Interiors Expert: When to Save & When to Splurge

Rip & Tan: In terms of organizing priorities, how do you typically approach a new design?

Linnea Schooley: We like to price out everything we would want in a dream scenario and see how much it totals. Then you can value engineer from there. Think about what you want versus what you need.  If you’re anything like me, some things will drive you insane if they are not what you want. While other things can be lived with until you can update later or find a lower cost alternative that doesn’t steer too far away from your original vision.

Rip & Tan: For those just beginning their home project journey, what budgeting tips can you share?

Linnea Schooley: My most important tip is to always, always overestimate costs. Another important aspect of budgeting is to be open to pivoting along the way. Sometimes something you want is not necessarily fiscally responsible. Typically if something is very cheap, it’s because it was cheaply made of poor materials and won’t last. 

Rip & Tan: In a general sense, what elements of a home do you believe warrant a full splurge?

Linnea Schooley: If you can splurge, lighting and window treatments are two easy categories that will make a huge difference in your space. 

Rip & Tan: Where do you often see people splurging when they don’t need to? 

Linnea Schooley: It is all about priorities and what warrants a splurge to you. I’ve had clients choose to splurge on things I would never splurge on, and be stingier about other pieces I believe to be much more impactful. Sometimes the heart wants what it wants.

Rip & Tan: Shopping vintage or used can be a great way to save—what are some of your tips for sourcing special pieces within a budget? 

Linnea Schooley: Facebook marketplace, flea markets, and Etsy are all amazing places to find vintage pieces within a budget. I recommend being imaginative when you’re looking through online photos. Some of the best, most affordable finds are photographed poorly or might need a little bit of love, but with a little re-sanding or new hardware you could have your dream piece!

Rip & Tan: Can you share any tricks for creating a sense of luxury without the investment? 

Linnea Schooley: Materiality is everything in creating a luxurious space. Start small if you do not have the budget to update the larger areas of your home. Lay a beautiful alpaca blanket on your sofa, a stone tray on your coffee table, or nickel candle sticks on your bookcase. I recommend gathering beautiful, thoughtful pieces over time rather than purchasing cheap items to hastily fill your space. Luxury is a beautiful object, but it’s also a life well lived. Collect treasures that can be passed down for generations, as that is the ultimate luxury.

Rip & Tan: When in doubt, what’s your general rule for saving vs. splurging?

Linnea Schooley: Splurge on pieces that make a big impact (like your dining room chandelier) and pieces that get a ton of use that can withstand wear and tear (like your sofa). Save on items that aren’t the focal point and things that will not bother you if they aren’t exactly what you want them to be.