By being a smart shopper, you can outfit your home with classic decor.
We all enjoy following home decor trends, but frequently replacing couches or art pieces becomes extremely costly over time—and environmentally unfriendly as well. Thus, the newest wave in interior designing has emerged: the “Buy It For Life” movement. This approach seeks to accomplish the very same goals.
capsule wardrobe
suggestions prompt you to put money into timeless, high-quality items that will endure for years and continue to enhance your life many decades hence.
However, how can you plan your home purchases to ensure you acquire items that will be cherished for many years ahead? Consider these suggestions to assist you in evaluating future acquisitions—ensuring they’re crafted with durability in mind.
Meet Our Expert
-
Liz Goldberg
, founder of
Carolyn Leona Design -
Martina Servos
, founder of
Lemon Grass Interior Architecture
Look for Intriguing Design
You could be under the impression that “buy it for life” involves choosing extremely simple items that won’t draw much notice—however, it actually refers to selecting home decor that truly catches your eye and remains stunning over many years. According to Liz Goldberg, who founded Carolyn Leona Design, “Our top picks include elements with distinctive designs showcasing meticulous craftsmanship,” such as rounded edges, spindled legs, and cabinet doors and drawers adorned with intricate beadwork along with premium metal fittings.
Examine the Building Process Closely
Many distinct techniques go into building furniture, with certain construction methods proving more durable through frequent use. When considering wooden pieces, seek out dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints according to Martina Servos, the founder of Lemon Grass Interior Architecture; these joinery styles tend to be sturdier and longer-lasting compared to fasteners like screws, staples, or dowels.
When choosing upholstered furniture, opt for materials like leather or a high-performance fabric that will withstand wear better. Additionally, seek out pieces with high-quality foam or those wrapped in down, as they tend to endure longer. As Goldberg points out, “There’s a stark contrast between eight-way hand-tied upholstery and bespoke crafted items compared to mass-produced store-bought furnishings.”
Choose Materials Wisely
Numerous individuals who adhere to the built-to-last philosophy often opt for furniture crafted from solid wood. As stated by Goldberg, “Furniture made of solid wood is an excellent long-term investment because it’s durable and requires minimal upkeep.” Additionally, he notes that “a wooden finish can truly enliven a space.” Woods such as oak, maple, and walnut are generally more robust and resistant to warping and deterioration compared to their softer counterparts.
However, sticking exclusively to solid wood isn’t mandatory for crafting enduring furniture pieces. Despite some negative perceptions, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) has its place and can be just as lasting as solid wood furnishings, according to Servos. “I enjoy using MDF personally because it doesn’t warp, offers a smooth finish, and is quite robust,” he notes. “Considering the decline in forest resources, MDF seems sensible to me.”
Consider Vintage Items
You’ve probably heard that old saying, “they don’t make it like they used to,” and that definitely applies to home furnishings. “A vintage item is worth the purchase, as quality was typically A-plus,” Goldberg says.
Pieces you’ll find at
flea markets
, thrift shops, antique vendors—and at your
grandmother’s house
—typically consist of sturdy wood and are built very well. As Servos points out, “Furniture from earlier times is usually well crafted, and the quality of workmanship makes it worthwhile to preserve—even if some repairs or tender loving care are needed.”
Do Not Stress Over Coordinating Every Piece of Furniture in a Space
These multipurpose furniture collections have gradually fallen out of favor, and enthusiasts of the buy-it-for-life approach now prefer selecting individual pieces as needed, opting for items that resonate with personal taste and lend a distinctive character to one’s living spaces. As Goldberg notes, “The elements within a room shouldn’t be too uniform—there should be an eclectic touch and specific details that bring vibrancy.” She further emphasizes that every area ought to mirror the homeowner’s personality. Incorporating furnishings reminiscent of their past homes or cherished finds from travels helps narrate their own tale.
Look After Your Furniture Properly
One major key to long life? Focusing on proper
care of your furniture
Dust your furniture frequently, and employ coasters to prevent ring marks or water damage. For upholstered pieces, make sure to vacuum often and address spills promptly as they occur.
Be Ready to Restore
High-quality furniture might require rejuvenation over time—particularly upholstery such as couches and armchairs. You should consider refurbishing these pieces once the material or padding begins showing signs of wear; this process lets you restore valuable furnishings so they can continue to make an impact. As Servos advises his customers, “For chairs or sofas, I recommend finding a trendy new fabric that matches their personal style.” This approach helps integrate vintage items into modern design aesthetics.
When dealing with wooden furniture such as dressers or console tables, simply applying some polish along with installing new hardware pieces—or perhaps refreshing the current hardware—can breathe new life into a timeless item.
modern refresh
.
Select What You Adore, Not Just What’s Trendy
Fashion trends might appear and disappear more swiftly than ever these days. However, when selecting items like furnishings, art pieces, and decorative objects, it’s wise to opt for those that resonate with you personally and hold significance. Chances are high that two decades down the line, you’ll continue cherishing an artwork evoking memories of your cherished holiday, whereas a design chosen merely online could lack such emotional attachment.
Discover New Methods to Shake Things Up
Deciding to invest in products built to last a lifetime doesn’t imply that your interior decor will remain unchanged for half a century. Updating minor elements such as cushion covers, candles, floral arrangements, and various trinkets periodically or whenever you feel inclined can lend a renewed appearance to your living space—averting the need for excessive expenditure.
Read the initial article on
Real Simple
