Splurge vs. Save: Our Renovation Breakdown By Room
Renovating a house takes a lot of time and money. There can often be tension between splurging on statement pieces and saving money by cutting back where we can. Every major decisions seems to announce itself with equal priority and unless you’re awash in money and time, you cannot easily address them all at once. You need to sift through your priorities — starting with knowing where to splurge vs. save during a renovation can help reduce those tension moments.
Splurging doesn’t necessarily mean overspending. It can mean shifting money from one part of the project to another, or simply placing one portion of the project higher on the to-do list than other areas. We believe you should splurge on things that you touch or see often, or on things that are meaningful to you and your home.
Saving on the other hand doesn’t mean to skip, or ignore! It means that you can safely put it on the back burner for now or, if you want to, you can dial down on the cost a little.
After working with clients closely through renovations, we found that by finding out your 'splurge' and 'save' priorities, you can feel a lot less conflicted when decisions are required and fully understand the various areas where you can spend and others that will save you money; ultimately saving time and stress in the long run.
KITCHENS
Splurge: Kitchen Countertops
Your kitchen countertop is one hard-working surface. Investing in a quality product that provides longevity (as well as beauty!) is cheaper in the long run and will elevate the look of any kitchen as it withstands everyday use. If you invest wisely here, it will last well and you won't need to replace your benchtop for many years.
Save: Appliances
Kitchen appliances are better designed now than ever! With the right research, you can find lower-cost alternatives for refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves and ranges that will suit you needs and style. Better yet - see what you can source second hand! Also, when looking for new, consider common brands so that any breakages or replacements are both easy to source and cheap to purchase.
BATHROOMS
Splurge: Tiles
Adding tiles to your bathroom can really elevate the interior as well as save on time spent cleaning (who loves cleaning bathrooms??!!). Adding tiles to bathroom floors, walls and particularly shower enclosures is worth investing in as it reduces the amount of silicone and plastic which tends to degrade over time especially if you have lime present in your water.
Save: Tapware
There are some great cost-effective tap options in the market that replicate their more expensive cousins but without the pricetag. Check pricing between suppliers to ensure you get the best value and you can always mix high and low fixtures by placing more expensive taps in the kitchen and bathroom and cheaper options in the Guest WC's and lesser used bathrooms.
LIVING ROOM
Splurge: Window Furnishings
Splurge-worthy! Get the best you can afford because this does save money in the long run with your heating and cooling bills. Windows are a feature that take up a large amount of real estate in the room, so it’s essential to get this right aesthetically but also worth remembering that large panes of glass provide the perfect opportunity for heat loss in winter and entry in the summer months.
Investing in good quality fabrics and linings ensure minimal drafts from your windows and fit-for-purpose window treatments mean you can have both flexibility of function and beauty, as well as realising savings in your heating and cooling bills.
Save: Furniture
If you have a young family or a busy household, don’t spend large on sofas! Wait until the messy moments are less frequent and then upgrade to a quality piece. Alternatively, invest in a great quality sofa with a cheaper, washable fabric and get the sofa frame reupholstered when the kids have grown up.
BEDROOM
Splurge: Furniture
We spend about a third of their lives in bed so it's worth it to splurge and get the best quality bed and mattress you can afford! Try out several different options to find out what suits you best. This is one area you don't want to skimp on, we all know how important a good, quality nights sleep is!!
Save: Cushions, Throws & Bedding
Mixing cheaper and custom cushions together is a great way to fill your occasional bedroom chair or bed on a budget while keeping a high-end look. Replace the cheaper cushions frequently to keep your room looking fresh and don't forget to switch cushions between rooms to mix up your styling decor and keep things interesting.
LIGHTING
When it comes to lighting, carefully select and mix high-end and more budget-friendly pieces. Keep investment lighting to a few key areas and replace budget lighting in the future when funds allow. Layer in ambient lighting such as floor and table lamps to give a custom feel. Repurposing a cheap vintage light is a fun DIY project to try!
While most of your renovation decisions will come down to personal budget and preference, knowing where to spend and where to save can help you stick to a budget and come out on the other side with no regrets.
Until next time,
Katy xx
