We are all hearing about the cost of things and experiencing it one way or another. But one thing I know and have seen in my 26 years of being a designer is that we will always find ways to design, decorate, and fix up our houses. The tricky part is figuring out how to do that when money is something to think about.
Some things will cost more, like good furniture that you keep for a long period of time, a sofa that is perfect of snoozing on, and that special of piece of artwork that makes you happy every time you see it.
Good furniture can be found in many places, from consignment sales to estate liquidations, to family hand-me-downs. Dining room sets seem to be a popular heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. The table is the key because chairs are easy to switch out and mix and match. Also, a sideboard can be repurposed with paint or a new one found to add a personal flair.
I just had a client bring me in to work on their dining room. They received a handmade table for their wedding and are using a collection of mix-matched chairs they have found and collected. I really love this! They are all different styles and colors. I love when clients bring in their personality to the project. They wanted to add a sideboard, so we went midcentury modern to keep things edgy! We will also do wallpaper, a statement rug, and a painted ceiling. (But that is a blog for a different day!)
The point to the story is that we’re mixing and using new and old, reclaimed and repurposed to pull the room together.
There are some places where you should definitely splurge. I think rugs, pillows, lamps, and prints. These all can be found in our favorite home stores, like TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and At Home. Please tell me your favorites! Look for sales at seasonal changes and when they’re turning the store from one season to the other. Another great way to extend the life of an item is to use it in a new space. Rugs, pillows, and prints can be moved from room to room and mixed with different items. Use your imagination or ask an interior designer to help you fluff your space!
