So you’ve finally decided to make over the long-ignored space in your room? It’s been sitting there, perhaps un-used and most definitely un-loved for a while now and you’re tired of looking at it? Maybe you have a budget in mind, but you’re worried: Is this enough? Will this investment afford ALL that we want to do? Often our enthusiasm for a project begins with a rush of excitement and creative ideas, and soon we get carried away.
As you start planning your project, you’ll need to think about just where to splurge and where to save. There are areas of your home where it will make sense to spend a little more and then there are areas that aren’t a priority. There really isn’t a wrong answer here – it’s about what is important to you!!!
You should consider spending the most money in the areas of your home which are the MOST important to your lifestyle. If you tune in to any home improvement show on television, you’ll notice that designers mainly focus on kitchens. With good reason! How many times have you said that all your visitors always end up in the kitchen? How much of your day do YOU spend there? In terms of home value, the kitchen (followed by the master/primary bathroom) will net you the biggest return on your investment (ROI). In terms of “happy value”, a beautifully designed kitchen or bathroom will positively change the way you live.
So, stop and think about the way you really move through your space every day. What space needs more light? What space needs more storage? Where do you need more seating? Think critically about how you actually use your space and the places which should be your first consideration and where you’ll want to make your highest investment will quickly emerge.
Tip #1: Spend the Money on High-Traffic Items
If you want to excite your family by preparing a seven-course tasting menu or you just want to binge-watch the cooking channel while you play along at the stove, then you might want to splurge on great new kitchen appliances that support your culinary love!
Your kitchen may not be the only space where you’d like to splurge. Sometimes it is not practicality that moves us, but instead it’s a room that pulls our heart strings. For my house, it’s actual strings. My husband has a passion for music. He’s a classically trained violist, plays the guitar beautifully, and he brings our home to life when he sits at the piano. Since he also loves to listen to music, quality stereo equipment is vital. We took stock. We considered how we want to live, and realized that having a space for all his instruments is a priority for us. Our music room is now one of our favorite spaces in our home! What are your hobbies? Do you have space for them? Do you like to cuddle up for family game night on the sofa, then splurging on a quality sectional is definitely something you might consider.
Tip #2: Splurge on Show-Stopping Details
Where else might you splurge??? It can be also be a smart move to splurge on items that will add real value to your home. A stunning flooring material or a unique light fixture are investments that can really create “wow” factor and ramp up the quality appearance of your home.
Luxury bath fixtures or a stunning kitchen faucet are items that can make a room unique and bring on the sparkle. Are you an art lover who is ready to begin a new collection? Go ahead and splurge on art! Your walls will thank you. Art is a beautiful and interesting way to tell the story of who you are.
Or maybe, you want to focus on the bedroom? We spend a third of our lives in bed! Invest in a great mattress of course, but why not also splurge a little on your private sanctuary?
Tip #3: Save on Literally Everything Else
So are we feeling the pinch now? Where might we save? Well, all things trendy should definitely move to the “save” column! If you are really enjoying the look and feel of the “California Casual” or “Boho” trends right now – by all means dig in and enjoy! Decorating with these trendy styles is the best place to save money today. When an item is on trend, it’s everywhere! You can find pieces in many places and at many price points. Use this to your advantage. Save your overall design budget by limiting your trend shopping to HomeGoods, Target, or other discount stores.
I’m often questioned about area rugs: Is this a save or a splurge? It depends on your needs. If you have kiddos and fur-babies running in and out, but you love the look of a light colored rug, I would move the rug to the save column. No matter how much you vacuum (or even have your Roomba do it for you!) it will never stay clean. On the other hand, if a gorgeous pastel hand-loomed rug is something that you dream about, by all means go ahead and splurge. Understand, however, that you will need to give it the proper respect – and location – worthy of an investment quality piece.
This Beautiful Rug is all wool, hand-knotted and definitely an investment!
Tip #4: My Favorite Design Budget Go-To
My favorite design go-to when I want to find something interesting and budget friendly? Amazon! I almost hate to share this little tidbit but I DO really LOVE to share information and this one is a doozy! It’s also ever-changing. I love that I can order stuff, receive it quickly to evaluate it, and send it back if it isn’t perfect! I actually use Amazon’s ‘list feature’ to keep track of some of the most surprising finds. Funnily enough, I was recently chatting with a group of my designer besties and even THEY were surprised at the selection. So, I’m tucking this fun little Easter Egg into the bottom of this email. Your reward for reading to the bottom :). My Link to “Surprising Amazon Finds”!
If you’re still having trouble navigating these budgetary decisions and would love a little designer support (or even hand-holding), don’t hesitate to reach out! I’ve got you! We can discuss it all at an Initial Consultation {click here}! Just let us know in your client questionnaire that you’d like to go over a budget during our appointment and we can definitely help you fine tune your priorities as you get ready to make your spaces beautiful and efficient!
Interested in learning how to organize a schedule for your design project? I shared a few tips on this subject earlier this spring. You can check out the article here! For other helpful interior design tips which you can use right away, make sure to sign up for our lovely (and informative) monthly newsletter!
xoxo,
Pamela
