splurge vs. save: living room edition
As you decorate your home, you’re going to want to create a budget for each space. It’s often not possible monetarily... or emotionally to decorate an entire home in a short time frame. For most people, tackling one room at a time is more feasible and I recommend beginning with the room you spend the most time in. So, with that in mind, let’s chat about the pieces in a living room that you are going to want to splurge on and the pieces you can save on. Then you’ll have everything you need to get your budget set up and a plan in motion!
Let’s get started.
A sofa is a great place to start and I highly recommend that you splurge on this piece. A good quality sofa will have a solid wood frame, an 8-way hand-tied spring system, and durable fabric. You get what you pay for, and with a high traffic piece like a sofa, you are going to want to invest in something that will stand up to pets, kids, and whatever else life throws its way. If you missed my post about the best fabric for your sofa, you can find that here. I want to be sure you are making this selection confidently. Invest here and you’ll have a gorgeous piece that will last.
Another piece you are going to want to splurge on is the entertainment center or TV console. For a lot of families with littles, this piece has to be that dual purpose “hallelujah” piece that not only looks gorgeous but serves as some serious storage. Think of this as either a standalone piece or a built-in. We’ve done some great built-ins for clients with plenty of storage! There is nothing better after a long day with the kiddos than putting all toys and kids stuff away to have some adult time...and what better way to do that than in your living room on that insanely gorgeous and comfortable couch you just splurged on? When in doubt, go big here and be sure it has doors. IT MUST HAVE DOORS. Remember this if you remember nothing at all. You will thank me later, I promise! It’ll hide the toys, hide the cable boxes, and most importantly, it’ll hide the cords. Oh how I long for the day when everything is wireless. (Tip: if you own your home, have your tv professionally installed and get a power box behind the tv so you don’t have to see the cords!)
Your final splurge piece may shock you, but it’s faux florals but the nice kind! Think of fiddle leaf figs and branches. As parents, we don’t have time to keep anything else alive, and a little greenery add so much life and texture to a space to nix them altogether. Invest here. It may seem silly, but don’t waste money on those crappy faux florals that you can spot a mile away. Splurge here and you will not be sorry! They will add so much to your space and aside from the smell, no one will ever know! My other favorite trick here (which leads us to the save category below)? Take a walk and come home with your favorite branches… like my crazy walk here!
Ok now to the items you have my full permission to save on!
The first place you can save some cash on is with your rugs. There are just too many beautiful yet inexpensive options right now to spend your money here. Plus, it is the one thing in the room that is bound to get dirty and is so hard to really get clean. There is a small caveat to this one. DO NOT save by getting the smaller rug. Go big! Let me repeat that again. DO NOT SAVE BY GETTING THE SMALLER RUG! Spend the extra money on the 8X10 or 9X12 or bigger. A 5X7 rug in a space like your living room just won’t cut it unless you are layering it on top of a larger base rug. But don’t worry, like I said earlier, there are so many gorgeous options out there for a steal! You’ll easily be able to find a great priced, large rug for your space that will add warmth and cohesion.
The second place you can save money, is on your occasional furniture pieces like side tables and accent chairs. These pieces do not get a ton of use and are typically only there to enhance the look of the room. Too many people make decisions about their home based on this idea of “entertaining”. The problem is that you are making decisions based on 10% of your life and not the 90% when it’s just your family at your home using the items inside. So, save here and put your money elsewhere..
My final recommendation for saving is on decorative items or anything trendy. As you decorate your living room, the finishing touches are never something to be overlooked, but don’t splurge on these pieces. Faux florals aside, there are so many great inexpensive items you can add to your space inexpensively. Old books (without the jackets on them), candles, or items you’ve picked up while traveling, make for the perfect accent pieces. As for your throw pillows, make sure you grab a feather/faux feather insert (poly fill is a hard no), but there are lots of affordable cover options that can easily be swapped out seasonally or just as you tire of them.
And there you have it... my guide to all the things you can save on in your living room and all the items you will want to splurge on. Not everything needs to be high end to get that luxe designer look. Knowing where to invest, will give you a gorgeous room that you will love, but don’t have to fuss over.
The goal with my recommendations is to always design with your family in mind. So, how are you feeling? Ready to tackle your own living room now? If yes, good luck! Be sure to take pictures and tag me @katycostner on Instagram so I can see your gorgeous spaces and any amazing finds you may have stumbled upon.
If you’re thinking, “but Katy... I still need help”, you are in luck! Our online interior design service is perfect for you. It will give you the roadmap and tools to tackle any room in your home. Learn more here!