This article offers budget-friendly tips for achieving high-end home decor by encouraging research before purchases, knowing where to splurge and where to save, and getting creative with affordable items. It emphasizes investing in staple pieces while saving on accessories and repurposing second-hand finds. The key message is to have fun, be patient, and make your home uniquely yours without overspending.
[Original Post Date: May 6, 2021]
Do you ever find yourself drawn to those gorgeous layouts displayed in the windows at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and other similar stores? Only to wander inside and realize the pieces you are drooling over are WAY out of your price range? Me too - all the time!
This constant recurrence led me to find unique and creative ways to bring those expensive visions to life without breaking the bank. And I’m going to help you do it, too! Let’s dive into a few practical ways we can all satisfy our expensive taste while on a budget.
Don’t splurge on the first piece you find! It can be so easy to make impulsive purchases when you see trending decor or a piece of new furniture advertised somewhere. Take some time to do a quick Google search of the general item description you are looking for and browse reputable sites for different similar pieces. Once you’ve collected a few different ones at varying prices, take time to read reviews, develop a list of pros and cons of each, and then add to cart! A few of my favorite places to browse are Wayfair, Overstock, Amazon, Kirklands, Target, and Wal-Mart. You will be thankful you took the time to do a bit of research before splurging - odds are you will save BIG time when doing so, too!
Before styling any room in your house, step back and decide what you want your staple pieces to be. These are usually the pieces of furniture you plan to be the focal point of your space. These focal points are a great place to save up and splurge on pieces that will last you a while, and be worth the investment. Examples of this are sofas, bed frames, and dining room tables.
All of the supplemental pieces such as pillows, accent chairs, rugs, and decor are great places to save BIG time. And there are ways to get the most out of your penny here as well. For example, splurge on high-quality pillow inserts and invest in a few affordable pillow covers that you can swap out frequently. Or maybe you want to splurge on a luxury mattress, but plan to save big on a platform bed frame. Take time to determine what is important to YOU and what areas you don’t care about as much that could save you some money.
This is going to look different for everyone - but patience is key here. And so is having fun!
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when finding pieces to style your home. If you feel drawn to a piece of decor that is affordable but doesn’t necessarily scream “trending,” consider incorporating it anyways. Browse the dollar tree for affordable vases that you can repurpose later and make your own. Spend some time on Facebook Marketplace to find furniture you can paint, alter, and make brand new.
Break the rules, have fun, and enjoy the process of making a house your HOME!
