This is my top budget decorating tip.
From my reader survey I know people are interested in decorating on a budget. And I began to think about the best tip I could provide. Well I really spent a lot of time thinking about it, and deciding the real secret is the opposite of what you think. It’s a paradox, you know, like ‘give and you shall receive’ or ‘seek your life and you will lose it.’
Throw was provided by LAURA ASHLEY.
Okay here are my thoughts on saving money.
Buy what you love, period.
Don’t buy stuff because it is on sale.
Don’t buy stuff because it is the color you are looking for.
Don’t buy stuff because everyone else is buying that same stuff.
I know you might be thinking, “That’s not advice! That’s not helpful!” Well hear me out. I used to buy stuff based mostly on price. And guess what? I didn’t buy what I wanted, because it was too expensive.
I bought a cheaper version that I didn’t really like that much. Did I keep the cheap imitation very long? No. Why? Because I never really liked it that much.
What about the stuff I bought because it went with my red decor? It’s all gone because my home is no longer red.
What about the stuff that I bought because I adored it? Ahh, I still have that stuff. Some of those things were expensive and some were not.
Buy what you love (assuming you can afford it.) So what if you can’t afford it? Well just buy one thing at a time, and pace yourself.
I would buy that one thing I really, really love, and just wait on the next thing rather than buying a cart full of stuff that I don’t really like.
So my tip about saving money isn’t about buying things cheaply, but about not making buying mistakes. It’s the constant replacing of things that ends up costing so much.
It’s like the first pair of boots I bought for the farm. They were about $25 at the discount store. After a few months, they fell apart. I bought a second pair for $25. Not much later, they too fell apart. I could see where this was headed. I finally caved and spent $100 on Hunter boots. I have had them about 3 years now, and they are holding up very well.
Now I have invested $150 in boots. Had I bought the Hunter boots in the beginning, I could have saved $50. That’s right, the most expensive purchase in the end was the cheapest.
Had I not bought the Hunter boots when I did, I could have easily spent over $300 on boots by now.
Remember buying a lot of cheap products will end up costing more in the long run.
This is part of my Budget Decorating series that I do with some of my favorite bloggers.
Your advice is spot on!….That has been my philosophy since I was a kid. My dad used to shake his head when I would save up my babysitting money for weeks and weeks just to buy one purse, but it was the purse that I loved, a very well known brand and believe it or not, I have it to this day. I am that way with my home. Yes, I do buy inexpensive things that I know would be seasonal (like outdoor pillows on the porch)…however, I try to buy classic, quality pieces and items that I love (as you have stated)….Great, great advice Anita! … P.S. Been having great luck at estate sales, acquiring great pieces for less.
You are so right Anita, this IS the best decorating tip… EVER!!! And I’m a gal who like a good deal. I think about all the things I bought and did not use…UGH!!! I think as we get older… or more mature we hopefully figure this out! Thanks for reminding us about THE BEST Budget Friendly tip!!!!
Perfect and smart advice, Anita!!
Great advice! I think young people make this mistake more often simply because they are just getting started with filling their house and need so much at one time.
Your advice is right on!!!
This IS the best tip!! And I so agree. Like Shirley, I will buy inexpensive seasonal things but otherwise I like to have NICE things that will stand the test of time. Thanks, Anita!
Anita,
I think this is the best advice you have given or maybe it is because I have also discovered this same truth. I no longer buy something to fill a space or because it’s on sale. I find that if I just bite the bullet and buy what I truly love I am so much happier and tend to hang onto that piece. The same thing goes for clothing, shoes and purses…I’ve found that if I just buy less but better I feel better when I put it on..
This is such a BRILLIANT post….and completely contradictory to certain things I buy. However, I definitely apply this to my wardrobe and china choices. I’d much rather buy the RL polo than the cheaper one, because you know what? I still have some that have lasted 15 years! Great advice.
Definitely the best tip ever!! Our posts today have a very similar tone to them. 😉
Great advise!!
Have a great day.
Pam
Buy based on quality, not quantity. I spent some $$ on a nice North Face raincoat trench 10 years ago. If I bought a cheap one, I know I would’ve spent more on cheap jackets by now! Excellent tip!!
What a great post and awesome tip that I believe it so true!! It’s true about so many things, like purses and shoes too!!
Have a wonderful Sunday~
Nancy
yep…most of us have learned this the hard way….but, we learned.
Love that throw….
I came to this conclusion last year when I finally bought a Dyson vacuum. I thought about how many crappy vacuums I went through, and if I had just bought what I thought I couldn’t afford at the first time I would have saved so much money. 🙂 Live and learn.
There is a old saying worth mentioning. It is “I am to poor to buy something cheap.”— Please always buy the best you can afford and only what you love. Your article is spot on!
I learned my lesson many years ago when buying something that was cheaper because I wanted it right away. What a mistake. Recently I wanted a stainless steel range with the top where the burners are stainless too. They are hard to find that way. Most are just the front and sides. Bosch had a beautiful one with a warming drawer too. I waited until it was on sale and got there credit with no interest for 12 months. I divide the amount by 11 payments and because I’m good at paying the amount every month before the 12th month it is a great way for me to not pay interest and have the range I wanted. It’s been 2 years and I still love it! Excellent tip!
Next is my Frigidaire fridge that Orville’s is kindly keeping it for me until I’m ready to buy it. 😉
Wow, this was “one terrific post” I so enjoyed it and you are so RIGHT! I am seriously thinking about going through my house and using your wise advise! Leticia
Hi Anita… I live in the UK and follow your blog, which I love. I’m interested in the inscription on the tarnished silver trophy cup in which you store your make-up brushes. It is a dedication to someone who worked at Sutton Colliery in the East Midlands and was awarded by The National Coal Board -The Government Body that oversaw the coal industry ( now sadly in great decline) in the UK. I live near that area in the East Midlands and would love to know to whom the trophy was awarded and when, and also, however did it get all the way across the pond to your home? I’m intrigued. Best wishes. Carol
I bought it at an antique shop. I will look at it more closely and report back when I get a chance today Carol.
Thank you for replying. I would be so interested in your findings. Best wishes…Carol
It was presented in 1961 to William Bascoigne.
Thanks so much for taking the trouble to upload the photo Anita. The name is actually William Gascoigne and he obviously was awarded the trophy for keeping the garden at the pit head baths in good order. When the miners came out of the pit (coal mine) they were so black with coal dust, that they immediately went to the communal bath tubs at the pit head(where they came out of the lift which transported them to the surface and where they would first see daylight after a 12 hr shift), to clean themselves. William Gascoigne would have planted and maintained the garden to cheer up the miners as they came out of their dark world. He was obviously greatly appreciated, hence the prize. Lovely! A little piece of English history in the USA. Thanks again. Carol
Guilty – Guilty – Guilty of doing this. I too am learning with time…
So true. I follow this theory with home purchases and clothing. I can say I have some sweaters, scarves and even shoes that have lasted me several decades. The styles and colors are classic. And with home decor the same. Often moving pieces from room to room. And I also believe that if it doesn’t work for you anymore recycle or give away. Don’t make something work if it doesn’t.
Great post and reminder.
Barbara Ann
etsy.com / shop / barbaraannscreations
I finally figured this out almost two years ago. I just wish it would not have taken me so long. Oh, the wasted money…the wasted time trying to make it look like the bit more expensive item….and never being quiet satisfied. If you are just starting on this decorating (or whatever journey) this IS the best advice you could ever apply.
Spot on perfect advice and great reminder not to cave until you find the piece that speaks to you.
This is such good advice. When I’m discontent with our apartment, a good clean and organizing does wonders, too! More stuff does not mean more better .. 🙂