When it comes to home decor, knowing where to allocate your budget can be challenging. Lifestyle content creator and tastemaker Jenee Naylor shares her expert insights on when to save and when to splurge. Having built her homes from the ground up multiple times and fully furnished each corner, including her latest residence, Naylor’s judgment comes from extensive hands-on experience that we can trust. With years of trial and error behind her, she has developed a keen eye for which elements truly make a difference in creating a beautiful and functional home.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Splurge on rugs

as they set

your home's tone

Barstools don't need

a big budget—save

for other spaces

Save on lighting

fixtures and lamps

for affordable style

Invest in sofas

if you lounge

and entertain often

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Naylor emphasizes an important philosophy for homeowners at any stage: “Until you can afford to invest in what you love and/or know your style and are comfortable investing, that’s when you can save and splurge but know your options.” This practical approach acknowledges that home decorating is a journey, not a race. She encourages people to take their time understanding their personal aesthetic and lifestyle needs before making significant investments. By researching alternatives and understanding the market, you can make informed decisions about where your money will have the most impact.

When to Splurge

Rugs

According to Naylor, rugs are definitely worth the investment. “It depends on the area and your lifestyle for the rug,” Naylor advises. “If you have 10 dogs and four kids, maybe not splurge on the rug,” she humorously suggests. She emphasizes that rugs set the tone for the entire home, making them a focal point worth investing in.

For those concerned about wear and tear, a practical tip is to consider washable rugs, which offer both quality and practicality for busy households.

Bathroom Fixtures

“We didn’t splurge on the bathrooms, and this is why we have to redo them,” she advises. “Our builders skimped on the ideas we wanted, and this was a learning lesson.” Bathrooms, especially those with high traffic, are frequently used and seen. They’re often spaces that get photographed and showcased, making quality fixtures particularly important.

Investing in high-quality bathroom fixtures not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures longevity and functionality in these essential spaces.

Sofa

While Naylor admits, “I’ve never splurged on a sofa,” she recognizes its importance. “It depends on your lifestyle, but if you’re using and abusing a sofa, you want to make sure you invest,” Naylor mentions.

A quality sofa serves as both the centerpiece of your living space and one of the most frequently used pieces of furniture. If you spend significant time lounging, entertaining, or working from your sofa, the investment in comfort and durability will pay dividends.

When to Save

Barstools

“This is not something you need to splurge on,” Naylor says. “Unless you treat your counters like a bar, a splurge isn’t needed.” For most households, barstools serve a practical rather than decorative purpose, making budget-friendly options perfectly adequate.

Consider how frequently your barstools are used and choose accordingly. Even moderately priced options can provide both style and function without breaking the bank.

Light Fixtures and Lamps

“There’s so many options, that you don’t need to splurge,” shares Naylor. The lighting market offers abundant choices at various price points, making it possible to find stylish options without a hefty price tag.

Lighting trends also tend to evolve, so saving on these items allows you to update your space more frequently without feeling guilty about the investment.

Side Tables

“Side tables are definitely something you want to save on. There are so many options, you can shop Amazon, Etsy, and many other places,” Naylor advises.

Side tables often serve as functional pieces rather than statement furniture, making them perfect candidates for budget-friendly purchases. With numerous affordable options available online and in stores, you can easily find stylish tables that complement your decor without the premium price.

Finding the Balance

Naylor’s advice ultimately comes down to understanding your lifestyle and prioritizing your spending accordingly. By splurging on items that set the tone for your space or need to withstand significant use, and saving on more decorative or easily replaceable items, you can create a home that feels both luxurious and financially sensible.

Whether you’re furnishing your first space or redesigning your forever home, these tips from Jenee Naylor provide a practical framework for making informed decisions about your home decor investments.