Save Splurge VS.

Where to save and splurge on your home

• SPLURGE: UPHOLSTERY. A piece of furniture with good bones can be reupholstered many times. “Comfortable upholstery is key,”

Kate says. “Buy something off the rack (from a catalog or online), then reupholster or paint it so it’s a completely new piece.”

• SAVE: ARTWORK. A gallery wall with small pieces is often less expensive than one large piece. Instead of purchasing mass-produced artwork, frame unique items like children’s art, art you can download from Etsy and print yourself, or flea market treasures.

• SPLURGE: LIGHTING. “Your light fixtures are almost like your jewelry,” Kate says. Anything that’s attached to the home is worth the long-term investment (this includes material upgrades like flooring and countertops). Higher quality, more interesting materials can make or break a space.

• SAVE: TILE. Pick a focal point. If it’s not the tile itself but another element like a light fixture or mirror, then allow inexpensive tile like subway tile to complement it. “If your shower isn’t the main, dramatic focus of your space, there’s no need to splurge on it,” Kate says. • SPLURGE: RUGS. Rugs—especially vintage rugs, can be one-of-a-kind. “If you have a great patterned rug in your dining room, you don’t have to do much else,” Kate says. “You can keep everything else simple.” Keep in mind that pets and kids will shorten the lifespan of your rugs, so also understand where you’re at in life and whether this investment is one you should save for later. • SAVE: REUSING ITEMS.

Consider refinishing, repainting or reupholstering furniture and accessories before scrapping them. You can also do this with flea market items or new pieces that are on sale. If you like the shape but not the upholstery or color, the piece might simply need some adjustments to work with your home.