Home decor and improvement: where to save and what to splurge on

Improving or updating your home decor always comes with a budget so you need to know where you can spend a bit more and where you shouldn’t.

We’re spending more and more time at home and as such it’s natural for us to want to create a warm, peaceful and aesthetically-pleasing environment where we can work, play and rest.

We’re spending more and more time at home and as such it’s natural for us to want to create a warm, peaceful and aesthetically-pleasing environment where we can work, play and rest.

Though when it comes to home styling and decor it can be easy to get carried away in the moment and end up faced with a budget blow out.

Thankfully, there are ways around that, such as home DIY.

Research from Bunnings has found 84 per cent of Aussies feel happier when they have worked on a home project themselves, especially over the past winter when many people were in lockdown.

84 per cent of Aussies feel happier when they have worked on a home project themselves

So we caught up with the creative director of Vie Interior Design, Aylin Rust, to chat about home styling on a budget.

From Facebook Marketplace to getting creative with DIY, Aylin shares her favourite tips and tricks on how to create an inviting home you love, for less.

GREAT HOME DECOR ON A REASONABLE BUDGET

The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to create an amazing interior spaces, says Aylin.

However, before you start browsing the shops and looking online, it’s important to come up with a budget that you’re comfortable with, and if you’re in a relationship, discuss it with your partner to ensure you’re both on the same page – and help each other stick to it.

The fun part

“Create yourself a moodboard of inspiration pictures to guide how you want the space to look,” says Aylin.

“Whenever you are sourcing items, reference back to your moodboard and ask yourself – does this tie in with my vision?

“It’s so easy to get side tracked and over excited when you find a great piece, but always keep that end goal in mind. 

Remain true to your vision says Aylin Rust from Vie Interior Design. Picture: Supplied

“Next, make sure you’ve got your basics in place such as a comfy sofa and dining table, and then you can begin to layer. Think about soft furnishings such as rugs, cushions and throws which add colour, texture and comfort,” she says.

“You can add decorative accents such as trinkets from your overseas travels, books, candles and pieces of art to make the space feel homely. And, of course, fresh greenery and florals bring a space to life.”

Be thrifty and creative

Online groups such as Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are great when it comes to scoring quality pieces at bargain prices, as one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, says Aylin.

“One of my favourite things to do at night is scroll through my local marketplace online. I have found so many amazing items at budget prices.

“Mostly they are in excellent condition, and sometimes all they need is a little TLC or a coat of paint to bring them back to life.

A mood board will keep you on track.

“Antique shops are also a stellar place to find unique and affordable items for your home and often they have a story behind them that adds great character to an interior space.

“Lastly, get crafty with some DIY to revamp existing pieces of furniture, like upcycling, which is the process of taking something you no longer use and giving it a second life. YouTube is an endless support library when it comes to all things DIY,” she says.

Create a vision to follow.

Find pieces you love

Aylin says as your home is where you begin and end your day, it should be your sanctuary too.

“What you surround yourself with affects the way you feel,” she says.

“While trends come and go, if you surrounded yourself with items that you love and pieces that reflect who you are, your home will always be a place where you feel happy and content.”

For the items where you spend the most amount of time, such as the bed, dining table and couch, Aylin recommends investing in quality pieces. While the upfront cost may be more expensive they will last so in the long run it will save you money, as you won’t need to continually replace them.

Find pieces that talk to you.

FINDING HOME DECOR INSPIRATION

From going on walks in the bush to looking through magazines and following interior design Instagram accounts, inspiration can be found all around.

“When it comes to interior design, my favourite source of inspiration is Pinterest. I love to jump on and have a scroll and screenshot any images that stand out to me,” says Aylin.

“Treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers, light a candle, pop some music on and go with it. Adding the final touches in the home and styling is the fun bit, so enjoy the process.”

WHAT TO SPLURGE ON

Bed base and mattress

Aylin Rust says we spend a lot of our lives sleeping, so it’s vital to have a bed that’s comfy. Treat yourself to some quality sheets too, and opt for neutral colours.

Couch

From leather to linen and velvet, plush, minimalist and with a square arm – there are countless styles of couches. Invest in a quality couch for relaxing, socialising and for reading a good book.

Dining table and chairs

A beautifully crafted dining table and chairs can make a space. Ensure you purchase one that is the right size and shape for the room.

Invest in a quality couch. Photo: Nick Clayton.

WHERE TO SAVE

Cushions

Have some fun and play with colours with your cushions and accessories, as they’re a lot cheaper to replace if you get sick of a certain colour.

Coffee and side tables

You can often score a great bargain on coffee and side tables on Facebook Marketplace and antique stores. Get creative, often an old antique dining chair or a rustic stool will make a great side table that adds character too.

Decorative items

Photo frames of special memories, your favourite indoor plants and candles – fill your home with pieces that you love and you’ll feel happy.

More: Vie Interior Design

Originally published as Home decor and improvement: where to save and what to splurge on