As you can imagine, I have been asked to help many clients over the years who have made poor decisions when it comes to purchasing items to organize and design their home. Sadly, many have wasted money on items that either don’t work or don’t hold up over time. There are times when it makes sense to spend a significant amount of money. There are other times when it doesn’t. It’s not always easy to know, so here is some of my best advice on where to spend and where to save to create a home you love.
Where to Spend and Save on Home Decor
Most of us have a spending limit for home furnishings and accessories. Since quality furniture is expensive, I recommend that you save up to purchase high-quality key pieces such as a sofa, occasional chairs, and area rugs.
Ensure that soft seat furniture is comfortable, has a high-quality fill, and has durable fabric so it will stand up over time. The fabric on my sofa has been there for 25 years and has been cleaned several times. Yes, it’s finally showing signs of wear, but I am thrilled that it lasted this long. It was worth every cent. By the way, you can usually reupholster or refinish higher-end furniture to extend its life; not so with discount brands.
A few of my favourite Canadian furniture brands are Trica, Mobican and Romano. Of course, there are many others, so do your research and choose what speaks to you.
- Trica is an excellent source for quality stools and tables that can be customized to suit your space with multiple finishes and fabrics.
- I often turn to Mobican for bedroom furniture, especially dressers and nightstands. They have a great selection of finishes and some compact options for smaller spaces.
- Romano offers quality sofas, and its collection of swivel chairs is impressive. My favourite is the Avalon swivel chair. It’s a best seller too! With many fabric choices, Romano is one of my go-to brands.
On the “where to save” side, you can buy inexpensive accessories such as accent tables, shelving units, and toss cushions almost anywhere. Check your local home goods stores or big-box stores for options that suit your style.
As I’m sure you know, lighting can make or break your space. Investing in one or two statement fixtures and then choosing other more affordable lighting brands to complement those pieces is an excellent way to watch your budget. Please be aware that some online suppliers sell fixtures that do not meet Canadian safety standards. Check with a qualified electrician to ensure the lighting options you choose meet the requirements.
Where to Spend and Save on Organizing Products
I know I’m not the only one who gets caught up in the search for the perfect bin, basket, or drawer organizer. However, I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: “buying containers will not solve clutter and disorganization issues.” Please don’t buy more containers to hold more stuff. Instead, declutter to minimize what you own first. Then, invest wisely in storage products and solutions.
A new storage system for your clothes closet needs to support a significant amount of weight. It’s worthwhile to spend a little more on quality products and professional installation. Unfortunately, inexpensive options lead to sagging hanging rods, and those shelves loaded with bins will warp over time.
On the other hand, inexpensive drawer and cabinet dividers can work very nicely. The challenge can be finding the perfect fit. Declutter and organize your drawers and cupboards first and then choose dividers. Your local Dollarama is often a place to get what you need. I find Canadian Tire has an abundance of options, albeit a bit pricier. For drawer organizers, I always suggest the expandable type, like this bamboo one, to make the most of the entire drawer space.
If you’re in the market for plastic storage bins for items in a garage or storage room, I recommend these transparent bins with latching handles. However, in high-traffic areas such as a mudroom or entry closet, you may want something more decorative. Decomomo is one of my preferred brands for sturdy, decorative baskets. I am especially fond of the hard-sided bins with handles. The rope-and-cotton soft-sided bins on shelving aren’t quite as useful in high-traffic areas. Still, they can work nicely for a collection of stuffed animals or for blanket storage. Folding baskets can work nicely up high in a closet for out-of-season items.
How to Best Spend Your Valuable Time on Home Décor
Time is every bit as valuable as money. This is especially true if you have a busy career or are finally enjoying the freedom of retirement. Rather than spending countless hours scrolling social media, visiting store after store, or second-guessing every purchase, start with a clear plan for your space and focus on the pieces that matter most. Please take your time, think about what you really need, and let go of what you don’t when it comes to designing and organizing your home.
I know the entire process can be completely overwhelming. For example, I have only provided my opinion on a few of the thousands of options for furniture and organizing solutions. If you’re experiencing decision paralysis or struggling to make any progress, it’s time to call for help. An experienced professional organizer or interior decorator can save you countless hours, prevent expensive mistakes, and help you create a home that works for you. Please don’t be shy to ask for our help. Remember, a thoughtfully designed home isn’t created by finding the “perfect” item; it’s created by making confident, intentional decisions that reflect how you want to live.