The High-Low Mix
Invest in what you’ll notice every day. Simplify what plays a supporting role.
Spoiler alert: this isn’t a new idea, BUT I just recently finished a completely new-build interiors project with Drew, and came back to this idea over and over again…Where could we save, and where could we spend…to make it all look collected, balanced, and intentional?
The typical rule of thumb is to spend money on the things you touch the most (think sofas, bedding, rugs, and hardware). But what about everything else?
Nearly every beautiful room I’ve worked on has involved trade-offs. We invest in the sofa and hunt for the vintage coffee table. We splurge on the bed so we simplify the window treatments. We choose the statement light fixture and pull back on the tile budget.
This was also true in commercial projects. We used handprinted lo-tech graphics instead of dimensional, custom-built signage or AV technology to keep things high impact without high cost.
So recently….
Custom vs. Stock Pillows
High: Custom designer pillows
Low: Semi-custom stock pillows that still feel thoughtful and tailored
Why?
Custom pillows introduce pattern, texture, and personality in a way that feels unique to a home. But that doesn’t mean every pillow on the sofa needs to be custom.
A mix often works best. I’ll splurge on one or two standout pillows in a beautiful textile, then layer in more affordable options that support the palette without competing for attention.
Recently I paired a pillow in Rose Tarlow’s Bloomsbury with a camel-colored velvet lumbar from Pepper Home in the Primary bedroom.
Another recent mix was Rose Tarlow Avignon Alpine with a solid fern velvet Pepper Home pillow with blue piping.
Art vs. Frame
Low: The frame
High: The art
Why?
Sometimes unique doesn’t have to be expensive. I found a dozen vintage wood frames on Facebook Marketplace for $5 apiece. No glass, no backing, just great bones. Over time, I’ve paired them with small original artwork from fine artists (think 5x7 at $600). Then I took everything to a local frame shop to add mats, glass, and finishing touches. The frames look collected, storied, and far more expensive than they actually were. Art below by Laura Roebuck.
You can always look for old frames to fill next time you're antiquing too.
Lampshade vs. Fixture
High: Pleated fabric lampshade
Low: Simple sconce
Why?
Don’t get me wrong, I love an beautifully made light fixture that’s made to go with its shade, and there is absolutely a place for that. Some of my fave sconces right now are the Howe London Sconce Wall Light and the MG&Co Hive Wall Light.
But what about a simple Visual Comfort sconce, paired with a colorful Pooky or Alice Palmer shade?
Other shades that would look great with a simple sconce fixture:
All from Maison Flaneur: Green / Red / Blue
Good design is often a series of strategic trade-offs. Splurge here so you can save there. Invest in what you’ll notice every day. Simplify what plays a supporting role.
Until next time!
Best,
