Where to Save and Where to Spend in Luxury Interior Design

[vc_single_image image=”1776″ img_size=”570×360″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank”]When it comes to designing and decorating our homes, we want them to have that wow factor—a sense of casual elegance and jaw-dropping beauty that you see in magazines or from your favorite Instagram influencers. Unfortunately, most of us can’t afford to splurge on every single piece of furniture or accessory that goes into our home.

But here’s the good news (and what many interior designers in Austin, TX, won’t tell you). Luxurious doesn’t have to mean expensive—far from it, in fact. True luxury isn’t stuffy and sophisticated. It simply means quality materials and a strong eye for design. You can have a luxurious home even if you’re still rocking those tribal-print IKEA curtains. It’s all about balance, baby.

Keep reading to find out where to save and where to splurge for a home that’s an artful mix of high, low, and in between.[vc_single_image image=”1778″ img_size=”570×360″ onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank”]

Where to Spend

[vc_empty_space height=”10px”]When it comes to designing our homes, there are some places where cutting corners will work—and some where it just won’t. Investing in a few key pieces is a must for a home that’s timelessly beautiful and functional. Think of it like the expensive but to-die-for staples of your wardrobe, like your vintage Burberry trench coat or luxury vegan heeled boots.

These are the classics of your home—in style, quality, and comfort—that will last for years to come.

• Rugs. An awesome rug can do so much for a room, adding color, texture, and warmth while also tying a space together as a decorative focal point. That’s why it makes sense to splurge here, especially because a cheap rug can pill and shed after just a few months. A high-quality rug, however, will last so much longer, and it’ll also make the entire room look expensive. The only exception here is if you have pets who are, well, open-minded about where they do their business. In that case, settle on a beautiful yet inexpensive rug that can easily be swapped out when it gets ruined.
• Upholstery. If you’ve got an upholstered velvet chaise on your Pinterest design board, make sure you’re spending a little extra cash here. Superior upholstered furniture will keep its shape over time, even after repeated daily use from family and pets. Plus, makers of luxe upholstery designs also offer the softest performance fabrics that will help guard against stains and pilling.
• Sheets. Considering that we spend a third of our lives on our mattresses, we might as well be comfortable there. A good set of sheets is an investment—and the cheaper varieties simply don’t compare in texture, breathability, or durability.
• Things you use every day. These are those pieces that take the hardest beatings, such as your living room sofa—and whose hasn’t seen a ton of use this year?—or your work-from-home desk-slash-dining table. These are ideal items to splurge on, since they tend to be the focal points of our homes and the places where we make memories with the people we love.

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Where to Save

If the splurge items of your home are akin to your most expensive wardrobe staples, the places where you can save on home design can be best described as the trendy fashion pieces you mix in. Think a sparkly crop top for hip-hop dance nights or your favorite bathing suit du jour. Here’s where you can afford to spend less in your home.

• Lamps and other decorative lighting. Unless you’ve got a penchant for frosted glass chandeliers or floral-fabric lampshades, most lighting fixtures and accessories can be not only luxurious-looking but inexpensive too. Mix and match lamp bases and shades from any inexpensive retail chain to suit your style, or go thrift hunting for a high-end cast-off piece that costs next to nothing.
• Decorative pillows and throw blankets. Since they’re pretty much the icing on the cake of a beautifully designed room and don’t have to hold up to years’ worth of use, throw pillows and blankets don’t need to be expensive. Best of all, changing these is the quickest and easiest way to change the look or feel of a room on a budget. You can switch from a lightweight, pineapple-print throw in the summer to a cozy faux fur for warming up on winter nights. Just look for high-quality materials like wool knits, linen, and 100% cotton whenever possible.
• Art. Above all, art is about personal and creative expression. That’s why only choosing expensive gallery pieces goes against the very purpose of art itself! So ditch the high-brow thinking here—that’s so capitalist, man—and hit up Etsy, Society6, or your favorite Instagram artist’s personal website. Or browse one of Austin’s countless thrift boutiques and score an affordable yet truly unique piece—that’s something money can’t buy.

Looking for a Truly Unique Interior Designer in Austin, Texas? 

Whether you’re moving into a new space with a clean palette or just wanting to zhuzh up your current living space, you need an Austin interior designer with the expertise to help your home drop some jaws. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let’s get started on making your space look more beautiful, luxurious, and uniquely you.

Contact

J.Fisher Interiors’ studio is located in east Austin. To schedule your consultation appointment, please fill out the contact form or call us at 512.954.0904. We would love to hear from you!