should also be of sufficient quality to withstand daily use.  Otherwise, it will start showing wear and tear.  The most important reason  to invest on bedding though (including sheets), is that you deserve to have a beautiful bed and to be wrapped in beautiful, quality linens while you sleep at night

Permanent Light Fixtures

The right light fixture can single-handedly set the entire mood of the room.  And because they’re somewhat “permanent”, it makes sense to invest in the perfect one for each space.

Silk Greenery

If you’re going to use artificial greenery, it should be of the best quality the budget will allow.  Low quality, cheap looking greenery looks tacky!  Look for greenery that looks real.  It makes a big difference.

 

Skimp On:

Lamps

I will start by saying that as a general rule, unique, quality lamps are not cheap.  And because lamps are such a critical part of the design, sometimes just the right lamp is required regardless of the higher price.

Fortunately, there are hundreds of lamp styles available that are as pretty as they are economical. So don’t be afraid to change your lamps every now and then and give your rooms a little update.

 

Throw Pillows

A sofa without throw pillows is naked.  Custom throw pillows are often made with fabrics that complement the sofa.  However, custom can be costly.  Fortunately, throw pillows are in abundance. They can be found in a variety of styles, very economically.  They may not be as well constructed as custom pillows, but that may not matter so much if you find some that are perfect for your decor.

 

Window Treatments

If your windows will accommodate standard length panels (84′, 96″, 108′), you can achieve a beautiful look without spending hundreds of dollars on custom window treatments.  Having said that, there really is NO comparison.  Custom treatments are made with fabrics specifically chosen for your home and will always display a more custom look.  But you can also find many options in ready-made panels that are a fraction of the cost.

Hope I’ve Inspired!