Home Economics

Creating a home that feels polished and comfortable does not need to come with an extravagant price tag. I approach my space the same way I approach most decisions: with intention and research. Over time, I’ve realised that “luxury” has less to do with price and more to do with thoughtful choices.

Below is a breakdown of the principles I follow to elevate my space without elevating the budget.

Research First, Spend Later

Before making any big purchase, I compare prices, check material quality, and read reviews. A bit of upfront effort can save thousands over time.

I like to think of this as reducing my information asymmetry: the better informed I am about the product, the less likely I am to overpay. For instance, when upgrading our couch, comparing options across stores helped me find better-quality fabric at the same price point as a more popular brand.

Splurge on Longevity, Save on Style

Some items deserve a higher upfront investment because they pay off over time. For me, this especially applies to pieces that endure daily use or define a room’s function.

What I splurge on:

• Real wood over veneer (it can be refinished and generally lasts decades).
• High-quality bedding such as pure cotton or linen, since these materials are long-lasting and elevate a look instantly.
• Well-made cookware and knives, as these items are genuinely a long-term investment in daily comfort.

What I save on:

• Decorative accents that change with seasons. DIYing my Christmas décor this year has been unexpectedly fun!
• Plants that elevate a room without the price tag. A single well-placed plant is an inexpensive way to add texture, height, and warmth to any space.
• Lighting before décor-heavy upgrades. Swapping in warm bulbs or adding a table lamp transforms the atmosphere of a room, creating a sense of quiet luxury at very little cost.

This balance is a simple cost-benefit analysis. If something contributes meaningfully to long-term utility or daily comfort, I’m happy to allocate more of the budget. If it’s purely aesthetic or easy to switch out, I try to keep it affordable.

Shop in Unexpected Places

You can find high-quality items for far less than expected if you know where to look. One of my favourite discoveries of late has been that Leroy Merlin offers surprisingly beautiful curtains and rods at a fraction of the cost of the homeware stores we know and love. Other than that, I like to prowl through Facebook marketplace for quality antique furniture and décor. The old adage rings true for this site – one man’s trash can really be another’s treasure!

Often the most luxurious rooms are a blend of sources: a quality foundational piece paired with thoughtful (and less expensive) décor.

DIY: The Most Underrated Source of Luxury

I like to think of DIY as a meeting point for creativity and economics, and it’s one of my favourite ways to add character to a space.

Recently, we revived a tired sideboard into a stunning piece that now sits proudly in the living room. All it took was some sanding, a coat of neutral paint, and some chic marble knobs from Poetry (similar ones can be found here).

The total cost was a fraction of what we would find a sideboard for in store, but the result looks polished and intentional.

Embrace Slow Decorating

I’ve learned to resist the urge to decorate everything at once. Slow decorating allows you to:

• Save for higher-quality items rather than buying placeholders.
• Discover your genuine style, not whatever is trending that month.
• Avoid impulse purchases that you later regret.

From an economics perspective, slow decorating helps avoid hyperbolic discounting: the tendency to prioritise instant gratification over better long-term outcomes. Giving yourself time makes both your space and your budget healthier.

Final Thoughts

Luxury is a feeling, not a figure. With thoughtful decision-making and a bit of creativity, you can create a space that feels elegant and personal without overspending.

With Love & Logic,

Amy