Splurge or Save?

Redecorating or remodeling your home can bring up many questions, the biggest one being where should I spend my money? With so many options out there, I put together a list of where to scrimp and where to splurge!

Where to splurge:

Contractor and Designer: Now, I’m not saying this because of the work I do, I am saying it because hiring the right people will save you so many headaches along the way. It can seem expensive, but there are a lot of hidden costs when someone offers an inexpensive price before taking the time to understand the needs of the whole project. An inexpensive price always sounds great but that price can end up changing throughout the project which is frustrating and misleading. If your contractor or designer don’t take the time to understand the project in full, the chances that they will miss things and cause you unecessary stress increases exponentially. For example, the right designer and contractor will communicate well. They will put together a plan and look at what the real total cost will be. They will focus on timelines and how to make it the best experience possible for their client while ensuring that everything is done right the first time! The right people are always going to be the best place to splurge, and they will save you money in the end.

Main Furniture Pieces: Another thing to spend more on is the common space furniture. I like to think of it as “if it’s something you sit on, it’s something to splurge on”. Items like chairs and sofas are always pricey, but they are also the most used item in any space. Stores like Walter E Smith, Pottery Barn, RH, and Arhaus have amazing quality pieces. If you are not wanting to have to replace your sofa or chairs every few years, look at their products. Also, the Radley Sofa from Macy’s is a favorite for a reason. It fits the bill of not being crazy expensive but being amazingly comfortable!

Outdoor furniture: Outdoor Furniture is another area to spend a bit more. From what I have found, outdoor furniture is expensive no matter where you buy it. But, if you live in the Chicagoland area, the weather can cause inexpensive items to have a life expectancy of a year or two at most. Spending $10,000 on outdoor furniture seems like a crazy amount until you realize that it lasts close to 20 years when covered correctly in the winter. A $2,000 set that needs to be replaced every other year actually costs you more in the long run.

Where to Save:
Rugs: Rugs can be beautiful, but there is nothing more frustrating than spending a ton of money on a rug only to see people walk on it with shoes, food spilled on it, and kids and pets tracking anything and everything on it. So many stores like Wayfair and Costco sell beautiful rugs that don’t break the bank. They might be a little thinner than their expensive counterparts, but investing in a great rug pad will make them feel like you are walking on a cloud! And, if in a few years you decide the rug isn’t lasting well, you won’t feel guilty over how much money you originally spent.

Lighting: Lighting can make such a huge impact. But the truth is that many lighting stores charge a large amount per light. Websites like Wayfair or Hayneedle have great lighting options that won’t break the bank. With trends constantly changing, lighting can be a great way to keep your home up to date without spending a fortune!

Outdoor Rugs: Outdoor rugs are great, but with the rain, dirt, and debris, they are usually a “replace yearly” kind of item. Since that is the case, buying a cheaper rug is the smartest option. This also gives you a chance to revamp your outdoor space every year without spending a ton!

Saving and splurging are two things that everyone worries about, no matter what their budget is. I am here to work with you on any budgets and will always offer options that will be best for you!

Want to discuss a remodel or have some redecorating you are looking to do? Reach out to me at stephanie@swichicago.com and let’s chat about your next project!

Small Budget, Big Impact

It’s no secret that just the thought of re-decorating our homes can cause cost concerns. We have all seen shows and read articles about the remodels that only cost $50,000 or more to do, which can make anyone quit before they have begun.

Well, I am here to talk about the little things that can be done that provide a huge impact without breaking the bank. Check them out and let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions about how to create a design with a big impact!

• Install new hardware. This is something that not many people think of because they focus on the big picture of replacing cabinets. The thing about hardware is that there are so many styles to choose from, and going from a basic straight chrome pull to say a black curved one can change the entire look of the space. Pulls range in price of course and it is possible to spend a lot on them, however many companies have really fun and different styles for a low price and the quality is great!

• Replace Lighting. I know that replacing lighting, especially larger fixtures can be intimidating and a large price tag is assumed, but that doesn’t always have to be the case. Changing out your bathroom light fixtures or adding pendant lighting over a space can change the look and create a new ambiance. Many sites have great options for very reasonable prices, the only important aspect will be hiring someone to install them :-).

• Rugs and Drapery. I know, I know, replacing rugs and drapery sounds so pricey and there are so many options out there, where do you even start?! Thanks to sites like Ruggable, Wayfair, and even Costco, these items can be purchased for relatively little. A new rug with fun colors can breathe new life into a space. And adding drapery to a dining space can create a luxurious setting without causing you to spend a fortune.

• Accent Wall. Accent walls have been popular for a while, but we have more options now more than ever! From wallpaper to a textured wall to shiplap, an accent wall can change the entire look of your space without breaking the bank. It can be just the pop you need to breathe new life into the room!

• Gallery Wall. A gallery wall can create a point of interest in a home. So many companies sell beautiful large picture frames for low prices and there are some great websites that can create beautiful prints for way less than you expect. Gallery walls are wonderful because they emphasize the things and people that mean the most to you. It is something that will make you smile every time you see it, and if that isn’t a big impact I don’t know what is :-).

These are some of my favorite ways to update on a budget but I of course have other ways. If you have any questions or if you would like me to work with you to create a big impact with a smaller budget, please reach out through my contact section and I will get back to you as soon as I can!