Save and Splurge
Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. Even though weekends haven’t quite been the same lately, I hope that you were able to find ways to enjoy yourself. With the weather changing to spring like temperatures, my husband and I were able to get out into the garden and start cleaning it up for the summer. Our project this year is to complete the garden that’s next to our driveway. It has always been a mismatch of different perennials and weeds. Drives me nuts looking at it every summer. So we’ve decided to add a row of white hydrangeas! I think it’ll keep it nice and clean and cohesive. AND low maintenance!! I can’t wait to pull my car in every day and see them. I know it’ll make me feel so happy! Okay, i’m getting a wee bit off topic for today. Perhaps I’ll do a blog post on this topic later in the summer?!
Today I wanted to chat with you about where to save money and where to splurge when decorating your home. This can be a tricky decision for some, so I thought I would take this time to break it down for you. I strongly feel that a home should be a mix of high end and low end. That way it feels dynamic and interesting. You can’t go to Homesense and shop your entire home. The quality just isn’t there. Sure, if you are a student, go for it! BUT if you want a sofa that’s going to last the next 10-15 years, then Homesense isn’t the place to shop! You get what you pay for…! That inexpensive sofa or rug will eventually fall apart and you will have to replace it more often, therefore adding up to what you would have spent on the splurge worthy rug the first time. Do you see what I’m getting at? Quality always comes first at LC + Co. Alright, let’s dive into this now…
Where to Save and Where to Splurge
1. Splurge: High-Quality Rugs
Rugs are one of my favourite ways to add colour, pattern and texture to a space. They elevate a room and they also ground it. Rugs definitely take on some of the heaviest beatings in a home. They are trampled on, rolled on, played on, therefore quickly becoming worn down. They pill, shed and beg for replacement after just a short time. Which is why i’m adding rugs to the splurge worthy category. My suggestion, try finding a vintage rug. These rugs have seen the test of time. They are typically low pile and hide dirt like no other! They also add so much character and interest to a space. Just looking at them, you know they have a serious story to tell. Check out The Vintage Rug Shop for some splurge worthy rugs!
Source // Studio Mcgee
2. Save: Art
Art doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re okay with not owning a one-of-a-kind piece, then i’ve got some great suggestions for you to save a little $$. Adding artwork to your walls instantly makes the room feel finished and collected. I have a wee secret to spill - i’m not the best at finding art. I actually think art is hard. Ahh I said it! I’ve been staring at a blank wall in my living room for longer than I want to admit. Art is SO personal. You want that piece to speak to you, to perhaps represent a time in your life, and most importantly, to be cohesive with the rest of the decor in your home. What I do find comforting is knowing that there are options out there that won’t break my bank. So if I hate it when I get it on my wall, I won’t feel too bad about switching it up with another piece because it was inexpensive. Here’s what I suggest - digital downloads! I’ve been using them for clients and I absolutely love the ease and simplicity of it, and well, the cost too! Find a shop that will professionally print your image and then frame it in an Ikea frame or an Opposite Wall frame. Both inexpensive options. Right now my favourite site for digital downloads is Juniper Print Shop. They have an incredible selection. If you aren’t interested in printing the art yourself, you can find inexpensive options that come framed from Society 6. There you have it, save a little on your art!
Source // Society 6
3. Splurge: A Comfy Sofa
If there’s one thing to splurge on in your whole home, it’s your sofa! This will be your greatest investment piece. It is the one item that you want hanging around for the next 10-15 years. This is why I always suggest to clients that they go with a neutral coloured sofa. That way you can paint, change up your pillows and accessories, and still your sofa will be cohesive with the rest of your home. I’m likely not ever going to recommend you invest in a green velvet sofa. Not unless you are okay with replacing it later on once that trend is over. I prefer to stick with timeless, elegant pieces. So splurge on your sofa. Make sure it not only looks great but that it’s comfortable. After all this is something you are going to use daily. This also goes for accent chairs and dining chairs. These items should be able to withstand the test of time!
Source // Studio Mcgee
4. Save: Accessories
Here's where you get your chance to shop at Homesense! I generally start looking for some smaller accessories here. Ones that I can use to fill up a built in or style a console. There are some really great inexpensive items at Homesense. Here’s the thing though, and this is just my opinion, if all you do is shop your accessories at Homesense, then your space is going to look thoughtless and cheap. Sorry I said it.! Well sorry not sorry actually. It’s the truth. What I personally like doing is purchasing less expensive options from there but then incorporating some with a higher price tag. I really feel it balances out the cheaper items so that the space doesn’t end up falling flat. I also love to support the smaller businesses for example Rainsford Company, Rug and Weave and Lemontree Interiors. These businesses have taken the time to bring you beautiful, thoughtful pieces for your home. Sometimes one-of-a-kind. And that to me, means something more than a cheap, mass produced item. So I guess save on accessories, but to a certain extent!
Source // Indigo
5. Splurge: Unique Lighting
Splurge worthy lighting will make a dramatic impact to your room. Lighting is by far one of the most expensive items you’ll purchase for your home. Next to your sofa of course. Please don’t buy the cheapest lights you can find, this will show through very quickly. If you need to pick which spaces to splurge in and where to save, then I recommend splurging in the kitchen, dining room and living room. Layering in other forms of lighting besides just recessed, will create a real sense of ambiance to your space. I always say to go big on size. Go bigger then you think you should go! There is nothing worse then seeing a kitchen island with a few small puny little lights. It might actually be one of my biggest pet peeves that I see done. Invest in some beautiful lighting and your space is sure to shine!
Source // Rejuvenation
6. Save: Wallpaper
Wallpaper no longer has to break the bank. There are now options out there that are very affordable. Peel and stick and wall decals have become a serious thing as of late. I love to see wall decals used in children’s rooms. They add so much colour, fun and creativity to their space. And best of all, they aren’t a huge commitment. Once you grow tired of them, go ahead and peel them off your wall. No fuss, no mess! Peel and stick wallpaper is also a great option to use in powder rooms. Nothing better than a small space that packs a big punch! Check out Urban Walls and Etsy for some fun, affordable options.
Source // Indigo
7. Splurge: The Perfect Dining Table
How many memories are made while sitting around your dining table? This is a place to gather with friends and family. It should be a place that you want to eat all your meals at. Often times, these pieces are passed down the family line. Consider this when purchasing your next dining table. Pick one that is timeless and that you really love, so that you can enjoy family meals together for years to come!
Source // Restoration Hardware
8. Splurge: Window Treatments
Quite honestly I have seen some decent, inexpensive draperies and romans done up well, BUT if you happen to have it in your budget to splurge on window treatments, then I highly suggest that you do. Hanging high quality custom window treatments seriously makes the world of a difference. They take the space from looking just okay, to over-the-top awesome! They add luxury, height, warmth and well if we’re being honest, they enhance the whole space! When I’m shopping for window treatments, I like to work with Tonic Living and Q Design. Soon I’ll be posting a how-to guide for hanging your drapery. Make sure to tune in to that one!
Source // Q Design
Well ladies and gents, there you have it! Where to splurge and where to save! Remember if you have any questions or need any assistance with your next renovation we are here to help!
Have a great week and stay healthy!
Xo Charlee
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