Hey, it’s Zoë here to talk about a common misconception within the interior design world: expensive = better.

While there is truth in the fact that choosing quality often comes with a price to match, it’s important to think about the bigger picture of what you’re trying to achieve in your space and- make choices on cost and visual impact accordingly.

Start by asking the question: What is most important to me and the people, pets, and plans I have for this room?

I love our dining “room”. We took what was originally a pretty weird corner of our main living space and turned it into one of our favorite places to gather as a couple for nightly dinners and weekend hangouts with friends and family.

The table itself was our focal point, which justified it as our high-cost investment piece. Tables are not cheap to start with so we figured it was better to buy one that would meet our midcentury modern aesthetic, be adaptable to changing styles, and also [functionally] grow with our future family plans. After many hours of research and trips to different furniture stores, we found our table: The Walsh Table from Room&Board.

Room&Board Walsh Extendable Table // Walnut // 72″x36″x30″ // $3,800 USD

I lovingly dubbed it our “Hogwarts Dining Table” and the deal was done. The color, minimalistic design, wood quality, and ability to extend to 116″ with the two additional 22″ leaves meant it would be a piece that checked all our boxes for not only today’s needs but for future variations of our family and living situation.

So to say the obvious, the table was not cheap. This was our “high-cost” item which meant we needed to get real about the supporting actors of the space: The chairs, rug, lighting, and art.

I had two Eames-Style Eiffel Chairs from my previous apartment that I had bought as a set from Amazon in 2015. With some quick internet digging, I found a neighbor via Facebook Marketplace who was selling four identical chairs for $100 total, or $25 apiece- cool. We now had an aesthetically pleasing, six-person seating arrangement for less than $200 total; which was more than what we needed for most days.

Eames-Style Eiffel Chairs // $100 USD // Facebook Marketplace

For added comfort, I searched around other stores notable for their design and wallet-friendly home decor. I found some cushions at HM Home that fit in perfectly with the seats of our chairs and the vibe Rachel and I were trying to create.

HM Seat Cushions // $9.00 USD

For ambiance, we had to get creative. Our main living space is equipped with zero overhead lighting, and as renters, we are not permitted to install any permanent wiring. With the internet to the rescue once again, I found the company Color Cord.

I used to work for eCommerce company Shopify, so I’ve made it a thing to bookmark any interesting merchant on the Shopify platform that I may come across. Color Cord offers several pre-assembled light fixtures with an unlimited library of additional, customizable options. The best part is you can choose whether the light is hardwired or a simple outlet plug-in.

We opted for one of their classic pendant designs: customizing the length and color of the cord, location of the switch, and accessories for how the lamp would be installed. In a matter of weeks, our new light fixture was delivered and our dining area was completely transformed [thanks to the help of my very skillful dad]. The setup wasn’t complicated, but it did require some knowledge of power tools.

Color Cord Pendant Light // Semi-Custom // $150

Next, we need a rug for a very oddly shaped room and our long, narrow dining table. Upon finding the company Revival, I set a filter for the material, size, and look I was aiming for… and then refreshed their website daily to see their updated collection.

I got lucky – it didn’t take long before I stumbled across a rug called Billee. It was the perfect dimension for what we needed, its dark colors hid any spills, and its Turkish Wool made it extremely durable. It was also vintage and complimented our newly bought table and lighting in a way that gave the room a level of approachable comfort rather than an “I’m new don’t touch me” vibe.

Our Billee rug from Revival feels expensive underfoot but it’s easily vacuumed and continues to stand the test of time, spills, and dogs.

Revival Rugs // Billee // 5’4″ x 9’6″ // $624

Lastly, we had this structural wall that kind of jutted out [in the exact spot you wouldn’t want a wall to do such a thing]. I knew I wanted to go with something neutral, art-wise. At the time, I was really into the “DIY Plaster Art” trending on most social media and design blogs.

I bought several different inexpensive canvas art pieces from Target, and with some plaster and scrapers, I gave it a shot.

I’m not going to even share a photo, let’s just say that didn’t work out and I’ve learned my creative limitations. The idea was better in theory than in execution.

What ended up happening though, was that I actually just fell in love with one of the Target: McGee & Co prints that I had bought on sale, with the intent to plaster over. I just hung it on the wall and she remains there to this day getting a ton of compliments and only costing me about $50.

Target // McGee&Co // 36″x36″ // $85

So that’s what we did here to take an important, yet empty and awkward part of our living area, and make a long-lasting, impressionable entertainment space that is complemented with aesthetically pleasing, but inexpensive chairs, a functional rug that helps define the boundaries of the “room” but didn’t break the bank, and an overhead light that helps give ambiance and character while also adhering to our renters’ agreement.

TL;DR

1. Embrace the Blend: Explore the beauty of blending high and low-cost décor elements. Forget exclusively buying everything from one brand or straight out of a catalog— it creates cookie-cutter designs when your goal should be to create intrigue and personality in every corner of your home.

2. Find Your Statement Pieces: Find what’s most important for you and the space you’re trying to create and allocate the majority of your budget to those show-stopping focal points that anchor your interior style. Whether it’s a striking couch or a statement lighting fixture, these pieces set the tone for your entire space.

3. Add Personal Touches: Your home should tell your story, so infuse it with personality! From meaningful artwork and cherished mementos, they contribute to the energy and design of a room while acting as budget-friendly ways to make the space uniquely yours.

4. Strike the Perfect Balance: Find that sweet spot between splurges and savings. From high-quality furniture to affordable décor accents, it’s all about creating a cohesive and captivating space that doesn’t break the bank. Look to higher-end stores for long-term investment pieces like tables and couches; and then get creative with decor from wallet-friendly brands like Revival Rugs, HM Home, Target, and Facebook Marketplace.

In the end, interior design is about more than just dollars and cents—it’s about creativity, passion, and personal expression. By blending high and low-cost décor elements, you can create a home that feels luxurious, inviting, and uniquely yours. So go ahead, mix things up, and let your space tell the story of who you are. After all, that’s what makes it truly special.