When to splurge?

[Anonymous]

What are the best things to splurge on? What things should really be bargain finds? Best splurge you ever made? Worst? Best bargain? Worst?

[Anonymous]

Best splurge - Kirby vacuum, kitchen master, good pans, kids bounce house, original artwork
Worst bargain - mediocre linens, cheap pans,
Best bargain - children's furniture and toys from craigslist (yard play structure and swings, play kitchen, etc).
Worst splurge - kids crate and barrel play table

[Anonymous]

Most of my kids' toys are hand-me-downs since I had kids much later than many friends and family. It's been wonderful! This stuff is expensive and only used for a few months before its outgrown. Now I'm passing it on to a new mom friend.

[Anonymous]

I assume you're talking about decorating and not toys per the PP.

We are currently decorating our living room (just moved in a few months ago). I splurged on a nice sofa long before having kids and now I wish it was darker and a more kid-friendly fabric. I really need to have it cleaned. We did just buy a new sleeper sofa for the rec room and splurged on that as well - I just don't think anyone should cheap out on a sofa, those are things that should last a long time.

That said, we went mid-range on armchairs, and bought a cheap but stylish rug. Cheaped out on pillows and other decorative things. We bought expensive artwork, but it was because we have a large room and needed big pieces. I haven't bought side tables/coffee table/entertainment center yet but will probably splurge on those as well.

[Anonymous]

PP again. Pre-kids, I bought an affordable solid wood dining table and chairs from JC Penney. They have held up amazingly well. $800 for a table and six chairs.

[Anonymous]

Splurge: dining room table, living room rug and furniture, mattresses, linens, TV.

Save: kitchen rug, playroom rug, playroom furniture, kids dressers.

[Anonymous]

Splurge on: appliances, countertops, lighting, TV/computer, statement furniture piece that sets the tone of entrance or major guest area
Budget on: paint, majority of furniture, dishes, patio furniture
Do Not Waste A Dime On: landscaping

[Anonymous]

I once spent $14,000 on a custom sofa. Looked great for two years then it faded from the skylights. Never again. I find I'm much more interested in investing in finishes for the actual structure of my home now. I have a siltstone tile floor in kitchen I love and marble bathroom. Feels like a much better return on investment. Lasts longer, near indestructible, and clean looking.

[Anonymous]

Best bargain was Ballard design had 30 % off coupon on any one item. Got a custom edge glass table top that sits 12. Free shipping. Never saw them do that again.

[Anonymous]

Seats?

[Anonymous]

Worth the splurge: Original art, quality finishes, high-end appliances, good mattresses, custom closets, ergonomic office seating.

Where we cheap out: Most furniture, rugs, and decorative accessories. As I get older and more sure of my tastes, I am planning to upgrade some things later ... but not until my boys grow out of the "destroy all the things" phase.

[Anonymous]

Splurge- rugs, furniture, finishes

Save- drapes, artwork, accessories, pillows

Whether you spurge or save on decorating, it is very important to gave good taste. I have been in beautiful homes that had pieces from Target, Home Decorators, and other inexpensive stores. I have also been in multi-million dollar homes with very expensive, but garish furnishings.