Building and decorating a home is not only challenging; it can also prove to be expensive. Most of us start out with a whole lot of dreams and an idea book that’s filled to overflowing. But somewhere along the way, while we don’t run out of ideas, we start to run out of money.
Picture a situation where you’re almost done with your first home purchase, and realise that you are left with an alarmingly low budget for the interiors. Don’t worry, though. Decorating on a budget is not impossible; all it takes is some clever and thoughtful financial planning.
In this post, Dipti Das, AVP – Design, HomeLane shares a list of seven things that you must NEVER compromise on when it comes to your home décor.
Kitchen cabinets
Your kitchen is the heart of your home and is going to get used on a daily basis. Make sure that you use high-quality materials that are durable and will continue to look good for years to come. Figure out the style and functionality that you are looking for.
A well-designed kitchen is one that’s safe, efficient, and matches your taste.
Also, if cooking is your passion, invest in buying top-of-the-line cooking appliances. Also, invest in kitchen organisers that maximise efficiency and utilise every bit of available space.
Luxurious bedding
We do spend a third of our lives in bed, so make every night count. Buy the best mattress, sheets, and bed covers within your budget, so that you can sleep in top-notch comfort at the end of a hard day’s work.
When it comes to bed linen, the material you choose makes all the difference. Egyptian cotton is the most durable, breathes well, and feels crisp and cool. Cotton sateen is soft and lustrous, while microfiber is more affordable and equally soft, but is less breathable than cotton.
Look for a thread count of 200-600, and buy fitted sheets that will stay in place.
Comfortable couch
Especially if you like to relax in front of the TV, you should invest in a good quality sofa. Cheap sofas look tacky and just don’t last, and you will end up spending more on replacing them more often.
If you look for one that’s well designed and constructed well, you can just swap out the upholstery when you get tired of it, and it will look as good as new. Pick the material for the upholstery based on your lifestyle. If you have children or pets, look for something that is spill-proof and will stand up well to rough handling.
Thoughtfully-designed lighting
Lighting should never be an afterthought when you’re doing up your home. This is simply because electrical wiring should be put in place at the very outset since it’s not easy to redo or swap it around at a later date.
Plan where you need to have functional task lighting and where you would like to create mood lighting.
It is recommended to get professional help to put together a layered lighting plan that looks at the depth, texture and tone of the lights in your room.
Beautiful bathrooms
Your bathroom is where you start and finish each day, so it’s not the place to make any décor shortcuts. The styling of your bathroom sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Are you one of those who get their best ideas when in the shower? Your bathroom must be your oasis of comfort and relaxation in the midst of your busy life. Create a vibe, with spa candles, plants and lovely artwork.
Vintage heirlooms
Do you have pieces of furniture that are family heirlooms, but are perhaps not in the best condition? You should consider spending the last bit of your money on upgrading them and rescuing them from becoming scrap.
Antique pieces tell the story of your family and hold a great deal of history. You don’t want to be throwing that away in a hurry. Besides, old pieces of furniture were crafted with much more care than today’s mass-produced factory furniture, and if you restore them well they will last a lifetime.
Statement pieces
Not everything in your home has to be about functionality. When you are doing up your decor, you might find that an artisan piece speaks to you. It could be a custom wall clock, a gorgeous painting by an unknown artist, or a multi-coloured tribal floor rug. If a statement piece finds a place in your heart, just go ahead and buy it. It pays to pick up some lovely décor items and make them the focus of your room, as this is what will set your home décor apart. Just make sure that it’s something that you really love, and you can’t go wrong with it.
While this is just our list of what you would do well to splurge on, the final decision is up to you. Is there anything on your list that’s not on ours? A home office, a state-of-the-art television set or maybe a surround speaker system? Identify your personal must-haves, and go get them.
A word of caution: In the long run, it never pays to compromise on quality. You might want to do without something for a while, till you can afford the best; rather than opt for something cheaper which will not last long.