Bright ideas
The sales have started, though do not expect discounts to be as high as they have been in previous years.
There has been a homeware buying boom this year as those on furlough used their unexpected free time to revamp their properties.
Savings made by not having a holiday abroad have also been ploughed into redoing the kitchen/ bathroom, etc, so many homeware retailers have enjoyed a bumper year.
If you are sales shopping remember to question yourself before you buy anything.
If, like me, you get fixated on certain items ask yourself “do I need more?” My house looks like a cut-price Kew thanks to a huge collection of real and faux houseplants and, as they are everywhere from supermarkets to greengrocers, I have to regularly give myself a talking to when shopping. Try it, it works.
The other must is to look at quality before you get completely swayed by the 50 per cent off label. This especially applies to investment buys. A good quality mattress, for instance, is a must. Yorkshire has several renowned mattress makers, which means that if you save for the best you are also supporting the regional economy.
Sofas are another example. Never be swayed solely by looks as it is comfort that really matters, which brings me to shopping online for homeware.
I have grown to hate it as you can’t check the quality of a product, ensure it is the right colour and see it in all its 3D glory. Plus, I love a morning out shopping, browsing and picking up interiors ideas, punctuated with a stop for coffee and cake, of course.