When shopping for your home, items can add up quickly! I believe that you shouldn't cut corners in the wrong places. So where should you invest and where should you save? The do's of purchasing for your home.

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DO Invest in Better Furniture: Use your best judgement - invest in the rooms that you use everyday this way you can enjoy them for years to come! That means purchasing a well constructed sofa that you won't have to replace after a year. The cushion contraction and the frame are important. Check the construction of drawers when looking for your bedroom or office. Dovetail drawers are the best - it is the interlocking grooves that hold the sides of the drawer together (rather than glue). 

SAVE: In areas of your home that aren't used as frequently or on items that are solely for decorative purposes like accent tables or console tables. Anything with drawers that you will opening and closing frequently should be of better quality.

DO Purchase Quality Carpet: For high traffic areas, I believe purchasing a higher quality carpet is pertinent. Investing in stair runners will be worth the investment for years to come.

SAVE: In certain situations, an inexpensive area rug will do the job.  For example, rugs in kids rooms are most likely to be replaced so an inexpensive rug is more ideal. 

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DO Invest in Custom Window Treatments: Using the word "custom" may scare you, but don't be afraid. It really depends on the material you use and the style you are trying to achieve. More intricate designs that include, trim, swags, pleats, valances, etc. will cost more. I like to high my curtain rod higher to the ceiling to elongate the height of the space so typically, stock curtains run a little short. If you are savvy with a sewing machine you can add a pretty base fabric or buy super long curtains and hem the bottom. I am not that savvy.... but I encourage anyone who is to try! :)

I have a very large kitchen window and standard size blinds would not fit. I opted to invest in faux wood blinds from JcPenny (which has an awesome window treatment department). If you open up a credit card, you can save more money plus they generally have sales and coupons. 

I love these top down bottom up shades in this Tribeca penthouse. It adds privacy but doesn't hide the beautiful view of the city.

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DO shopping at Yard sales, Estate sales, Thrift Stores, Consignment Shops, and Discount Stores: I can't tell you how many garage sales I have visited or thrift stores I have stopped at. I visited the nearest Goodwill and found a coffee table for $5 that was solid hardwood ----- $5!!!! It needed to be sanded and stained but it had great lines and it was solid furniture. I love finding items and adding my own personal style to it.

Need help with other areas of your home? Please comment what you need help with. I am always willing to help and most of the time your questions turn into blog topics! So don't be shy!!

and remember.... if you like this post, SHARE it :)

 

Yours truly,

AMA DESIGNS