10 homewares items interior experts say you should never splurge on

Struggle to resist the lure of gorgeous, but pricey homewares? “It’s important to buy items that speak to your heart, not to a trend-driven wish list,” says stylist Rachael Honner from Hip Brown Home. “Styling an equal mix of high and low-end decor, creates an interesting home that is stylish, comfortable and unpretentious.”

We rounded up chic and clever expert tips on what not to spend your money on, as well as clever alternatives for an effortlessly elegant and budget-friendly home.

Luxe sofa

“Never overspend on a sofa,” says Anne-Maree Russell from Cape Cod Residential Real Estate. “Look for second-hand, in reasonable condition, then style with cushions and throws to make it look expensive.”

Where to buy: Gumtree

Acrylic make-up containers

Instead of splurging on expensive acrylic containers, use old candle vessels as a chic storage solution. “Once you have burnt your candle down, heat up the remaining wax in a sink of water, scrape out, wash, dry, and it’s ready to use,” says stylist Justine Stedman of Vault Interiors. “Group make-up brushes in one, and eye pencils in another, and display stylishly in your bathroom.”

Where to buy: Dusk

Designer cushions

“I never spend more than $90 on a cushion,” says stylist Louise Roche from The Design Villa. “They see lots of traffic so wear fast. Buy inexpensive ones you can replace. This also applies to outdoor cushions. Even with all the best claims of longevity, they still fade, and don’t make a great investment.”

Where to buy: IKEA

Costly homewares

Avoid vintage-inspired and invest in the real thing for a fraction of the price. “Go online, or take a day trip to the countryside where the antique markets aren’t as expensive as the city,” says Honner. “Look for lampshades, mid-century furniture, cane wares and frames. They are well-crafted and look great teamed with modern-style furniture.”

Where to buy: Kitsch Please

Custom-made curtains

“Rather than having made-to-measure, buy ready-made curtains,” says Russell. “When hung with care, they create the illusion of high ceilings, and add impact to a space.”

Where to buy: Spotlight

IKEA table with A-Mart chairs. Photo: Cape Cod Residential and Real Estate Pics

Pricey potted plants

“It’s easy to overspend here,” says Honner. “Instead buy oodles of inexpensive plants. They purify the air and make your home look loved.” Choose hardy varieties that thrive effortlessly indoors. “Zeze plants, succulents and drought-plants are ideal,” she says.

Resist splurging on costly glazed pots, and pick up on-trend woven baskets instead. “Use a cheap plastic study bin and place in a larger wicker laundry basket,” suggests Stedman. “It looks very Scandi-chic.”

Where to buy: Freedom

Expensive photo frames

“Forget expensive frames,” says Stedman. “Generic brands are just as good for creating a gallery wall.” Group various sizes together on a feature wall in a transition space like a hallway or staircase.

“Look for metallic frames that look dramatic when combined with an all black frame gallery, or spray paint one for a pop of colour,” she says.

Where to buy: Target

Matching dining room suite

“Instead of a pricey suite, mix and match an old timber table with inexpensive contemporary chairs for a look that pops,” says Russell. Look for budget-friendly chairs for cool mismatched styling. “The more patina in the table, the more stylish it looks with chairs that provide impact. Many of the large chain stores stock fabulous chairs at great prices.”

Where to buy: Amart Furniture

Costly kids’ bedding

“Kids’ bedding can be expensive, so I shop for mine on the high street,” says stylist Mel Spurling of Hello Little Birdie. “Look for trending colours like dark green, petrol and dusty pink, and accessorise with cushions and a throw for a beautifully styled bed without the hefty price tag!”

Where to buy: H&M

Luxe glass vases

Save your money for beautiful flowers, and scour discount outlets for budget glass vases. “Fish bowl shapes and cylinder vases are the most useful,” says Stedman, “they look amazing when grouped together, or as a centre piece.”

Where to buy: Kmart