High-end pieces add luxury to your space, help incorporate a touch of personality, and also tend to last longer than their cheaper alternatives. They also enhance your inexpensive accessories, making them look glamorous.
As much as everyone loves to adorn their space with high-end pieces, most of us can’t afford to splurge on pricey items for every nook and cranny. That’s where budgeting comes in. This is done with one end goal in mind: making the most of your money.
One of the most effective ways to budget is by mixing and matching high and low-end pieces, so you can create a unique look without breaking the bank. In fact, learning the skill of balancing is essential to stay within your decor and furnishings budget.
Keep reading to find clever ways of mixing high and low-end pieces for a unique look, so you can create a space that resonates with your personality without creating a hole in your pocket.
Spend on Unique Pieces
Credit: Art Gallery
The best home decor speaks to the owner’s personality — something to bear in mind while decorating. Be sure to spend on unique pieces that you absolutely love. One way to proceed with this is by choosing one statement piece for each room, and splurging on it.
This may be:
A statement piece of art in the living room
Elaborate lighting fixture in the hallway
A high-end, velvet-covered statement chair for the foyer
So, choose a head-turning piece for every room in your house, and spend generously on it. This draws the attention of viewers, instantly creating a great first impression of the space.
Save on Basics
Basic items are an integral part of design schemes as they provide the style foundation to build the rest of the design upon. The good part is, basics are easy to source in every budget; you can find high-end ones, and similar ones in lower price ranges, too.
So, consider saving on these aspects of your design project. You can do so by purchasing budget-friendly neutral throw blankets, plain rattan baskets for storage, and simple ceramic vases.
Pay for Functionality
Spending more on functionality contributes to a higher quality of life. It also means saving money on frequent replacements down the line, as durable functional items last you longer than their inexpensive counterparts.
“When investing in high-end home furnishings, homeowners should select statement pieces that are durable and offer the most longevity, such as a sofa, bed, table, or hutch,”, says Erin Powell, design director for roOomy.
So, spend on the furniture pieces you frequently use. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping — making it worthwhile to splurge on your bed. Spend on your sleep by investing in luxury sheets and eco-friendly bedding, and balance the setup by opting for inexpensive but chic nightstands.
The same applies to bathroom towels; you use them in direct contact with your skin and on a daily basis, so they show signs of wear quickly. Dress your towel rack with high-quality towels and instantly enhance the ambience of your bathroom while improving your own quality of life.
Save on Seasonal Items
In addition to the basics, save on decor items that require frequent upgrading. These may be seasonal cushions that you switch when a new season arrives, such as colourful options for spring and more neutral ones for winter. These also include holiday decor items, such as those used for Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Because you’ll be changing these frequently (at least once a year for holiday decor and more than once for seasonal furnishings), it is ideal to spend less on this aspect of your home design.
Consider Proximity
Credit: WDW Crystal Lighting
Another useful tip in mixing high and low-end pieces is considering the proximity of an item before purchasing it. If the decor piece is going to be situated at a spot where you will mostly see it from afar, we recommend opting for an inexpensive option.
For example, if you’re hanging a lighting fixture in a hallway with a high ceiling, you can opt for a piece that replicates a high-end chandelier — and you won’t be able to tell it’s an inexpensive choice from such a distance!
Similarly, when designing the top area of a built-in shelving unit, you can opt for budget-friendly decor pieces.
Seek Vintage Steals
Credit: Our very own Interior Design Guru, Laura!
Finally, an important part of mixing high and low-end pieces is looking for luxury pieces in thrift stores. Remember, a vintage store is your best friend if you’re working around a budget. So, source high-end pieces that may be preloved from your nearby store, and consider refreshing them.
For example, you can breathe life into old furniture pieces with fun ideas for upcycling furniture and mix it with store-bought furniture for a balanced look.
Alternatively, put together a gallery wall using a high-end statement piece of art with other thrift store pieces. Tip: Take inspiration from these gallery wall compositions to create a perfectly coherent arrangement.
Final Words
Mixing and matching high and low-end pieces using the above-mentioned tips helps create a personalised space without creating a hole in your pocket. In a nutshell, splurge on your favourite (and functional) pieces, save on the basics, seek out vintage steals, and always consider proximity while purchasing. Investing in a quality piece makes your inexpensive accessories look glamorous, too!
Struggling to choose the pieces to mix and match in your home for a unique look? Consider getting one of our Interior Design Gurus to pull together a personalised shopping list for you! They will find unique pieces that fit your style, space and budget, and share links where you can buy each item... all within 2 weeks!