Interior designers are always kidded about the fact that they must love their job because they get to buy stuff with other people’s money – sometimes lots of it. I must admit there is great gratification in seeing beautiful things come together that have been purchased for someone else’s homes with your signature on it – even if you don’t live there. But, the race to spend the most money is clearly not the intent.
The truth is designers know when to spend and when to be more frugal on most any budget and so should you. Often, however, the urge to splurge gets in the way of good common sense, or the desire to save money makes you penny wise and pound foolish. So here are some tips from a gal who likes everything to have that million dollar look without spending it.
Whatever your pleasure or passion, let those interests be a part of your home and display them artfully as accessories. You’ll save money and enjoy the view.
Most of all keep your home, clutter-free, clean and organized. Air out your rooms and get rid of the toxins. Set your dining room table, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers (or cut them from your garden) and the end result will make everyone who lives there or visits, feel like a million dollars.
- If you have a limited budget, buy less, but buy good. Master bedroom and dining room furniture are items that will remain with you for decades, so invest in timeless quality pieces.
- I always get a laugh at seminars when I ask a newly married couple what the most used item of furniture is in their new home and they respond “The bed!” So, the mattress purchase should not be a place to cut corners. A good mattress is a good investment – for proper rest, stress reduction and back relief.
- By definition a bargain is something that is worth more than you paid for it – not something for which you paid very little. Cheap is not a bargain, and it generally looks it – so look for the real bargains at legitimate sales.
- Saving money on appliances at “scratch and dent” warehouses where the item is in perfect working order except for an imperfection that will be covered up by cabinetry is smart shopping if you find the brand and model you like.
- Compare re-upholstery costs to buying new. You may be surprised to find that a new sofa and chairs can cost less than buying new fabric and re-upholstering your old furniture.
- Invest in an area rug, especially if you have a wood floor under your broadloom. Pick-up your old carpet and stain and seal your floor. This selection can go with you if you decide to move and remain in your family for generations.
- Accessories and art don’t have to be museum quality. If beautifully framed and hung properly, art can be as simple as photographs of your last vacation.
Whatever your pleasure or passion, let those interests be a part of your home and display them artfully as accessories. You’ll save money and enjoy the view.
Most of all keep your home, clutter-free, clean and organized. Air out your rooms and get rid of the toxins. Set your dining room table, buy a bouquet of fresh flowers (or cut them from your garden) and the end result will make everyone who lives there or visits, feel like a million dollars.
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