Decorating a new home or apartment can be expensive. Not to mention, it’s hard to have a passion for interior design but not a budget for it. I’ve learned that while there is always an expensive version of something, there’s always a dupe for it or DIY hack. However, there are some things that are worth the splurge and other things you don’t need to spend much money on at all. 

I wanted to share my thoughts on where to save your money while decorating and when it’s worth spending a little more!

Photo Via Apartment Therapy

Splurge: Seating

If you like to Netflix and chill (like me!!) then chances are you spend a lot of time in your living room. Couches, accent chairs, dining chairs..basically anything your butt will be on lol are the most used pieces in a home. Spending extra to get a nice couch or chair is so worth it, not only for comfort but because it will last you 5+ years.

Splurge: Bed/Mattress 

A good night's sleep is KEY, thus having a good quality and comfortable mattress is so important. Many brands have trial periods, so you can be confident in your mattress selection. There is nothing worse than a bad mattress, so think of it as an investment in yourself and your sleep! Always be sure to ask about the warranty too!

Splurge: Paint/Wallpaper

As someone who constantly DIYS and renovates rooms, investing in quality paint is so important. It will seriously make your life so much easier! There is nothing worse than getting a paint that requires 5 coats, trust me. Your arms and sanity will be thanking me later, Benjamin Moore is one of my favorite brands!  The same goes for wallpaper too, it’s so worth spending extra $$ to have something that will be easier to install. 

Splurge: Lighting

Lighting is the first thing someone notices in a room, it elevates the space and will make a huge impact on your room. Not to mention, nothing is worse than bad overhead lighting! If you have terrible lighting or not a lot of natural light, consider spending some $$ on a great floor lamp! 

Save: Cabinets/Vanities

There’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on new cabinets or vanities! You can totally transform your kitchen or bathroom with a coat of cabinet paint. I highly recommend the KILZ Restoration Primer and the Benjamin Moore Advance Interior Paint. You’ll have new, beautiful, and long lasting cabinets in no time! 

Save: Non-Upholstered Furniture

Accent furniture pieces like: side tables, chests, storage units, coffee tables etc. Can be of lesser quality and you can spend less $$ on them. This allows you to purchase more trendy pieces that can be changed out every few years, as the styles change. Homegoods, Target or even your local thrift store are worth checking out!

Photo Via Intimate Living Interior

Save: Curtains

I recently learned how expensive curtains can be... and add up! In my new apartment, finding new curtains was a MUST (the ones that were in place when I moved in were completely sheer). Most of the time, they are sold per panel and can start at $50 + a panel, not ideal when you need to order 8 + panels! I’ve found that IKEA has great curtains for a fraction of the price and they come in a set of 2 panels. My roommate Marie, purchased all her curtains for her bedroom from IKEA! 

Save: Accessories

While decorative accents tend to be on the smaller scale, they actually make a big impact on the space. There is no need to blow your budget on throw pillows, vases, frames and candles. Try checking out Homegoods, Amazon, Wayfair or even your local thrift store. I love finding vases at thrift stores and spray painting them to match my home’s aesthetic. Honestly, no one can tell a difference between a $500 vase and a $2 vase, so it’s really how the room looks in the end. There are so many great DIY home decor tutorials on my YouTube channel as well! Below are a few of my favorites:

Just remember, when it comes to decorating it’s okay to cut corners! Some items are worth the investment but you can have a beautiful space without spending a ton of $$. 

xx

Drew