Purchasing a home is an important milestone in a person’s life. And for many of us design-lovers out there, we cant wait to make our house a home.
Designing a newly purchased home can be an expensive process. However, I’m here to tell you that you don’t always need to spend a fortune on every piece to achieve a high-end look—it’s all about balance. I love finding cost effective accessories that complement the high-end pieces.
“To achieve balance in the design and in your budget, be sure to invest more of your budget on the important pieces that will make the biggest impact.”
Invest in the larger pieces that you have an emotional connection to, as these pieces will end up being the most used items in your home. They’re also pieces that you’ll build your space around, so choose wisely! I have an old saying when it comes to buying major pieces of furniture, “buy right or buy twice.”
Here is my list of furniture pieces every homeowner should invest in.
A great sofa. The sofa is the heart and soul of any living room. It’s one of the largest pieces of furniture in a home and also the one that is frequented by family, friends, and most importantly, our furry friends. Select a classic, well built sofa that will age well. A good sofa will last you 5 years, but a great sofa will last 10+ years. Since this particular piece has such a long life expectancy, I always suggest choosing a sofa in a neutral color or soft pattern. This will allow you to constantly “redesign and update” the room without actually changing the furniture. Swapping out pillows, artwork and other accessories will keep the room fresh and modern while keeping the large pieces consistent.
A kitchen or dining room table. Do you love to entertain? Or always have guests in your home? If you answered yes to either question, then you should consider investing in a beautiful table that can withstand the constant use and abuse.
Your dream bed. Some say that your bed is the most important piece of furniture in your home. Personally, I agree with this statement. A great mattress can provide you with happiness, comfort and some support when you need it most. Splurge on a mattress and save on the accessories in your bedroom. This way you can refresh your space with new pieces when the moment strikes you. Your bedroom should be an oasis, a space that takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Go ahead and invest in a dreamy bed set. You can choose a grand, dramatic set for a luxurious feel, or go for a simple, chic set that you can dress up or down!
Bonus Splurge: rugs. In fashion, the shoe makes the outfit. In design, the rug makes the room. a great rug is another piece you can design an entire room around. So I suggest choosing a staple rug that ties the elements of a room together for a polished look. Or, go wild with a great statement piece with a pop of color.
Bonus splurge: mirrors, chandeliers or artwork with character. Accessories pull together a room. Set aside at least 10% of your budget right off the top for your accessories. You won’t regret this, I promise!
