Few of us can afford the best of everything for our homes – and even if we can – it just feels good to spend wisely. What’s most important is savouring the pleasure of living in a well appointed, comfortable and functional home. Don’t you agree? So whether you’re updating a single room or decorating an entire house from scratch, here are some things to consider as you make major (and small!) purchases for your home.
How hard does it work? Perhaps this is the best guideline for determining when to spend and when to save. If an item gets lots of use in your home and needs to stand the test of time, SPLURGE. If it’s something that just needs to look good, won’t get much use and will go out of style, SAVE.
Mattress. The ultimate splurge item. A good night’s sleep is priceless. Choose from pillow top, memory foam, firm mattresses, innerspring mattresses, adjustable beds and more. P.S. I think quality linens are a justifiable splurge too!
Dining Table. Choose one that you love of timeless design and quality craftsmanship. Chairs may come and go, but your table can be a centrepiece for decades.
Lighting. A well lit room makes everything sparkle. Choose high end ceiling lighting, especially in key rooms like the living room, dining room and foyer. Go lower end for lamps and sconces that you’re more likely to replace.
Sofa. If you have children, you already know that you need to splurge on a good quality sofa. Choose a durable fabric that is stain resistant. Leather is a good choice for many families. The frame should be made of a hardwood and at least an inch and a quarter thick. The foam should have a density of at least 1.8 pounds per cubic foot.
Faucets. Choose the finest that you can afford. Not only will they perform better, but you can make an entire bathroom or kitchen look high end with spectacular taps.
Floors. Nothing works harder in your home than the flooring! Gorgeous solid wood floors are an investment that will pay off when you sell your home, but they’re also wonderful to enjoy right now. They are classic. Splurge.
Special Furniture. Not every piece needs to be an investment, but sometimes a distinctive or special item is worth the splurge. Maybe it’s a dresser or a headboard or a hall table – if you really love it – go for it.
Art. Some will argue, but for many of us, art is not just for decor, it’s for the soul. So if a piece of sculpture or a painting or an extraordinary antique armoire moves you, take the plunge and splurge. You will take pleasure in it for years.
Countertops. Cupboards are important but countertops are the workhorses! I’m of the opinion that you can save on cupboards and dress them up with stylish hardware, but splurge on countertops. Go for the granite you’re dreaming of. It will look and wear beautifully.
Safety. Keeping your family, your home and your valuables protected is priority one. Always choose the best alarm system and security you can afford – as well as quality smoke and gas detectors.
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