Decorating with a designer or buying furniture on your own? What is the real difference between these choices in the investment and the outcome? Read our new blog post to find out.
I often meet homeowners who make a substantial investment into buying a home, but overlook the importance of furnishing it properly. Usually, they spend money without a real plan, and end up with sofas that are too big and rugs that are too small. Whatever it is, their home feels unfinished and lacks personality and cohesiveness, ultimately leaving them unhappy with the results.
Why does it happen? Most of the time, people know what they like and that is what they buy.
The key is to first understand the difference between just spending money, and strategically investing in your home and well-being. Once that is understood, planning and making wise choices will become a more straightforward process.
Just spending usually means shopping without any concrete plan. You haven't thought about things like space planning, color schemes, or style direction, and you haven't set a budget. Basically, you're just buying things on a whim while browsing in stores or online. Many times, these purchases are items that retailers promote because they're popular with the general public, like those matchy-matchy furniture sets that we call “catalog decorating” or trendy pieces that have no true function in your home. These items are not tailored to your specific needs and clutter your space without any real purpose.
On the flip side, investing in your home means selecting items that add value both now and in the future. The value could simply come from enjoying the items as part of a well-designed space, or it could be the actual financial value due to the heirloom quality of the pieces. When you invest in your home, you or your design professional would carefully plan the space and choose items that fit perfectly, creating an atmosphere that not only looks beautiful but also functions well. Factors like scale, harmony, color, textures, balance, functionality, and your lifestyle needs all need to be considered. That's why working with a top interior design firm like ours is so valuable - we help you make informed decisions and invest wisely in your home.
The quickest way to waste money on unnecessary things or overspend is to jump in without first doing your research. Those cheap knick-knacks you find on Amazon might seem like a good deal at first, but before you know it, they’ll be gathering dust in a closet because you're not sure where to put them. The bargain chair you bought from Wayfair might start falling apart after just a year of use.
These impulse purchases might make you feel like you're making progress, but they often create a space you're not happy with, setting you back instead of moving forward.
Many people underestimate the difficulty of designing a space resulting in wasted money and unsuitable items in their homes. Decorating involves many steps and decisions, which is why it's best to leave it to the professionals if you're not up for the challenge. While Pinterest, Houzz, and Instagram can help, they often add to the confusion. Without a plan, homeowners tend to buy furnishings randomly, thinking they're not spending much, but usually spend more than they realize with no progress toward their desired beautiful and functional home.
Hiring a designer may seem like a costly choice, but in reality, they provide you with a necessary comprehensive plan that includes all the details to create a beautiful space and the associated costs. This approach is incomparable to making small purchases bit by bit. When you work with a designer, you have a clear understanding of the entire project from the beginning, and you can even request modifications to the plan. Ultimately, hiring a designer is a much smarter investment in your home.
At Laliberte Interiors, our design philosophy is that a home is a portrait of your true self, and should tell a personal story. We begin by assessing your existing furniture and deciding what items can be incorporated into the design. We are transparent with our clients and will provide honest feedback on what can be saved and reused, and what should be donated. Our goal is to create a design that feels authentic and timeless, with a touch of current trends that complement the overall aesthetic.
Our design approach is not limited to the present moment but takes into account your future needs and lifestyle. Our team has a unique ability to envision sophisticated and exciting color and pattern combinations, which allows us to create a space that stands out from the ordinary. We believe that your home is a reflection of your individuality, and we strive to create a one-of-a-kind luxury experience that is tailored to your specific tastes and preferences. You can trust us to bring your vision to life and transform your home into a space that you'll love for years to come.
Warmest regards,
Lisa Laliberte-Alle.
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