Interior design can be a constant battle between splurging on must-have luxury pieces and the practicality of everyday necessities. Like the dilemma of whether to spend $20,000 on a luxurious leather couch or get the faux one for a much lower price.

For Brianna Wu, a fashion and interior designer, choosing which one to save or splurge on is a personal preference. It depends on your lifestyle, what you care about, and what you value the most.

“There’s no wrong answer in interior design, and that’s kind of why I like it. Anything creative, there’s no wrong way to do it.” – Brianna Wu, fashion and interior designer

Brianna lends her expertise to this guide, helping you learn where to splurge and where to save so you can achieve your dream home design.

Strategic splurging: Maximizing your interior design budget

Splurging isn’t all about indulging in designer goods. It can also be investing in well-made, functional items that will bring you joy and value for years to come. 

Brianna offers some smart advice on where to splurge strategically:

Long-term investment pieces

Investment pieces can elevate your space, reflect your unique style, and even provide comfort and lasting durability. Splurge on pieces crafted from solid wood or high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. Think cabinets, sideboards, and tables. These are the workhorses of your furniture collection. 

Consider the classic hardwood table: sure, a $10,000 table from Restoration Hardware might seem like a hefty price tag, but with proper care, it could become a family heirloom that lasts for generations.

Items that impact daily life

If you have kids or pets, a practical piece like a stain-resistant couch is a lifesaver. Even if you don’t, a high-quality couch that’s comfortable and built to last might be worth the investment. After all, it’s likely the spot you’ll unwind and relax at the end of a long day.

Items with resale value

Furniture made with top-notch craftsmanship and high-quality materials will not only look great in your home, but it will also hold its value if you ever decide to sell it. Think classic styles and neutral tones that will stay relevant over time.

“I tell all my clients, ‘Splurge on the types of items that people are always looking for and that you can easily resell.’ Wood will always be in. I think stone will always be in. These elements are more timeless, and a wood table's never going to go out of style.”

Savvy saving techniques in interior design

Saving in interior design doesn’t mean sacrificing style. It’s also about being resourceful and finding creative ways to stretch your budget. You can explore the world of vintage stores, flea markets, and online marketplaces for one-of-a-kind treasures.

If you have a piece of furniture that’s seen better days, don’t toss it. Refurbishing or upholstering an existing piece is a fantastic way to save money and create a unique statement piece. You can paint, stain, or add new hardware to transform a tired piece into a showstopper.

And when shopping for home items, prioritize multifunctional items that save space and serve multiple purposes. An ottoman with storage, a sleeper sofa, or a dining table that extends for larger gatherings are all great space-saving solutions that can help you maximize your budget.

“For myself, I don’t spend a lot on trendy items. If a piece’s lifespan is around two or three years, I’ll spend less and then switch it up. But that could also just be me because I really like trends and I like changing things.” 

Brianna further suggests spending less in a few key scenarios:

Pieces that easily get ruined

Certain items, like carpets and rugs, can be easily damaged or stained, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider opting for more resilient flooring options or area rugs that are easier to clean and replace if needed.

“When I build homes for people, I always go with faux wood floors because real wood floors, even though they sound awesome, the upkeep is just not worth it.”

Follow color or style trends

Decorating based on the latest trends can be expensive, and those trends often fade quickly, like how the all-white home aesthetic is going away. Invest in classic pieces that will stay relevant for years to come. You can always add pops of color and personality with throw pillows and other decorative accents that are easier to swap out as trends change.

Viral trends from social media

Social media is full of eye-catching (and fleeting) design trends. Those statement pieces you see everywhere, like the swirly mirror or curvy sofa, might look great online, but they may not translate well to your actual space and could quickly feel dated. Instead of splurging on viral trends, shop for more affordable dupes that won’t make you feel guilty when you ditch them in a few months.

Striking the balance: Your splurge vs. save ratio

You can create a beautiful and well-designed home without sacrificing functionality or style. The first step is to differentiate between needs and wants. The ideal split, however, depends on your lifestyle and aesthetics. A bookworm might prioritize a comfy, ergonomic reading chair over a statement coffee table, while an entertainer might prioritize a spacious dining set. It’s all up to you and what you value.

Essentials make good investments

A good rule of thumb is to dedicate a larger portion, say 60%, to splurging on core pieces that fulfill your needs. For example, you need a bed to sleep in so you might invest in a comfortable and supportive mattress. When choosing major appliances, you might opt for energy-efficient models. These high-quality items are built to last and will save you money in the long run. 

But you can also invest in pieces that provide a solid foundation for your design. Perhaps you want a vintage brass bed to add a touch of glamor to your sleeping area. It’s a timeless look that’s likely to retain its value.

Decorative touches add personality

The remaining portion of your budget can be dedicated to décor — the decorative accents that personalize your space and reflect your unique style. This is where you can get creative. Explore flea markets and thrift stores for unique finds that add character and personality. Don’t underestimate the power of sculptures, lamps, or sconces to add texture and style to your space.

Budget-friendly interior design tips from Brianna

Tip #1: Get excellent second-hand finds

Look beyond the intended use of an item and imagine its potential. Check out thrift stores, online resellers, and product returns. These can all be great places to find unique or timeless pieces.

• Bookshelves or dressers: These could just need refinishing or repainting to become stunning statement pieces in your home.

• Appliances with minor cosmetic flaws: A scratch on a fridge or a tiny dent on a washing machine can mean huge savings without affecting functionality.

• Gently used décor: Vases, wall frames, and other decorative accents can be found at a fraction of the original price, allowing you to personalize your space without overspending.

But Brianna’s favorite trick for saving on second-hand finds might surprise you. She shops big-box retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, Pottery Barn, and West Elm for hidden treasures in their Open-Box sections. These gently used pieces — including unused returned furniture and refurbished appliances — are available at significantly discounted prices. 

Brianna herself scored a fantastic deal on a Samsung TV frame from Best Buy’s Open-Box section, getting it for just $2,000 compared to the original $7,000 price tag. It works perfectly and adds a touch of modern elegance to her living room.

A word of caution, though. While second-hand items offer incredible savings, Brianna points out a couple of things to look out for:

• Wear and tear: You might encounter items with signs of use, like a tiny crack in the dresser or a broken hinge in a cabinet. Be sure you’re comfortable with the condition before purchasing.

• Safety first: Ensure the proper functionality, especially with electrical appliances. Read online reviews and inspect the item carefully to avoid potential safety hazards.

Tip #2: Go DIY

Instead of buying it, just build it.

Sure, DIY projects can be time-consuming, but the cost savings are undeniable. For example, instead of buying expensive pre-built slat walls, you could purchase the raw materials and build them yourself. If you’re not comfortable with carpentry, consider hiring a contractor for the construction part while still saving compared to the readily assembled option.

Brianna herself is a testament to the power of DIY. She once craved a minimalist and modern coffee table, but the designer price tag of $10,000 was out of the question. Instead, she sourced woodblocks from her local wood shop, found a second-hand glass top, and put it all together for a stunning DIY coffee table that mimicked the expensive version. The total cost? Just $80!

The possibilities for DIY home projects are endless. You have complete creative control over the design, materials, and functionality — from braided rugs made of old T-shirts to wall hangings crafted using a loom and leftover fabric.

You can even build a catio out of used shelves or make your own gallery wall out of vintage frames and mismatched photos and postcards. With a little effort and creativity, you can have beautiful and personalized pieces for your dream space.

Tip #3: Find a local maker

Local makers often sell directly to consumers, eliminating retail markups. They can also allow you to customize the item you want made, which means you get something unique that perfectly fits your style. In other words, you get high-quality, handcrafted pieces without hurting your budget.

When you shop local, your money goes directly back to your community. You’re supporting skilled artisans and helping to keep the local economy thriving.

Here are some ways to find them:

• Explore online marketplaces: There are online platforms dedicated to showcasing the work of local artisans. Or use a tool like Onton to search for specific furniture pieces and connect with the store that sells them.

• Word-of-mouth recommendations: Ask friends, family, or even local businesses for recommendations on skilled craftspeople in your area. Personal referrals can lead you to hidden gems.

• Immerse yourself in local events: Attend craft fairs, art shows, and other community events. It’s a fantastic way to discover talented local makers, see their work firsthand, and discuss ideas.

• Power of social media: Many local artisans have a strong social media presence. Search for local makers on platforms like Instagram or Facebook to discover their work, see customer reviews, and contact them to discuss custom pieces or inquire about available inventory.

Tip #4: Use Onton Imagine to spark creativity

Not sure where to start? Try using Onton Imagine to break free and experiment with different home design styles to find the perfect match!

Onton Imagine helps you find inspiration for furniture, color palettes, and overall design aesthetics. Visualize how different elements will come together in your space with photo-realistic AI-generated images. With 10 free searches each week, you can explore your options and then use Onton Search to discover pieces that fit your budget.

With Onton Search, you can shop just about any item in the generated image. Click the visual search icon, and we’ll drop it into Onton Search. In seconds, you’ll be browsing similar items that you can buy directly from the seller. This allows you to save time and money hopping from store to store.

Splurge on style and save: Design your dream home with Onton Imagine

In this article, we’ve taken a detailed trip with fashion and interior design expert Brianna Wu through the detailed world of home styling, where wise spending meets clever saving. Brianna’s helpful advice shows us that making a personal and attractive home doesn’t always need a huge budget, but rather a careful eye for long-lasting value and what we need right now. Whether it’s about putting money into pieces that last forever or finding special finds in the second-hand market, the way we design our homes is very personal and shows our individual lifestyle and values.

Brianna emphasizes that creating your ideal style all comes down to understanding your priorities. It’s only a matter of embracing the fun of creating a space that reflects you so you can finally turn your dream home into a reality. Onton Imagine will help you do that. Simply describe the style you want for your space, and Onton Imagine generates photo-realistic images based on your specifications. Use these images to spark your imagination or shop directly in Onton Search where you can splurge and save. Visit shoponton.com and try it for free today.