Cover photo via Design Loves Detail
Hey friends!
When it comes to remodeling your home, there’s always a delicate balance to strike when it comes to splurge vs. save. Everyone wants to splurge on the important stuff and save money where they can. It’s like trying to decide between buying that expensive handbag you’ve been eyeing for months or saving your money for your next trip to the Caribbean. Okay, maybe it’s not quite the same, but you get the idea.
But fear not, dear reader! With a little bit of know-how, you can achieve the home of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at where you should splurge and where you can save when it comes to remodeling your home.
Splurge vs. Save: Where to Splurge
Let’s start with the splurges:
Cabinets: Cabinets are the backbone of any kitchen or bathroom renovation. They provide storage, functionality, and can make or break the overall look and feel of your space. Investing in high-quality cabinets made from solid wood is an excellent way to add value to your home and ensure that your cabinets will last for years to come.
Countertops: The right countertop can elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom and set the tone for the entire space. High-end materials such as granite or quartzite not only look great but are also incredibly durable. So, splurging on quality countertops is going to be a smart investment.
Flooring: Quality flooring is crucial to any renovation project. Hardwood or tile floors add value to your home and will provide a long-lasting finish that’s both beautiful and functional. So, investing in quality flooring is an excellent way to create a space that looks great and stands up to wear and tear. This splurge definitely leaves room for argument. While luxury vinyl can be a great option in many homes, it definitely won’t give you the same upscale look as tile or wood flooring.
Windows: High-quality windows provide beauty while also providing functionality benefits to your home. Consider splurging on double-hung and casement windows to get the most out of your investment. With quality windows, you’ll enjoy natural light, improved comfort, and reduced energy costs for many years to come.
Doors: Investing in high-quality doors can enhance the look and feel of your home, provide durability, and improve security. Consider splurging on doors made of solid wood or fiberglass, for exterior doors. With a lot of the remodels we take on, the customers’ homes have those lightweight, hollow-core doors. Nothing feels more builder grade and less custom than a hollow-core door. Changing these will make a world of difference.
Splurge vs. Save: Where to Save
Now, let’s move on to where you can save some money:
Cabinet hardware: While high-quality cabinets are a must, you can save some money on the hardware. Consider opting for budget-friendly hardware that looks great but won’t break the bank. Amazon and Wayfair are great options for quality hardware with a low price-tag. I purchased the bin pulls for my kitchen cabinets from Wayfair and couldn’t be happier! Here is a link to some cabinet pulls from Amazon that have an amazing price point & a stunning vintage look.
Tile: A beautiful backsplash or wall can make a big difference in the look of your kitchen or bathroom, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great result. Consider using affordable tiles to save money without sacrificing style. Something like a classic white subway tile is timeless and can usually be found in-stock and for less than $3 a square foot!
Door hardware: While a high-quality door is a must, you can save money on the hardware. There are so many budget-friendly options that are out there and are still of great quality. I recently found these vintage inspired door handles from Amazon that I can’t wait to add to our bedroom doors.
Light fixtures: There are plenty of budget-friendly light fixtures out there that look great and can really make a difference in the overall look of your space. So, don’t feel like you need to spend a fortune to achieve the perfect lighting for your home. I found these STUNNING pendant lights on Amazon and the price speaks for itself!
Wallcoverings: While wallpaper and other wall coverings can add a lot of visual interest to a space, they can also be quite pricey. Consider opting for more affordable options, such as peel & stick wallpaper, to achieve a great result without breaking the bank. Also, remember that when remodeling a space, things such as paneling, molding, & wallpaper can always be added later. So, keep in mind, this can be something that you put off until later when the budget allows.
So, there you have it – a breakdown of where to splurge and where to save when it comes to remodeling your home. By investing in high-quality finishes for key areas you’ll create a space that reflects your style, adds value to your home, and lasts for years to come. So, take your time to carefully evaluate your options and make decisions that will give you the home of your dreams within your budget. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can achieve a beautiful and functional space that will be the envy of all your friends and family. Happy remodeling!
Check out some of our other home design blog posts here. And please leave us a comment to tell us all about you upcoming remodel plans!