DESIGN ECONOMICS: Making the most of your design budget
by Charles Dunlap, Allied Member ASID
Dunlap Design Group LLC
In these tough economic times, knowing how to allocate your decorating budget
will pay off in both dollars and style. I always advise my clients to spend more
money on high quality upholstery, where longevity and comfort are important.
A good sofa or chair can truly last a lifetime. Conversely, you can save money
by using less expensive “supporting” pieces, such as occasional tables, lighting
accessories and rugs. These items don’t experience the daily wear and tear and are much more easily changed out over the years. It’s sort of equivalent to the old fashion trick of
mixing an Armani suit with a Gap t-shirt, the final outfit is top notch and usually results in a more
interesting look. I like to call it “recession chic.”
UPHOLSTERY IS IMPORTANT
The most important thing you can do when decorating you home is to buy the absolute best
upholstered pieces you can afford and get creative with everything else. When buying a quality sofa,
make sure the frame is made of kiln-dried hardwood and the springs are eight-way hand tied or composed of |
