Outfitting your home can be an expensive project, especially if you don’t know where to spend and where to save. Instead of leaving you to guess, we asked one of our design savvy home decor experts at Hometalk for a few tips on smart spending in home design and decor.
When it comes to setting up your home, think quality over quantity. The most important purchases are those things you’ll be using constantly, like your mattress, couches, chairs, etc. Comfort and quality are always a good place to start when you’re wondering what makes the splurge column. Also, things that need to be performing perfectly at all times, like home insulation, plumbing accessories, and appliances, are well worth the spend.
On the other hand, things that might change as your style changes, like area rugs, wall hangings, or more general decor items, don’t quite fall into the splurge category. The exception, according to lifestyle blogger Megan Aubrey from Rhapsody in Rooms, is great artwork. “You should splurge on artwork that really speaks to you, inspires you, and makes you happy every day,” she says. “Artwork is a collection that you can build over a lifetime and bring it with you to every new home you have. Plus, it can remind you of special trips or moments throughout your life depending on where or when you bought it. I see artwork as beautiful memory markers that beautify your home and add richness to your life.”
While some essential items will cost a pretty penny, like nice countertops, some essentials aren’t really that expensive at all. Even though you need sturdy kitchen cabinets, a standard budget brand and style will certainly do the job well enough. And though quality flooring is essential, there are plenty of great products on the market that will give your home attractive and durable floors without breaking the bank (and we don’t mean just linoleum).
As for decor essentials, Megan says quirky items are of the utmost necessity. “These can be odd shaped planters, cat toilet brush holders (practical and fun), or wooden buffalo that you randomly find while shopping with your best friend (that’s mine!).” Even though not having these items won’t make your home uninhabitable, your home will be lacking without them. “They are fun conversation pieces and things to remind you to not let life be so heavy,” she says. “These are the items that add personality to your home and set it apart from others!”
Follow Megan on Hometalk to see her home decor wisdom in practice. For more home decor ideas, inspirations, and how-tos check out our home decor page on Hometalk!
Hometalk Experts are standouts in their industry and provide trusted advice on home improvement and gardening projects. Experts include reputable interior designers, painters, contractors, craftsmen and real estate professionals. Hometalk Experts are an active part of Hometalk's community, answering individual questions and providing inspiration through their own completed projects.
