Home Decorating: Where to spend and where to skimp

Create the perfect balance between saving and splurging with home decorating tips from interior stylist Katriarna Rodgers from Urban Couture. - by Better Homes and Gardens

There are certainly items in every room worth splurging on, while others are more fun and frivolous. The last thing you want to do is waste money buying things that don’t really matter much at the end of the day and that you will end up changing when the seasons/trends change. However you also don’t want to waste money trying to save on things that, long term, you would be better off investing in something that is great quality.

Here is our guide on what to spend on – and where to save.

Spend: On Key pieces that you use everyday

It is important to spend on good quality durable functional pieces that can last you a lifetime. Starting with your main living area think what furniture you use everyday? Dining table, sofa, coffee table and TV unit. It is always better to buy a good quality durable piece that will last you years to come rather than buying something of cheap quality and having to replace it every few years. It is also essential that your key pieces of furniture are both simple and neutral so you can take it with you from home to home and also adapt it to different styles as you evolve your style.

Skimp: Accessories and Artwork

You hear of luxurious homes adorned with artwork and decor but ask yourself, is it really worth it?

When it comes to artwork and fancy accessories, there is no point in spending a fortune as the chances are you will want to change it when you grow tired of it or with the change of seasons. You can definitely do it cheap with a bit of creativity here are a few tips to get you started.

• Create your own accessories: There are some great DIY blogs out there to create your own fun and original décor, get the family involved and make a day of it!
• Get some great black and white photographs of the family to hang on your walls.
• Use Ikea Ribba frames to frame some vintage posters or prints that you can change up easily when you want to create a new look.
• Spice up old candle votives or vases with colourful Washi tape. Be warned I have found this very addictive!
• Throws and throw cushions: We have found some fabulous reversible ones so you can just turn them over for a fresh new look.

Katriarna Rodgers is the founder of interior design boutique Urban Couture.