Where to Save or Splurge in Your Home Renovation:A Designer’s Guide

Home Renovations Where to save and where to splurge, Designer’s Guide

When planning a home renovation, making strategic decisions on where to save and where to splurge can make all the difference in achieving a balanced and stylish space that fits your budget. As someone who offers interior design services with different levels of Client investments, here are 10 points we consider when sourcing for a project:

Where to Splurge:

1. Quality Flooring: Invest in durable hardwood and engineered flooring, or vinyl for lifestyles with large pets and kids . A good wear layer is key . A 3 or 4 mm wear layer in an engineered floor and a 20 mil wear layer in a vinyl.

2. Kitchen Appliances: Opt for energy-efficient appliances that enhance functionality and add value to your home.

3. Statement Lighting: Any lighting that needs to be installled . Elevate your space with designer light fixtures that serve as focal points in each room. Think of this as an art piece.

4. Custom Cabinetry: Maximize storage and aesthetics with bespoke cabinetry that fits your space perfectly.

5. Professional Design Services. Whether it is a design consultation or hiring for a full service project, hiring a professional to help make the design choices for you in the beginning will save you time, money and mistakes.

6. Premium Countertops: Choose durable materials like granite or quartz for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

7. Window Treatments: Invest in custom drapes or blinds that enhance privacy and insulation while adding elegance. Store bought just doesn't have the quality or drape the same as a lined panel.

8. Quality Sofa and Occasional Chairs: Select timeless pieces that blend style and comfort, anchoring your room's design. These pieces will show their worth within the first 6 months. Inexpensive soft furnishings will sag and fabrics will stain and pill.

9. Architectural Details: Enhance your home's charm with crown molding, wainscoting, or decorative ceilings.

10. Professional Installation: Ensure flawless execution of intricate designs and materials with skilled labor. Shoddie work can lead to problems later on.

Where to Save:

1. Paint and Wallpaper: Achieve a fresh look with affordable paint or wallpaper options that can easily be updated but will give you big big bang for your buck!

2. Hardware and Accessories: Find stylish knobs, handles, and decor pieces at budget-friendly prices.

3. Basic Tile: Save on basic tile for utility areas like laundry rooms or mudrooms, opting for cost-effective options. A basic subway tile is inexpensive but will always be timeless.

4. DIY Projects: Take on manageable tasks like painting walls or assembling furniture to reduce labor costs.

5. Bathroom fixtures: Balance cost and functionality. If you don't need all the bells and whistles of a toilet and just need it to flush well, a standard toilet will do. Just make sure you purchase one that has easy access to replacement parts.

6. Area Rugs: Shop for rugs that complement your decor without breaking the bank.

7. Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) Furniture: Save on delivery and assembly costs with RTA furniture options. Like a bar stool or occasional table.

8. Stock Cabinetry: Utilize stock cabinetry for less-visible areas like the pantry or laundry room. IKEA has come along way!

9. Budget-Friendly Lighting: Find stylish lamps and standing light fixtures at lower costs.

10. Landscaping: Save on initial landscaping costs by focusing on essential plants and simple designs.

An important note before starting your renovation or new build project, be honest about what your investment needs to be. Make a list of things that you need to spend your money on and prioritize those things. We recommend doing things in phases and completing one room at at time fully, how you would like it to be. Bandaid solutions don't make for successful projects.

If you are in need of Interioir Design services, feel free contact us.