To Splurge or Not To Splurge?
Decorating your home can spark from a subtle wish or an overwhelming need. Whether it’s your first apartment or a home you’ve been in for decades, decorating brings excitement.
Whether it’s a case of “decoritis” from watching endless decorating shows, scrolling through Pinterest, or email offers, you’re faced with endless choices.
Key considerations include which rooms to focus on, your home’s permanency, decision-making partners, and, crucially, your budget. This will guide how many of your dream projects become reality.
Where to Invest Your Decorating Budget
Deciding where to spend more can make your project successful. Consider the longevity of items in your living and dining rooms.
Choose quality pieces that withstand time but remain within your means. For instance, Canadians spent a staggering $3.03 billion on home furnishings in just the first four months of 2019.
Kitchen: Heart of the Home
- Appliances: High-quality appliances are not only more efficient but also tend to have a longer lifespan. Investing in energy-efficient models can save you money in the long run on utility bills.
- Countertops: Durable materials like granite, quartz, or marble may have a higher upfront cost, but their longevity and resistance to scratches and heat make them worth the investment.
- Cabinetry: Opt for solid wood cabinets with high-quality hardware. These will endure daily wear and tear better than cheaper alternatives and can significantly affect the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Office/Study: Enhancing Productivity
- Ergonomic Chair: Given the hours spent in a home office, investing in an ergonomic chair can reduce back pain and increase comfort, directly impacting productivity.
- Desk: A sturdy, well-sized desk provides ample workspace and can be a one-time purchase if chosen wisely. Look for desks with enough surface area for your tasks and storage for essential items to keep the workspace organized.
Outdoor Spaces: Extending Comfort
- Patio Furniture: Durable, weather-resistant patio furniture ensures comfort and longevity, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without constant replacement or maintenance.
- Grills and Outdoor Kitchens: High-quality outdoor cooking equipment can transform your backyard into an entertainer’s dream, offering years of enjoyment and memorable gatherings.
Lighting: Setting the Mood
- Statement Lighting: A well-chosen statement light fixture can act as a piece of art, illuminating your space while adding a dramatic flair. Such pieces can define a room and are worth the investment for their visual impact alone.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Investing in LED lighting or smart lighting systems can offer significant savings over time, reducing energy consumption while providing the convenience of customizable settings.
Flooring: Foundation of Style and Comfort
- Hardwood Floors: Though costly, hardwood floors are durable, easy to clean, and can add significant value to your home. They offer a timeless appeal that complements any decor style.
- High-Quality Carpets: In areas where comfort is key, such as bedrooms, investing in high-quality, durable carpets can add warmth and noise insulation, enhancing the room’s coziness.
When allocating your decorating budget, consider not only the aesthetic appeal but also the longevity and functionality of each item.
By choosing to invest in quality where it matters most, you ensure that your home is both beautiful and practical, offering lasting enjoyment and potentially increasing your home’s value over time. Remember, the goal is to create a space that reflects your personal style while maintaining a focus on sustainable and wise investments.
Learn About our Decorating & ReDesign Certification
Frequently Asked Questions About a Decorating Budget
Start by assessing the space you want to decorate and prioritize the areas or items that need the most attention. Set a clear budget that outlines how much you’re willing to spend on each aspect of the project, from furniture to accessories. Research prices and compare options to find the best deals.
Remember, a well-planned budget is your roadmap to a beautifully decorated space without financial strain.
Focus on small, impactful changes. Paint is an affordable way to transform a room, and thrift shops or flea markets can be gold mines for unique finds.
DIY projects, such as custom shelving or repurposing old furniture, can add personality and functionality to your home without breaking the bank.
Use plants to breathe life into rooms, and consider rearranging existing furniture for a fresh look.
Upgrade hardware like knobs and pulls for a quick and impactful change. Painting cabinets or walls in neutral, sophisticated colors can also elevate the look.
Consider using peel-and-stick tiles for a backsplash update. Good lighting, whether through new fixtures or by maximizing natural light, can make the space feel high-end.
Beyond the tips for making your kitchen look expensive, focus on decluttering and organizing, which costs nothing but can dramatically improve the feel of your kitchen.
Replacing old faucets or adding under-cabinet lighting are other budget-friendly updates that can make a big difference.
Begin with a colour scheme or theme that reflects the vibe you’re aiming for. Updating hardware and fixtures can significantly change the look with minimal effort.
Consider new towels, a shower curtain, and bath mats that align with your theme. Wall art or a statement mirror can also add interest and personality to the space.
Educate yourself by reading books on interior design, watching social media videos, and tuning into decorators’ live sessions for inspiration and tips.
Enrolling in comprehensive decorating courses, like Ultimate Academy’s® Decorating & ReDesign course, can also be incredibly beneficial. This course is two-fold: the first part covers the theoretical and practical components of decorating, ensuring you understand the essentials of design and decoration. The second part delves into the business, sales, and marketing aspects of being a decorator.
Through Ultimate Academy®’s comprehensive program, you’ll learn how to decorate for a client within their budget, whether small or large, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to create beautiful spaces effectively.
