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Let’s play a game: I’ll pick a room and give you my two cents on where to splurge and where to save, and all you have to do is click the next slide. One point per slide. Ready, set, go!
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada's Backyard Builds.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada's Backyard Builds.
Decorating
Here’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your Home
November 2, 2017
Let’s play a game: I’ll pick a room and give you my two cents on where to splurge and where to save, and all you have to do is click the next slide. One point per slide. Ready, set, go!
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada's Backyard Builds.
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Kitchen: Splurge on Pull-Out Storage
1/16Kitchen: Splurge on Pull-Out Storage
1/16Photo Credit: Getty Images
Do you ever get home from the grocery store and, while putting items away, come to realize you already have three cans of tuna and four cans of chicken noodle soup? That’s because most cabinet shelves are 24-inches deep, making it next to impossible to take inventory. Splurge on pull-out drawers – they are life changing! You’ll save money on tuna and soup so you can buy more important things like Nutella. <br><br> See here for <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Feng Shui Tips for Expertly Organized Kitchen Cabinets</a>.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeKitchen: Splurge on Pull-Out Storage
PHOTO 1 of 16READ LESS -Do you ever get home from the grocery store and, while putting items away, come to realize you already have three cans of tuna and four cans of chicken noodle soup? That’s because most cabinet shelves are 24-inches deep, making it next to impossible to take inventory. Splurge on pull-out drawers – they are life changing! You’ll save money on tuna and soup so you can buy more important things like Nutella. <br><br> See here for <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/15-feng-shui-tips-for-expertly-organized-kitchen-cabinets-1911812/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Feng Shui Tips for Expertly Organized Kitchen Cabinets</a>.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Kitchen: Save on Upper Cabinets
2/16Kitchen: Save on Upper Cabinets
2/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
If you have empty wall space near your sink or dishwasher, this is the perfect opportunity to skip the upper cabinets and install inexpensive open shelving instead. If you’re anything like me and constantly look in the wrong cabinet for cups or plates, this is a foolproof solution. Bonus: open shelves will encourage you to be extra organized. <br><br> Looking for inspiration? Here are <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/20-gorgeous-kitchens-that-will-inspire-you-to-embrace-open-shelving-1896891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Gorgeous Kitchens That Will Inspire You to Embrace Open Shelving</a>.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeKitchen: Save on Upper Cabinets
PHOTO 2 of 16READ LESS -If you have empty wall space near your sink or dishwasher, this is the perfect opportunity to skip the upper cabinets and install inexpensive open shelving instead. If you’re anything like me and constantly look in the wrong cabinet for cups or plates, this is a foolproof solution. Bonus: open shelves will encourage you to be extra organized. <br><br> Looking for inspiration? Here are <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/20-gorgeous-kitchens-that-will-inspire-you-to-embrace-open-shelving-1896891/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">20 Gorgeous Kitchens That Will Inspire You to Embrace Open Shelving</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bathroom: Splurge on Shower Fixtures
3/16Bathroom: Splurge on Shower Fixtures
3/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Do yourself a solid and splurge on a shower faucet! If the cartridge inside the shower control fails or starts to leak, you may have to bust through your new shower tile to fix it... which is 100 percent heartbreaking. Go with a reputable brand and enjoy that long hot shower in the dead of winter, for many years to come. <br><br> Selling your home? Here are the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/blog/top-bathroom-trends-renters-are-looking-for-in-2018-1912528/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Top Bathroom Trends Renters are Looking for in 2018</a>.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBathroom: Splurge on Shower Fixtures
PHOTO 3 of 16READ LESS -Do yourself a solid and splurge on a shower faucet! If the cartridge inside the shower control fails or starts to leak, you may have to bust through your new shower tile to fix it... which is 100 percent heartbreaking. Go with a reputable brand and enjoy that long hot shower in the dead of winter, for many years to come. <br><br> Selling your home? Here are the <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/real-estate/blog/top-bathroom-trends-renters-are-looking-for-in-2018-1912528/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Top Bathroom Trends Renters are Looking for in 2018</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bathroom: Save on Vanity Fixtures
4/16Bathroom: Save on Vanity Fixtures
4/16Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
Here’s where you can save some dough, because vanity faucets are easy to swap out if something goes wrong. It’s just a matter of hot and cold supply lines and a bolt to secure.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBathroom: Save on Vanity Fixtures
PHOTO 4 of 16READ LESS -Here’s where you can save some dough, because vanity faucets are easy to swap out if something goes wrong. It’s just a matter of hot and cold supply lines and a bolt to secure.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Living Room: Splurge on a Sofa
5/16Living Room: Splurge on a Sofa
5/16Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
Truth: my sofa is uncomfortably lumpy. But I’m about to splurge on a new model with some sort of pet-friendly upholstery because my dog is too cute to keep off the couch. Fabric has a "rub count", which is the number of rubs the fabric can handle until a hole develops (20,000 rubs is on the low end, 50,000 rubs is mid-range and 250,000 rubs or more is commercial grade). If you have a pet or kids, go for 50,000 rubs and up. Here's a <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/blog/what-makes-furniture-so-expensive-1912836/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">detailed breakdown</a> on what makes furniture so expensive.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeLiving Room: Splurge on a Sofa
PHOTO 5 of 16READ LESS -Truth: my sofa is uncomfortably lumpy. But I’m about to splurge on a new model with some sort of pet-friendly upholstery because my dog is too cute to keep off the couch. Fabric has a "rub count", which is the number of rubs the fabric can handle until a hole develops (20,000 rubs is on the low end, 50,000 rubs is mid-range and 250,000 rubs or more is commercial grade). If you have a pet or kids, go for 50,000 rubs and up. Here's a <a href="http://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/blog/what-makes-furniture-so-expensive-1912836/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">detailed breakdown</a> on what makes furniture so expensive.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
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Living Room: Save on the Coffee Table
6/16Living Room: Save on the Coffee Table
6/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
A coffee table can be a really simple DIY project. I’ve made some eye-catching creations out of old supports from a renovation, an antique door and, most recently, my grandfather's army trunk. This is a great spot to throw in some personality and save.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeLiving Room: Save on the Coffee Table
PHOTO 6 of 16READ LESS -A coffee table can be a really simple DIY project. I’ve made some eye-catching creations out of old supports from a renovation, an antique door and, most recently, my grandfather's army trunk. This is a great spot to throw in some personality and save.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Dining Room: Splurge on a Chandelier
7/16Dining Room: Splurge on a Chandelier
7/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
No surprise here – if there’s one room where you should splurge on lighting, it’s the dining room. I love taking a risk with a chandelier and pushing the design boundaries. Try mixing two decor styles to make things interesting and give your guests something to talk about (other than your mad cooking skills).DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeDining Room: Splurge on a Chandelier
PHOTO 7 of 16READ LESS -No surprise here – if there’s one room where you should splurge on lighting, it’s the dining room. I love taking a risk with a chandelier and pushing the design boundaries. Try mixing two decor styles to make things interesting and give your guests something to talk about (other than your mad cooking skills).Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Dining Room: Save on Seating
8/16Dining Room: Save on Seating
8/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
You don’t want to buy cheap dining chairs because they’ll quickly start to loosen and wobble. How to save instead? Add a bench to one side of the table. If you’re one of those people who finds bench seating far too uncomfortable, then please, be my guest and sit in one of the six chairs.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeDining Room: Save on Seating
PHOTO 8 of 16READ LESS -You don’t want to buy cheap dining chairs because they’ll quickly start to loosen and wobble. How to save instead? Add a bench to one side of the table. If you’re one of those people who finds bench seating far too uncomfortable, then please, be my guest and sit in one of the six chairs.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Bedroom: Splurge on Storage
9/16Bedroom: Splurge on Storage
9/16Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
How’s your stuff to storage ratio? Mine wasn’t great until I splurged on storage underneath my bed as well as on the wall above it. The truth is, I’m just not ready to let go of my T-ball medals or the first wood box I made when I was 12. Whatever it is you’re unnecessarily holding onto, splurge on giving it a home to keep your bedroom in order. That way you can concentrate on what the bedroom is for – obviously referring to sleeping…DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBedroom: Splurge on Storage
PHOTO 9 of 16READ LESS -How’s your stuff to storage ratio? Mine wasn’t great until I splurged on storage underneath my bed as well as on the wall above it. The truth is, I’m just not ready to let go of my T-ball medals or the first wood box I made when I was 12. Whatever it is you’re unnecessarily holding onto, splurge on giving it a home to keep your bedroom in order. That way you can concentrate on what the bedroom is for – obviously referring to sleeping…Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
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Bedroom: Save on Window Coverings
10/16Bedroom: Save on Window Coverings
10/16Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
While I love a well-designed space with lavish curtains consisting of enough fabric to blanket a small village, it’s slightly overkill when you’re working on a budget. Pre-made curtain panels are a classic, economic option. Recently I’ve been digging “zebra blinds”. They add privacy through a controlled linear pattern and they won’t break the bank – especially if you’re installing yourself.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBedroom: Save on Window Coverings
PHOTO 10 of 16READ LESS -While I love a well-designed space with lavish curtains consisting of enough fabric to blanket a small village, it’s slightly overkill when you’re working on a budget. Pre-made curtain panels are a classic, economic option. Recently I’ve been digging “zebra blinds”. They add privacy through a controlled linear pattern and they won’t break the bank – especially if you’re installing yourself.Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay
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Home Office: Splurge on the View
11/16Home Office: Splurge on the View
11/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
This one isn’t a monetary splurge, but true value lies in the planning. You won’t find me sitting at an office desk that faces a wall. Maybe it’s my residual dislike for childhood time-outs or maybe it’s just because it’s facing a wall… If you actually plan on using your home office and you can take advantage of a window, splurge on the view and face it!DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeHome Office: Splurge on the View
PHOTO 11 of 16READ LESS -This one isn’t a monetary splurge, but true value lies in the planning. You won’t find me sitting at an office desk that faces a wall. Maybe it’s my residual dislike for childhood time-outs or maybe it’s just because it’s facing a wall… If you actually plan on using your home office and you can take advantage of a window, splurge on the view and face it!Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Home Office: Save on Storage
12/16Home Office: Save on Storage
12/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Big-box stores give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to office storage. I’ve recycled kitchen cabinets into an office and created a built-in look by customizing the countertop.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeHome Office: Save on Storage
PHOTO 12 of 16READ LESS -Big-box stores give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to office storage. I’ve recycled kitchen cabinets into an office and created a built-in look by customizing the countertop.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Laundry Room: Splurge on Counter Space
13/16Laundry Room: Splurge on Counter Space
13/16Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
I’m a single guy, yet still manage to acquire a fair amount of laundry every week. I don’t love doing laundry, but I do get satisfaction out of having an empty hamper and closet full of choice. I don’t have a counter for folding, but I sure would splurge on one if there was room to do so.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeLaundry Room: Splurge on Counter Space
PHOTO 13 of 16READ LESS -I’m a single guy, yet still manage to acquire a fair amount of laundry every week. I don’t love doing laundry, but I do get satisfaction out of having an empty hamper and closet full of choice. I don’t have a counter for folding, but I sure would splurge on one if there was room to do so.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Laundry Room: Save on Electricity
14/16Laundry Room: Save on Electricity
14/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
When I lived in Korea, I was shocked to discover that dryers didn’t exist. Everything was hung to dry, and while I thought this was an insane concept at first, I quickly realized that most things air-dry in 12 hours or less. Why not save on hydro and prolong the life of your clothing by investing in a drying rack?DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeLaundry Room: Save on Electricity
PHOTO 14 of 16READ LESS -When I lived in Korea, I was shocked to discover that dryers didn’t exist. Everything was hung to dry, and while I thought this was an insane concept at first, I quickly realized that most things air-dry in 12 hours or less. Why not save on hydro and prolong the life of your clothing by investing in a drying rack?Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Basement: Splurge on Subfloors
15/16Basement: Splurge on Subfloors
15/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
Your basement is the most unstable level of your home when it comes to humidity and moisture. Splurging on the proper basement subfloor with a foam or plastic base can save you thousands of dollars if a leak or flooding occurs. It’ll keep things dry, and as a bonus, it acts as insulation.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBasement: Splurge on Subfloors
PHOTO 15 of 16READ LESS -Your basement is the most unstable level of your home when it comes to humidity and moisture. Splurging on the proper basement subfloor with a foam or plastic base can save you thousands of dollars if a leak or flooding occurs. It’ll keep things dry, and as a bonus, it acts as insulation.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Basement: Save on Flooring
16/16Basement: Save on Flooring
16/16Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
I’m the first to admit that I dislike wall-to-wall carpeting – except in the basement. There’s something so right about a thick plush carpet in the home theatre or rec room. Carpet is often cheaper than laminate and feels nice on the toes.DecoratingHere’s Where You Should Splurge and Save in Every Room of Your HomeBasement: Save on Flooring
PHOTO 16 of 16READ LESS -I’m the first to admit that I dislike wall-to-wall carpeting – except in the basement. There’s something so right about a thick plush carpet in the home theatre or rec room. Carpet is often cheaper than laminate and feels nice on the toes.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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