Lisa Frederick Great article, Erika! I learned the lesson about quality linens and towels the hard way...after having three sets of inexpensive towels fall apart, I finally invested in good ones. I've never been sorry!

kennedytarheel Amen! I'd add "Furniture" in general. Better furniture takes a lot of abuse and is worth reuphostering. The one exception to the "Linens and Towels" might be lesser quality while your kids are using acne topical medicines that bleach everything horribly. Til the kids are gone: cheap white towels!

Becky Harris Such a smart list Erika, I'm bookmarking it.

Joe Statwick Avoid the temptation to use granite tile instead of granite slab for kitchen counters. It may look nice in a photo and cost a lot less, but it's nearly impossible to clean thoroughly. Some day, you'll be rolling out dough and you'll find "grill lines" of hair and dust on your pizza. Ew.

Rough Linen I would always say buy linen (real linen, woven from flax) - I could never say otherwise ~

mamabossinthelbc I have some amazing pieces of abstract art. They were made by my son in preschool! It's amazing how a custom mat and plain white frame can make kids art look professional. And it's far more meaningful to me than a piece that may have cost his college tuition.

maritajb I would add feather-filled duvet, pillows, cushion covers. You can see and of course feel the difference. Every time I go to bed and my head sinks into my duck-feather pillow I applaud this decision!

JAN MOYER I would add learn to live with less QUANTITY so that you can have BETTER. You don't need to fill every wall and corner with furniture, you do not need more than two sets of sheets for a bed. Your bed frame matters far LESS than the mattress which rests upon it. Avoid whenever possible the quick cheap grab at the discount store, and when you do grab make certain you need it. Every holiday does not require twenty plastic tubs of matching decor.
I say this expecting to be beaten senseless. It's fine!! But I speak from two decades of hauling the useless, the broken, the uncomfortable, the poorly designed and proportioned, the cliched, OUT of client's homes to consignment, donation and the dump. Asked why there is so "much" of absolutely nothing ..... a client will often answer "well no big deal, it was cheap". My response is: this pile was anything BUT cheap.Combined, this stuff equals quite a nice selection of wonderful denied" As much as possible, delay design gratification and work your way to your form of wonderful. You won't be disappointed, and the landfills will thank you. So too will your home.

Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors Everyone makes excellent points here! I especially can relate to having towels ruined by topical acne cream. I swear I could've fallen through the floor at that moment of discover! Live and learn...

compact Not exactly a home purchase, but as often said Paint, go for the best, it saves time not having to do multiple coats

JAN MOYER A nice large basket in a teens bath containing ...don't faint... white bar mop towels! USE THESE ON YOUR FACE KID!!!! They are cheap, you can bleach, and they are absorbent. You're only using them on your face, and get the washcloth size too. The small to wash, the larger to dry. They generally come in packs of six, and you can have a nice big pile for next to nothing.

neluki What is the bay window rod.

niccifitz I have been looking for a high quality sectional. I was considering the West Elm "Henry" sectional (style and price point) but West Elm gets destroyed on customer reviews when it comes to quality. Does anyone have any good recommendations on a similar style product but much better qualtiy?

http://www.westelm.com/products/623314/?catalogId=5&bnrid=3918508&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Furniture&cm_pla=Sofas_+_Sectionals&cm_ite=West_Elm_Henry_Sectional_Set_1_(Corner%2C_2_One-Arm_Sofas_(Left_+_Right))%2C_Chunky_Basketweave%2C_Natural_-_Beige&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-43444730-2

bunny302 Great ideas. Thanks. Can you tell me the source of the coffee table in the photo in the "upholstery" section?

lisalovesquilts I have bedding and towels from the US some of which I have had for at least 16 - 20 years! Quality and choice is what matters and my dubious husband thought my insistence on buying from the US was me being pernickity. I bought locally; he got the message! Sadly though I have to wait for the dollar to go down (not done that in a while) and for there to be sales - because this counters high mailing costs and the tax-man here likes his cut! Great article re buyers remorse I have had that and I think the author is correct about delaying gratification. I'm in too much of a hurry. I think sometimes you get a project started and you have an image in your head and you just want it done.

ja9tuttle This is for Jan Moyer. I love your comments! Do I see a book in your future?

JAN MOYER niccifitz,
A "high quality" sectional is going to have a matching price point. The style you like is fairly basic and easy to achieve, but without an idea of your budget, it is difficult to advise. The furniture market has seen an inflationary rise in price, and a descending quality to match the rise. Manufacturers, in an attempt to maintain a price point, are taking the guts out of the piece. The result? It looks fine on a showroom floor, but a year of sitting will tell a different story. The large catalogue retailers like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, exemplify that trend, and West Elm would be no different. Quality would imply a hardwood frame, quality eight way hand tied springs, cushions with a spring down fill, and a sturdy covering. All can be had at varying prices, fabric depending, but plan to spend in the vicinity of 4000.00 to 5000.00 to get that kind of quality and longevity. And it is quite possible to spend a lot more. A visit to a furniture store carrying brands like Baker, Hickory Chair, Southwood, Taylor King, Pearson, will give you an idea of possibilities including many ways to customize your piece. Baker prices will top the scale.

JAN MOYER ja9tuttle,
I am always THREATENING to do that... I just never seem to actually DO it ,lol.

maroblawrence Where did the curtain rod and sheers come from?

astraea I think this is one of the best articles I've read on Houzz; actually very practical!

@niccifitz – I’ve been very happy with Ethan Allen furniture, over the years! My first couch .. off-white, lasted 27 years, before I moved & decided to replace it! I also have a lounge chair & ottoman, also bought when I first moved out on my own in 1981, which I still use daily to watch TV in my MBR! Their furniture is a lot less expensive than a designer showroom, but they have a lot better fabric selection & design help, than department stores or the other chain furniture stores.

JAN MOYER astrea,
The Ethan Allen of old was fab.... and unfortunately it still LOOKS great, but sorry to say is not what the quality used to be. Nothing you would buy today at EA would have the longevity you enjoyed. I will be literally assaulted for the comment, but EA has been hugely successful marketing to a young, hip, first time homeowner audience. Nothing at all wrong with that, and they have done a fine job of making all look very very appealing with super display and continuity store to store to print and media.... Having said that, let the buyer be aware. If you want the longevity, plan on LIGHT use, and HEAVY care. That is the truth.

dkportorange Solution for face towels. A makeup artist told me to use brown washcloths after removing makeup or with creams. No matter how much you bleach white ones, they still stain. Brown washcloths never show stains.

kimdem Disagree with the comments about Original Artwork and the emphasis on gaining value. Art should be chosen because it brings pleasure and adds to the ambiance of the home, not because its value may increase (which in most cases is very iffy). "Original" art isn't the only way to achieve that.

kkell5 I slept on true linen sheets and pillowcases for the first time at a high end hotel in Trieste, Italy and I felt like I had gone to heaven! I will never forget the feeling. Where can I procure true linen?

jencarl @niccifitz - it's funny...it was West Elm I had in mind when I clicked to read this post about buyer's remorse! Do I ever! I don't have any suggestions for you, unfortunately, but I can confirm that West Elm furniture quality leaves much to be desired, to put it mildly. Several years ago we bought some of the armless sectional pieces (to create our own configuration, which was very appealing) as well as a dining table and 4 chairs. I would NEVER recommend a single piece. The table and chairs were donated long ago. We still have the sectional pieces only because we can't afford to replace it yet. Bad fabric, bad legs, bad frame, bad cushions. Bad, bad, bad!!

JAN MOYER kkell5
Welllllllllllllll!!! The VERY BEST would Be Frette
http://www.frette.com/catalog/product/view/id/14012/s/doppio-ajour-linen-bed-set/category/456/
AND....... If you are not dead on the floor after seeing the price, you may want to check out Cuddledown.com linen. I sent them back after figuring it would take 600 washes and a beating with a large rock to make them like the ones I slept on in Florence Italy, but you may be up for it! I have settled for fantastic percale, though I will never forget those nights in the tiny and fabulous room in Florence with the breeze coming in the open window and THOSE HEAVENLY SHEETS! : )

patricia beharry forty-five years ago in Brooklyn NY, I went down to the local salvation army store (Park Slope area), and bought a busted up sofa and two complimenting chairs, took it to the upholsterer who took them down to the wood frames. (the cushions actually had the springs in them). I still have the furniture, They have been reupholstered numerous times. They just dont make them the way they used to. By the way, I brought them with me when I moved to the islands.

astraea @JanMoyer - You're not kidding about the price; and I think that's absolutely ridiculous. I'd rather get good linens for under $50/sheet .. and give the rest of that money to charity!

Beatrice Lawson I agree with the comments regarding quality - or lack thereof - from West Elm and PB. Our son's beautiful PB Kids bedroom is not wearing well at all, showing the smallest touch as a neck and scratch. The coffee table and desk from West Elm are the same, a thin finish that seems to get damaged just by looking at it.

We smartened up on our next purchases... Our sofa came from Urban Barn, and after 5 years we are happy with it. Solid Canadian hardwood construction and we chose a blend upholstery fabric in charcoal that seems to wear well. However, we have no pets, are generally careful with our furniture and so far have not spilled wine or coffee on it.... If you can find an Urban Barn in the US it s worth a look. Md price point and they have rotating sales every few months so we gt our sofa on sale. My only regret is that I did not splurge on the dwn filled cushions. One of the back cushions is getting a bit out of shape.

For our bed we went with a local store here in Ontario who sources only locally made furniture. We bought a tall boy at the same time and negotiated the price....they have similar designs to the popular brands such as PB but the quality is way better.

Talking about quality mattresses, it happens to be a huge pet peeve of mine so please excuse the soapbox tone here... We bought a very expensive all natural latex mattress a year ago and it was worth every penny. Even my husband, who could sleep on bricks, and originally objected to spending about $4,000 on a king size, has admitted that it is way nicer than he could have imagined. That was a replacement for a previous King Koil, which cost about half, but lasted only seven years instead of the promised 20. After doing the research on what goes into a mattress I decided that I will never buy anther one that is not made of just latex and wool or other natural materials.. There are variations out there, and we considered a traditional British one as well, made with coils the old fashioned way, no petroleum foam in it but ultimately the latex won.

And still on bedroom issues, I grew up with wool duvets in Europe, switched to down here in Canada and we are going back to wool. It breathes so much better, keeps the temperature constant, and it is less allergenic. They are pricey, but it is something we use every day, so it is worth the splurge.

Finally, for our dining room... We went on a shopping trip with a rented truck in antique country and put together a beautiful room that cost $1100. Add another $1000 for reupholstery and painting the chairs, and we spent way less than anything you could get in a store today. The sideboard only needed new Lee Valley pulls, the harvest table that seats 12 cost $100, plus a lot of elbow grease, but hubby enjoyed refinishing it, and will outlive us all. We have 12 beautiful shield back chairs that we reupholstered ourselves. It took two evenings of work for us, and a lot of arguments about fabric... But the result is great. (I am obviously biased). I will always look at antiques first for plain wood goods because you get great quality at a very good price, not to mention is a green option, which matters to us.

It took me a few years of growi g up and unabashed consumerism to reach the points that were well made in this article. Buy less, buy quality, do your research.

jeg0657 Look at Bernhardt Furniture, Bernhardt Interiors for quality sectionals. I have one in my home and it is comfortable, solid and our fabric is so forgiving.

liverpoollady It is fun reading all the comments, obviously most of these ladies know where to shop.
They also have a "good eye" for quality.

msmargie Italian linen at a good price is on Ebay. The brand that comes closest to the Italian hotel sheets is Sferra. Within the Sferra line there are multiple finishes. I prefer Egyptian cotton. It has more of a linen finish rather than silky. My favorite is Casa Linea Jacquard. I too only have two sets of sheets for my master bedroom and one each for the quest rooms. Threw all the old one away.

JAN MOYER I find a little mental long division helps clients a great deal. That could be the price of fab sheets, the cost of your new family room sofa, or a mattress, divided by the years you would like them to last or that they will or SHOULD last. The throw-away philosophy of today is an arduous one. It is WORK to choose a new sofa. You would like to sit on it and be very comfortable, and have it look great for say..... eight years at least? So...2, 920 days on even a
fairly pricey 6000.00 sofa is two dollars and six cents per day! It helps to put quality in perspective with use. Save your quality cheats for..... your toss pillows, or your kids bedding that is going to get crummy no matter what you spend!

Soraya Harding My motto; Buy the best and cry only once! I've learnt this lesson time and time again when I chose the cheaper route.

Linda I think the best value for the money is quality workmanship. The best products available don't look good unless they are installed and used correctly. You need a contractor who undertands symmetry, balance, level and has a good sense of proportion. Stupid things like light switches that aren't straight or where some are higher than others glare at me. Don't just buy the best paint, hire a good painter to apply it.

JAN MOYER ps to my post.... the 1400.00 miracle sofa is no miracle... and it's cost, when it disintegrates in a year, exceeds the "daily" cost of the 6000.00 sofa, at 3.84 per day vs, 2.06, plus the work to haul it out and get a new one! There ya go : ) Annoying but true.

Studio NOO Design Thanks for helping us teach our customers the value of those things. Buying quality last longer and is ecofriendly !

justaddcoffee niccifitz,
You may want to look at carolinachair.com for your sectional. They are furniture manufacturers and use hardwood frames, 8 way hand tied springs etc. All the quality details that Jan was right to mention. You can customize the size and fabric to your needs and don't pay the markup that dealers add. We've been very happy with one of their sectionals for the last 7 years.

lookatmesmile Re: Art as Investment

Most art will NEVER BE WORTH MORE than you pay in the gallery. Most artists will never hit it big even in a small way so pick art for what you like so do not pick art as an investment. Or check out a local auction where art goes for between 10-20% of gallery retail.

sheilafri I have to disagree about using Corian as a budget alternative to granite. I've been shopping for counter-tops and there has always been a granite alternative at a lower price point than Corian. Wait until you can afford the natural product. it's been around thousands of years and will hold up in your kitchen or bathroom. If it does wear, it becomes patina that enhances a look. Solid surface counters will and do show wear and just look worn.

joannemac1975 I had a club chair reupholstered by CALICO CORNERS and had nothing but TROUBLE. I picked out expensive fabric and the upholsterer took it upon himself to change my instructions without so much as a phone call. The store made him call me and explain and listen to his excuses. I was not happy. They also promised the chair by Thanksgiving and had delay after delay. The manager called and made excuses. I finally got my chair on New Years Eve. I placed the order on sept 23 2011. The fabric is fuzzy and they said that was normal but it just got worse and now it is pilling and staining. The foam and down wrap was also not done right. NEVER USE CALICO CORNERS!!!!!!

janinepritchard niccifitz,
I have a Hickory Chair sofa and some Pearson pieces that i love, great quality. But I also just purchased a chair from Lee industries and love that too. I didnt want to spend as much and I have been really happy with their quality and love their style as well. Check them out to see if you can find a sectional there as well. I spent many years working as the design manager for William-Sonoma Home, the parent company of Pottery Barn and West Elm. Sad to say the quality is just not there. They do a great job of marketing but as mentioned earlier the finishes and cushion content cant hold up. However, I do think that Crate and Barrel does a little better with hteir upholstery and if you can catch them during a sale the price is hard to beat, even with a designer discount. I was looking for a rocker for my sons nursery and happened to realize that the one I liked at Crate and Barrel was a Lee Industires chair. I couldnt get it any cheaper with my designer discount, and like I said I have been really surprised with the quality.

juicyfruits I just read the comment about builders who cannot put a switch light on straight. I so agree. When I went to see a new home, the walls were white and all of the switches and plug ins were ivory. It looked awful. If construction people cannot do the simplelist things correctly--I always wonder-- how the rest of the house has been put together.
Then there is my pet peve (don't we all have something?) -- I am referring to those white thingis (sorry losing my mind. cannot think of words these days) that cover up return air ducts, or air ducts! So many people leave them white! It drives me nuts! I was watching a show about million dollar houses, and there was one, right on the ceiling! We have a neighborhood that is undergoing a huge renovation (I live just South of Notre Dame in South Bend IN.) So houses are being bought, torn down, and beautiful homes are going up in their places. So, a gorgeous new home is put up two houses down from me. There is a large window -- you can see the opposing wall painted a rich deep red -- it would be gorgeous -- if not for the fact that 2/3rds of the way up -- there is a white return duct on the wall. Now these people lived with this for five years, until they were ready to sell the house and I mentioned it might look better if it were the same color as the wall. Oh ooooooooo.

And don't people know that when you wall paper you can also wall paper these crucial but ugly things. Just paste the wallpaper over the item, let it dry, and then using a sharp small knife, just cut through where the metal breaks are. It is so easy. I even wall paper the switch covers. It is such a little thing -- but it makes for such a polished and finished look.

JAN MOYER Regarding re-upholstery: Never put a retail middleman between you and the upholsterer. (By that I do not mean an interior designer, who is your ALLY) Choose your fabric wisely, look for the "double rubs" count to be high, and VIST THE SHOP you will employ. Ask questions, get a quote. Make sure all details are written IN THE QUOTE, with drawn sketch or similar photo detailing the detail you want, and no detail is too small. NEVER but never let these retail "middles" take control, as they do not control or pay attention, AND the upholsterer is being paid less to get their funnel of " continuous work", AND they are marking that labor up CONSIDERABLY. Lets just say this: Just Don't !!!! Go to a designer.... or the source of the "work" that will be done!

Casart Coverings Agree about the quality of an item living up to the price. I'd like to add repositionable wallcoveirng to the list. Although some may seem more expensive than its counterparts, you have to factor in durability, which can be determined by how it is made (cheaply in China vs solidly in America for instance) and its specs, like weight, composition, mold resistant and fire retardant. Does it meet top commercial grade standards (Type II, Class A), as opposed to quick one-time, only temporary use? Asking the right questions and taking the time to do the research will pay off with a practical investment that you can easily remove whenever you want, reuse seasonally or take with you to another location, and even recycle when you're done.

hawaiinei Last year I decided I've had enough of my furniture because the cushions give out or I become annoyed vacuuming the fabric each time I clean the house. I've always wanted a leather couch, so I decided its time. I choose a Lee couch and loveseat. I picked the leather and color. The designer assured me that I was purchasing high quality pieces to last for years. The total price was equalivant to a vehicle, but I'm very happy with my decision. Workmanship, quality of leather, dyes and style is impeccable.

heathermisme Great article and awesome comments! When do people generally think EA went downhill?

Iyare I Art is definitely my thing. I believe that it is such a great conversation piece and it can be a major accessory!!

Joe Statwick, when I was doing my countertops, the first contractor tried to convince me to "save" money by using granite tiles... it was a disaster. I ended up having to rip those out and start from scratch by getting a slab. NEVER SCRIMP on your countertops!!!

The first two pics are the "tiles" and the third pic is the slab....

I learned my lesson... pennywise, pound foolish

jeanlblack I like the idea of purchasing artwork from an emerging artist but how do you find them? Thanks!

Christine Hilton Not sure where you shop but Corian is not any less than granite.There are new laminate edgings that look like granite.The price is lower but still only slightly.

Iyare I jeanlblack, I buy original artwork directly from artists on ebay. Or you can go to an arts festival in your town. I scored this from an artist off ebay. It took her two weeks to paint it and she renamed it for me "Truly, Madly, Deeply". I love her work but this painting in particular makes me happy

apeksha78 Beatrice Lawson, Can you advise what cities you visited on your trip to "antique country"? Am hoping its in southern Ontario region, as you made several Ontario references....
Thanks.

jeanlblack Thanks, Iyare I. Wonderful Unique artwork. It's so cool you got it custom made. I will be checking out my next art festival!

chaps3 More to construction or rebuild than design but I say spend your money on quality flooring. Our home from the 40's had cheap beige carpeting. We refinished the hardwood floors hidden beneath added paint and suddenly the depressing little room had a beautiful old cottage feel. The original builders used both white and red oak strips and in various places even a few chocolate brown walnut strips (!), there was some pet or water staining in two spots and a long empty stretch where a wall once stood. Undeterred we inlaid a wide solid piece of walnut in the empty space as well as across the full wide entrance dividing suite rooms and at both door entry ways, and suddenly a problem became a lovely design accent. We also had to fix some unexpected wood rot in the subfloor, but in the end it was all more than worth it. We are about to extend the wood into our son's room and a lower, living area. I think floors make a home. Wood, stained and scored concrete, stone tile, terra cotta and some high end tiles (cork is also winning high praise for sustainability, durability and style) can all take a home from BLAH to special. I also think they make a home cleaner, dust free, and far easier to clean. If I use carpets they are unique, antique, natural dye pieces (usually kilim or Native American ) that don't dominate but do accent a room with beautiful pops of color or pattern. We are on a very tight budget but we know refinishing or adding wood floors will not only make our home more beautiful but will also greatly increase it's marketability and value. We also invested in beautiful but rustic wood spanish entry doors to immediately enhance outside appeal. Our house began life as a very plain but sturdy concrete and frame Colorado ranch home. Morphed into a stucco rancher and with luck, time and wisely spent dollars, will eventually become a very comfortable, classic and elegant Teritorial Santa Fe type home! For interior, I say splurge on items you will always love and can always take with you to any home. Mine include a beautiful old Morbier French grandfather clock, a rustic antique French Country armoire and a civil war era arms chest. They have lived well in all of our homes, instantly add class (and function!) and always make a house feel like our home. In addtion should I ever decide to trade them in and go full modern, they not only have held value but their value increases. Now that's smart!!
Will try to post a pic later!

frenchdecor Great article and many valuable readers comments. Once I heard from very respectable TV show Designer, not to buy sheets more than 500 counts as it doesn't "breath" and poorly absorb sweat. I saw egiptian cotton sheets over that count and didn't buy. Did someone had bad experince with them?

patricia beharry @frenchdecor
I refrain buying too high a thread count sheets because from experience, living in a HOT climate they are too thick and keep body heat. That said, when I lived in the US I bought the highest thread count I could find. So climate makes a big difference..

astraea I hate to say this, but years ago 200 thread count was considered luxurious, but now they're touting 500 & 600 thread counts. I think some people buy it just because it's more expensive & they think that means "more impressive", but without the labels they'd probably never notice a difference!

patti1123 Bassett furniture has hundreds of fabrics and custom order sectionals in hundreds of styles.They also build your Custom sectional in North Carolina and ship ,usually within 30 days!! check out their website Bassettfurniture.com

einportlandor Many (most) of us don't have $5k to drop on a new sofa, hence the cheap imitation that eventually disappoints. I've become a big fan of buying used. You can find wonderful, high-end pieces in good consignment shops. Craig's List is another option, although you have to be on top of it constantly. The key to buying used is to know your products, recognize quality when you see it, visit the stores/websites frequently, and buy it quick when it shows up. And don't forget neighborhood antique shops . . . they're good places to pick up smaller wood pieces . . . dressers, tables, etc. Enjoy the hunt!

the_misfit I definitely think buying quality matters, but it's too easy for people to assume that high price means high quality. I try to use benchmarks that I know are objective. 100% real feathers and/or real down means the pillows or the comforter will do. Make sure it's heavy enough and fluffy enough, and you know you have quality, even if it's $15/pillow; if the $150 pillow isn't heavier and they're both feather, that's just an opportunity to waste $135. With natural stone, the type of stone, dimensions, and cutting method are all that matters. Once you've found the spec you need, buy the cheapest one. The composition is all you need to know about a lot of things. 100% cork trivets are 100% cork trivets; Ikea has the best price, so that's where you buy them. Williams-Sonoma's name will not confer greater trivet capacities. I wanted good-quality velvet curtains. Ikea had them. I double-checked that they were really 100% cotton, and they were. Buying them at PB won't make them better; the only way to improve the quality is to upgrade to 100% silk, which I don't need and can't afford. Solid stone is solid stone and solid steel is solid steel...just know what you want to pay for.

And as to furniture...to get real quality in new furniture, it seems to me you have to spend yourself into ruin. (Of course, mediocre quality at merely high prices is widely available.) But 50+ year old furniture is pretty much always rock-solid, and costs less to boot. You'll never convince me that my $100 oak nineteenth-century dining room table (seats twelve!) is inferior to some Restoration Hardware job that costs $4000. And I have $3900 more in my savings account!

judybath A good idea for a custom rug is to buy a remnant and have the edges bound. You can get the exact size you need for the room and use it until you find the rug of your dreams then sell it at a consignment store. I got a subtle stripe wool rug 12 by 13 feet for my living room and used it for 7 years until I was sick of it and upgraded to a Tufenkian.

Rough Linen kkell5: I make high quality pure linen bedding and table right here in the US, and I am able to keep the prices down by selling only from my website (so I don't need to mark up for retail) and commissioning my own fabric from best quality European flax, straight from the mill. My linen is simple, strong and beautiful: yes, it is relatively expensive, but with very good value for money. I am behind it completely, and I started making it because I couldn't find what I wanted. www. roughlinen.com

socalmelanie My old EA is still in great shape. The EA I purchased 5 years ago is falling apart. I had to send back almost every piece I ordered. When I talked to a designer who used to work there he said avoid them like the plague. He said Ethan Allen was sold 15 or so years ago. They are still living off of the great reputation they used to have under the old ownership. Such a shame!

Ariadne Monfalcone We have a EA sectional, and I would agree, the quality isn't what it once was. I would stay away from them. Also, their "interior designers" are great, but the markup EA must require them to charge makes them cost-prohibitive. I asked one of their designers to help me with curtains for the room where we would be placing the sectional. We spent a lot of time on it, then she gave me the bill which was almost as much as the sectional itself, as well as very long lead time to installation. Needless to say, I STILL don't have curtains for that room!!

I would also agree on the comments of quality furniture from Baker, Bernhardt, Hickory Chair, etc. You DO get what you pay for! My personal favorite (although for very traditional furniture--nothing you would find at West Elm), is Henkel Harris. Their case goods are incredibly well made, and made right here in the USA from wood grown here too!

Caterina Eltze Thanks for the good article and comments.
This definitely adjusted my price expectations for a new sofa/sectional - ouchh!

Concerning the mattresses: we bought a natural latex (rubber) mattress from Lifekind and went with one of the cheaper models (Euro). Although this was purchased online, both the buying and sleeping experience was and is excellent (only the delivery person moaned that he never had to carry such a heavy mattress). Also knowing that our mattress doesn't add to the chemical load our bodies have to bear makes the purchase worth it.

ivan2510 Barrymore furniture in Canada makes good quality pieces that are
worth recovering in the future. Always check consigment stores (even Value Village or Salvation Army) for lamps and small tables that can be refinished or lamps rewired.
Good quality lasts ~ and can be brought back to life. Most new furniture that is made today does not have a very long shelf life.
And avoid spending much money (if at all) on the trend of the year.

astraea @Ariadne - Odd, about the EA decorators charging; I never had that experience! When I moved 3 years ago, the designer came to my house to look at the space for which I was buying a couch, so she could see the my color scheme & furniture I already had. No charge. She later helped me select fabric for a chair & ottoman to go near the couch, and a bench for in front of my bed. Maybe that's not as extensive as what the decorator did for you.

Ariadne Monfalcone @ Astraea, yes, they did do that for me too at no charge. But I wanted their help to create coordinating curtains for that room, and that's when the big bill showed up! I really love their designs and furniture--shame that the quality has gone down. The bunk beds and matching dresser I purchased for my son 15 years ago are still in wonderful condition and we love them! Too bad the couch hasn't held up as well...

kroze I just finished remodeling my kitchen/den/living/dining rooms. I learned a lot in the process. I kept the kitchen free of any visible electrical outlets and light switches. Everything was mounted under the counters. The disposal switch was a button mounted in the granite behind the sink. That made for a very clean look throughout the kitchen. Because I had so much counter space one granite slab was not enough. I had to buy two. I didn't want to waste any of it so we used the left over granite on the face of the fireplace and on the small hall bath counter nearby. It really gave visual continuity and tied the rooms together well.

As far as quality materials are concerned, we were concerned that we not get upside down on the value of the house. Improvements increase the value but rarely to the extent of the costs involved. Therefore, we wanted to concentrate on putting our money where it made the biggest difference. Real hardwood floors and natural granite were our biggest expenses. It made a huge difference in the finished product.

I ordered new den furniture from North Carolina name brands, but I did something unconventional. I opted to forego a sofa in lieu of a combination of four complimentary swivel/gliding comfort chairs. Two of them recline. That gives my room much more flexibility and the illusion of more space. Frankly, I would like to see sofas go out of vogue. Sectionals are a versatile alternative, but comfort chairs are even better. Does anyone remember why we thought we needed to have a sofa in every sitting area?

agiesbrecht For artwork, may I recommend deviantArt.com ? Yes, you have to do some searching, but there are gorgeous landscapes, photos, and abstract pieces to be found for a reasonable price. True, they're prints rather than originals, but that's still better than the mass-produced stuff at your local Wal-Mart.

(Some of the artists provide links to websites where you can purchase originals.)

LC Home Staging & Redesign @neluki I put up a bay window rod that I purchased from BB&B until I can get my wooden cornice boxes built and up.

lethe Great article, not just for content, but for all the informative comments it generated! I'd have to say that that old maxim "You get what you pay for" is still true for the most part. The exceptions are usually companies that target younger, inexperienced shoppers who fall for their uber-contemporary styling and think that a well-known name automatically means quality. When you're buying big-ticket items, ALWAYS do your research. Before you buy, go take a look at some really good stuff, even if it's not what you'll be buying this time around. Get an idea of what real quality construction looks and feels like. Then go look again at your trendy PB or WE items, and try to resist the urge to buy pretty pretty landfill. If you can't afford new good-quality pieces, do what several commenters have already suggested. Find an older item that is well-constructed but battered and have an upholsterer take it down to the bones, then spend up on reupholstering (or refinishing, if we're talking tables or case goods).

And while we're at it, please, please, PLEASE apply the same advice when you're shopping for the home you are furnishing. If you're new to the market, don't get sucked in by pretty surfaces and up-to-the minute styling...look at the bones first - they show how the property is constructed. "New' doesn't necessarily mean "better." You can always upgrade your kitchen counters later on, but if your foundation is cracked or the construction materials are subpar or used improperly, there's nothing but $$$ in your future. And if you think it hurts to have to replace a $2000 sofa in just a few years, imagine the sinking feeling you'll get when the cinderblock bricks on that poorly constructed $500,000 'luxury' condo require $20,000 worth of upkeep in the same amount of time.

mbbrown Thanks Erika, great tips. I agree a good quality piece of furniture withstands the test of time. I brought a couch and chair 20 years ago after I got married. A couple of months ago I decided that I wanted a change in colors. We looked for a couple of weeks but none of the couches compared to the construction of my couch and chair without paying an exorbitant amount. We decided to reupholster them and they came out beautiful and for about the same price I would have paid for a cheaply constructed couch. See the results herehttp://www.houzz.com/discussions/85988

JAN MOYER misme,
E.A started a descent in quality around the same time extra large tv's became the rage. They were the first to really address the TV BEAST in the room, and surround it fairly economically with cabinetry storage. This had obvious appeal to the young audience they were after. They even gave you the touch-up crayon at the time of delivery! So roughly.... early nineties! ? They are fine for the occasion mirror or lamp, or even a piece that will take zero abuse. But stay far, far, away from anything you want endurance and longevity from. The finishes on case goods are thin, a one coat spray. The guts of the sofa or chair, not good. And the price is UP there for the lack in quality. There is the sad story, but the factual one!

JAN MOYER As a designer this quality issue is a point of real bone of contention for me. I also wholeheartedly sympathize with those who have far more important financial needs to address than home decor. It is absolutely UNFORGIVABLE that the price of pure junk is equal to the price of that which USED to be a really great thing. But. Guilty is as guilty shops and buys. Don't be misled by glossy pages of catalogues and fancy names for paint colors and linens and lord knows what else, displayed via subdued sepia toned lighting. The descent of quality in every item we touch and use daily has been driven by a lust for immediate gratification, constant change, and our desire for style at a palatable price. We have paid dearly for our lust. We can demand better by not buying the junk. Just as we didn't settle for cars that rusted in 18 months or spent half their driving lives in a repair shop, we don't have to settle for the junk masquerading today as furniture. But fair is fair. If a "good" and comfy sofa was about 2500.00 twenty years ago...one can not and should not expect that the exact same dollars will get you the quality of twenty years ago. They won't. Save your dollars for the important things in your life, and limit as best you can the excess contributions to the landfill. Maybe the message will come through, that we aren't going to take the abuse...."sitting down" : )

astraea @JanMoyer - In 1985 I renovated the kitchen in my former house, and got a $2,200 SubZero refrigerator for $1,400, because it was a showroom model. Now, a similar model would cost at least $7,500!

trasgorshek I agree on all of the comment about quality furniture, especially those about purchasing antiques and refinishing. But in regards to all the other items, sometimes you just can't justify the expense. My moto is "if you can't find it or afford it then make it". The price of curtains and throw pillows are ridiculous anymore so I decided to make my own, plus I get the pattern and size I want. Same with original art. We have a long wall that needed a substantial piece. It would have cost us a fortune from a gallery. As for sheets, we also only have 2 sets for master but they are from the PB Essential line. I rather like them, very soft. I don't see our pocket book ever justifying 100% Italian linen, but them again I've never slept on them so I don't know what we're missing. :)

prospera Erika, what an excellent, useful piece. The comments are amazing as well, so thanks to all of you. What a great discussion. I haven't even had time to read them all yet, but didn't notice if there were any comments about Amish furniture. We have a local store that sells both floor pieces and custom. They are expensive, but absolutely worth every penny for the beautiful work involved. We are slowly building up a collection and very pleased.

It is heirloom quality, and we hope that we can pass it down for generations to come. The colors are standardized, so we were even able to gather a set from two different states and have the stain match perfectly. They are making different styles now, and have a large range of both woods and stains. We couldn't be more pleased.

rgariano In the SF Bay Area, the SF Museum of Mod Art has an annnex that sells local artists' work. Most importantly, you can rent to own. I HIGHLY recommend this option if it's available to you: if you're still happy with a piece after it's in your home for a couple months, you're likely to always love it. If you tire of it, wasn't meant to be.

typoagain I have to totally agree with you on buying good art. My parents bought some numbered, limited edition prints many years ago from a fairly new artist named Bev Dolittle. Granted, they are not her most famous pieces but those prints ran $150 each (framed) back in '78 are now worth a ton.
I started buying Tom Dubois myself 8 years ago. I have artwork I love and as a bonus each pice has as least doubled in value since I bought it. Some pieces have gone up to 6 times my origional investment.
But you know, the bottom line is that I bought the pieces because I loved them.

sheilafri One must also know oneself. If you are the type who will want to replace a piece in 2-3 years, going the budget route may make sense. Or start out with modestly priced things, but decent quality until you can afford the good stuff. I did that for a few years when I was younger. I educated myself about quality construction techniques and looked for that in lower price points. I have some $20 dining chairs that I used for 10 years without a joint ever loosening. I finally put them in storage as I wanted a change of scenery.

Once I started only buying things I truly love, I knew that quality mattered. No, I don't want to replace my dining table, or my wing chair, or my sofa. I love them and I think I can happily live with them the rest of my life. Fortunately, but maybe not coincidentally, they are quality pieces which have held up for 15-20 years already.

niccifitz Thank you all for the great feedback on quality furniture! I have made notes to start my search. I currently have a Flexsteel couch that is 13+ years old and if our family had not outgrown it, I would certainly keep it. The fabric could use a refreshing, but the quality of the construction/cushions is still fantastic. Flexsteel just doesn't seem to have a sectional that is the style I'm looking for. I'm off hunting based on your suggestions - thanks again!!

astraea @Sheilafri - I thought I was the only one left! I have most of the furniture I bought, when I first moved out on my own in 1981 .. but I bought pretty good stuff at the time, and I still like it. The only pieces I had to replace were the sofa & loveseat .. after about 25 years use! One of few things I'd be willing to spend a lot on, because they seem to retain their value so well, are pianos!

mbbrown @astraea if the style isn't outdated you may want to consider reupholstery for the couch and chair. This way you get the colors and patterns that you really want versus want is available

astraea @mbbrown - The loveseat was replaced back around 2005, and the couch was put out before I moved in 2008. My experience, was that reupholstering cost a lot more than buying something new.

JAN MOYER nicciftz
Check the design your own on Taylor King. You can pick every feature, from seat depth, to base legs, skirt or not, arm style, cushion style, all of it!
http://www.taylorking.com/collection_catalogs/taylor_made/

trasgorshek @Astraea, I so agree with you. Sometimes I wonder if no one has to work with a budget, or shall I say lack of budget. When it comes to furniture I always get neutral colors so that I won't tire of them and just change out the accessories...much easier and affordable. But like I said earlier, I also make the drapes, pillows and art to keep costs down...who knows maybe one day I might actual start making money from them (hopefully with my art anyways). But, even making them youself costs money. Reupholstering is expensive, just the fabric can be too much to grasp sometimes.

JAN MOYER The price of fabric has gotten scary. Even designers run into problems trying to stay on a client's budget, and still deliver quality and great looks. But there are some values out there. Stay solid, and look for longevity. I highly recommend one from Robert Allen, that tailors beautifully, and comes in a zillion colors, at a very palatable price...Robert Allen Performance Velvet "Gentle Dream" .......absolutely super. At 204,000 double rubs, you will be dead before you wear it out!

astraea @trasgorshek - My Mom liked to sew, and I remember her replacing the fabric on the dining room chair seats, and our wicker furniture. I remember how expensive the upholsery fabric was, but we needed to much to get by with remnants! I don't get the "buy now, figure out how to pay for it later" attitude; I must be getting old (LOL)

T H In response to the comment on Calico Corners, my grandmother's loveseat was done beautifully. I tried looking for an upholsterer but they were pricey and I didn't like their work at all. Here in our area of Northern Virginia, the CC is located in a very wealthy area and the patrons don't put up with crappy work - so I lucked out with my experience. No it wasn't cheap but the result, a striped deep red and gold silk, on a 1920s loveseat is just darling.

When buying furniture such as Bernhardt or any others, look out for plastic ["resin" LOL], very little real wood, pressboard/particle board, pressed paper that is almost indistinguishable from wood after it is painted. The lie is discovered when that paper is gouged or gets wets. If wet, it will swell!! For instance most of the lovely-looking accent pieces at Home Goods [yes, I have some and they are fun if you don't care about true quality, just effect] are made of this common Asian fakery of paper.

Consider Haverty's brand of furntiure - its not fabulous fabulous but we are very happy with the furniture we purchased there -two recliners and a huge fabric couch. Haverty's brand is very competitive because they don't pay the middleman nor for the advertising of the name brand selections. You get the choice of fabrics and a decent frame for much less than comparable quality of a known name.

Years ago we got leather furniture for the family room where we entertain and watch tv etc and the wear and tear is almost non-existent. So easy to clean - well, the oily spots left by my hubby's oily skin and hair, takes a bit of undoing but wow. So glad we bought them. Comfy camel-color, the more it wears, the better it looks. Back then we could afford the crazy price for the excellent construction and quality. American-made in the midwest, the company bit the dust in the economic bust about 7 years ago.

Used furniture, if you have the patience, is way way better, no matter how you look at it.

springlering regarding art...go with what you love. Nothing personalizes a home like art, and nothing is drearier than walking into a house where the pictures have been obviously been bought from a store. Anything can be art, and for the lady who wants to know where to find art, art is EVERYWHERE, since beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I've found beautiful things at local crafts fairs (like the set of new but vintage-style posters of places beloved from my childhood), a silly painting my daughter made when she was 14, a much loved tile backsplash she made at her HS job at a pottery shop, a pair of beautifully intricate machine embroidered "paintings" I found at (of all places) a mustard museum, and a beautiful hand printed and hand colored print from an Irish artist, who gave me the lovely back story of why he made it. Things like that exude quality and uniqueness, but they don't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Visitors to my house love to see all the eye candy. If you love it, others will, too.
I always feel sorry for a girlfriend who has a formal painting of some random girl over her fireplace that she bought from a Bombay Company type place. I've begged her to replace it with a picture of her own beautiful daughter, but she thinks it's special because it came from a store, and some designer picked it out for her. (Sorry Jan. I do generally enjoy your comments!)
But I'm just sayin', OPEN your eyes and I bet you will find you have beautiful things tucked away in your home already.

springlering I just want to add, you can find some stunning things on Ebay and Etsy, but you do have to sift through a lot of dreck.
I love this natural bridge landscape I got on Ebay, and my upstairs hall is a gallery dedicated to the detailed, delicate, inexpensive watercolours by this Ebay painter.

Caterina Eltze I checked out all the recommendations for quality sofas, since I need a new and very modern one in the near future. I liked Urban Barn, also because they describe the materials used, but I don't live in Canada. Has anybody a recommendation for a company that offers sleek, modern, quality sofas or sectionals that don't break the bank and are available in the U.S? We have a Crate & Barrel here in Tucson but the one sofa I liked, doesn't seem to hold up too well, either (according to reviewers).

kroze T H, I agree that used furniture can be an attractive option.... especially if you can find an old name brand. Reupholstery may be expensive but you have a much better finished piece. They just don't make them like they used to. I had a Henredon that I reupholstered five times before I finally handed it down to my son, who also loves it. It is extremely comfortable and the design is classic. The darn thing keeps it's shape and comfort year after year.

JAN MOYER Caterina,
Try Thayer Coggin, or Johnathan Adler. Thayer Coggin is far better than any Crate and Barrel, and I have never tried a Johnathan Adler upholstered piece, but the LOOK is nice.

valerielynn 7 years ago I paid $1800 for a sofa from Design Within Reach.We live 'hard' in our house- lots of kids, company, eating in the family room type of living. The fabric is just now starting to show some slight wear but the frame has held up remarkably well. It's a single cushion sofa and the cushion has really held its shape. So I would have no problem recommending DWR. We buy almost all of our furniture at consignment or thrift stores or Craigs list. We even dragged home a set of 1950's Calif-Asian rattan that was sitting out on the curb for the garbage men. We find good solid quality pieces, most of them made by the high end manufacturers of the 50's and 60's and then put the money into painting, refinishing or reupholstering them. They look fabulous and last forever. And you end up with pieces no one else has, which in my opinion is a major plus!

peggle We have been very happy with Walter E Smithe in the Chicago area. Bought a sectional and it was a favorite for 15 years. Too expensive to have it reupholstered. Went form living room to basement for aother couple years then donated. We bought a couch 7 years ago and it is still in great shape. Sturdy fabric. The original cushions were too soft and they replaced with much firmer ones. It dosen't seem like the quality has changed. Any thoughts on their products?

Britastina Wow! Where to start? Jan Moyer, you hit every nail on the head; thanks! After spending a good deal of money (with more projects ahead) I just love the idea of butting 2 rugs together to make a GIANT rug to fit under a dining table and chairs. I have been looking for an oversized carpet for my dining table and have been flummoxed. The carpet has to be large enough that when people push their chair back, they won't fall off the carpet. This idea will work until I find exactly what I want. I've always subscribed to buying the best but when you are raising a family then putting them through college, that isn't always possible. I don't, though, have a problem with delayed gratification. It took me four years to find a coffee table and I just recently had the dining table of my dreams made (something along the lines of 15 years). I just made do until now. It was worth every year I waited. Ah, the joys of growing old(er).

calkelley We just moved to an area with a large number of consignment furniture stores, as well as a city auction. I am still learning and have to keep to my price point but only once have I really something I had remorse about, as it was too large for where I wanted it to go (though I can probably resell for close to cost). But I have some truly amazing pieces at prices that would knock your socks off! A Lane hutch, a Henry Link dining room buffet (actually it's a stacked set of nine 3'x3' buffet pieces), 2 incredibly well-upholstered Sofia chairs - you can't find things like this (or certainly at these prices!) on the west coast. Almost everything I buy is now used!

Still, I think about my parents and their parents who had only a few very valuable pieces. Our houses these days are stuffed with 'things we had to have.' I'd like to teach my kids to really think about what they want and wait until they were sure they wanted it. So nowadays, we all try to think of 'will this end up tucked in a garage or attic in a couple years?' before we decide to buy.

And think about every time I go into Target or Macy's, etc, and want to spend $200, that's a ticket to the west coast to visit family...

JAN MOYER Britastina,
There are about a million ways to get a great dining room rug in the size you want, without butting two together. I don't know where you are located, or what you're after, but I would make a trip to a high end carpet/broadloom store. There you will likely find wools in incredible new textures and patterns, amazing seagrasses and sisals. Many of those will be available thirteen feet wide, there are some even 15 feet wide,.......AND AS LONG AS YOU WANT. So you create/design your own rug! You can serge for a binding, put a leather bind on, add a coordinating border, a contrasting border. I do this all the time, just did this for several rooms on a project where the sizes needed to be very large. Stick to the natural fibers like wool, or the sisals, for the patterns and colorsif you want great quality, but you will find amazing colors and pattern in polypropylenes as well, less expensive. You will end up with a super rug, "right sized" for you. Ps....Prestige Mills "Pueblo" sisal is a personal favorite of mine, especially in dining rooms. Great in both formal and casual settings, it provides a ton of texture and contrast to rooms that generally have a lot of wood. And you can't find crumbs.!!! Theoretically red wine could be a problem, but I HAVE gotten that out! And a 13 foot by even twenty foot length will give you a great rug for about 25oo.oo. Or less!
http://rugratsva.com/blog/?p=1116

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://starkpics.starkcarpet.com/full/Rug%2520Pictures/PM/tn/M050009S05013.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.prestigemills.com/prestigemills/index.cfm?icolor%3D0001%26imfgr%3DM05%26IPATT%3DS05013%26dn%3DPUEBLO%26page%3Dsizes&h=150&w=200&sz=26&tbnid=G60aE6AYHSO9hM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=128&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dprestige%2Bmills%2Bpueblo%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=prestige+mills+pueblo&usg=__8xqd2-nBEZyXKMuyuwmOpaZXRJU=&docid=DDIBqF2zNuhnwM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=-bKLULHZDOW60AH4-ICgAw&sqi=2&ved=0CCQQ9QEwAQ&dur=159

mrsben Re the purchasing of furniture; being older in age than many on this thread, my advice to first time buyers is that they should not necessarily be concerned about purchasing the top of the line with a mind-set that it will or should last them a life time. In a nutshell, one should take into consideration that taste, needs and even buying power often change in time so it is crucial to distinguish and determine what big ticket items their dollars should be spent on. i.e: A high end sofa for the Family or Great Room for the purpose of wear 'n tear may be a wiser purchase than the one for a Livingroom which seldom gets used.

kroze Those were words of wisdom. I am in my mid sixties and have moved around the world a lot of times. Never thought that would be the case! Not only have my tastes changed, but I have stumbled upon some extraordinary antiques and artifacts. My original "quality" furniture was resold rather early in my life to make room for the unique one of a kind finds.

Depending upon your personality, exploring for the unusual pieces can become a lifetime hobby. My eclectic furnishings are unique to my tastes and I love the memories that everything brings to mind.

Visitors enjoy milling around the house and learning the story behind some of the pieces.

Young mothers cannot imagine finding time to do this type of thing, but I assure you that those little ones grow up fast and will not always consume your every moment!

So, contemplate your own personality and interests. Maybe less expensive is the best way to begin.

juliaeg jeanlblack: One way to find new/emerging artists is to contact colleges and universities that have degree programs in fine arts. They will often have catalogs of their students' work and/or student art shows. Depending on where you live, you might try the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Rhode Island School of Design, Cal Arts, MICA (Maryland College of Art), Otis, etc.

Terry Widner I have recently began making some of my own 'art'. I enjoy the process... plus I can make it in the colors and size that fits.

The colorful mosaic consists of 450 painted matchbox 'drawers'. I just used an inexpensive acrylic paint set and painted each of the boxes.... mostly just dabbing on two or three colors and taking the brush to 'smear' the paint back and forth.

The second panel is from an old computer desk that I recycled. You know... the ones that have the black laminate over press board. I simply gouged 'divots' into the surface using something round for a pattern and used stain to highlight some of the shapes, while the majority was left the natural color. (That desk has yielded 4 totally different art pieces and I still have a panel left....)

The next piece is wooden matchsticks dyed and glued to a piece of plywood. No skill required.... just a certain amount of patience.

All I am saying is that if your pockets are as shallow as mine, you can have a lot of fun (and satisfaction?) from creating some of your own pieces.

mrsben @Kroze: It appears you and I may be at the similar stage in our lives. Even though most of my furniture is quality and also consists of antiques,I agree that the pieces which have a story behind them are truly 'the keepers'.


@Others: Also in addition regarding the 'quality' of upholstery fabric, as an experiment a few years ago I opted to have a vintage settee that I own reupholstered in just a plain muslin fabric to prepare it for a slipcover instead. In terms of change, needs, convenience, future upholstery expense and in the event it is passed on to someone else having done so has proven to be 'worth its weight in gold'. With that said, as with this piece IMHO 'buy quality' and 'buy what you love and you will never tire of it' isn't always necessary true as doing so can end up as a curse or even considered a myth. ºÜº

Footnote: Muslin is a plain weave (bleached or unbleached) woven fabric that is available in different thread counts and weights. It is relatively cheap in price, comes in various widths and blends though is namely a cotton product in content. All three of the sofas featured in this post could be easily upholstered in it and be waiting to be transformed into a multitude of personalities which can be done on a whim. A well custom-made slip cover should not be detectable and if done properly will fit like a glove.

tcufrog One place where you can sometimes find solid wood pieces inexpensively is World Market. We've had the same solid wood trestle kitchen table, coffee table and bench from there for 8-9 years. During the last three years our sons have used and abused them with their messy eating, climbing and art projects. Luckily they are very solid, heavy pieces. I can't even more the kitchen table. They still look great and I got all of the pieces on sale plus 6 chairs (not quite as sturdy but all still in one piece), and two wine cabinets that store my formal dishes for the same price as the dining table I was coveting from Pottery Barn.

Our one splurge item is the brown leather sectional we bought from a local chain called Luxury of Leather. You get to pick out the hides, filling and stiffness of each cushion, feet, configuration, and trim details. Since we have a small irregularly shaped room someone even came from the store to measure our space to make sure the configuration I picked out would fit. The furniture is custom made in the US. So far it's withstood fort making, climbing, and jumping.

We all have bad allergies so it's either leather or unupholstered furniture for us. I've found though that a decent quality leather sofa can withstand more than a good quality cloth piece. We have in the playroom the leather sofa that I bought for my first apartment more than 20 years ago and despite all the kids have done to it, and multiple moves without professional movers it still looks great. In our guest room is the leather sofa my parents had in their formal sitting room when I was a child. Even though nothing special has been done to it the sofa is still in great shape.

I can't afford to spend much on all of my furniture so if it's not in a public space or is meant for a kid's area I buy something cheap. We couldn't afford the wall of bookshelves we needed if they were made out of solid wood or custom made (my dream someday). At the midrange furniture stores the bookcases didn't have doors and often the backs and sometimes the shelves were made of particle board. For such shoddy pieces they were charging a ridiculous amount. We instead went to IKEA and bought Billy bookshelves in black brown. Once we added a mixture of solid and glass doors and my husband cut one so it was narrower the whole set looked much more expensive than they are. Guests are shocked to find out that we bought them at Ikea.

kildaren96 I have been over the moon with my linen sheets from Linoto linen. One is a regular set that I found on eBay and then I bought the organic line from Linoto. I understand that Rough Linen also sells excellent linens. Linen sheets are expensive, but worth saving for. Takes some breaking in, in some cases. They get softer with use.

Britastina Thanks Jan,

My problem is this. I am about to replace about 2000 square feet of wall-to-wall with reclaimed, wide plank flooring. This is going to cost a lot! Next year (I mean, in about a year) I will then purchase oversized carpets. In the mean time, the double rug idea has great appeal. A couple of years ago I looked at having a runner for my entry made by choosing a remnant and having it bound and the cost was horrific. It would have been lovely, but not exactly what I was looking for, so I passed. I have spent the last 20 years child rearing and settling for what I could spend after the children's expenses were taken care of. Now, "Katy! Bar the door"! For now, the inexpensive double rug will have to do (to protect the floor and warm up the room). I am already looking for the rug of my dreams (custom or antique) and will have to wait until it finds me. Believe me, it will be love at first sight.

catsandroses I've had very good luck going to the scratch and dent sections of high end furniture stores and getting, as was suggested, pieces that while really ugly have great bones.. it is not inexpensive to slip cover or reupholster them but a good pieces is worth it. and so is finding a good upholsterer. I had Tony, my little old Italian guy who i have used for 20 years, wax poetic about some chairs I bought that needed work. He spent the time to show me how well they were made vs. what i would get today at a higher cost.. and the frette sheets.. divine.. i trucked to an outlet in switzerland while in florence, italy, to get those sheets at half off and they are worth it.. as for towels. i did some research and the charter club ones at macy's were highest ranked and great price when they had a sale with coupons.. i used to joke.. who need a loofah.. i have my towels that are so old and scratchy, they exfoliate just fine!

Patricia Kinsman A well known designer once said "when you buy high quality furniture you only cry once!"

kroze Catchy phrase but it depends upon the person.
Taking the time to enjoy the hunt for one of a kind treasures can be a lifetime pursuit. In the mean time you must have functional furnishings.
To each his own.

sandrasoulflower JAN MOYER, about the sheets, what is fantastic percale? Do you have a particular type or brand you recommend?

Our favorite right now is from Phoenix Linens and is actually a microfiber. I discovered them when I went for a massage and the sheets were better than the massage itself!!!

JAN MOYER Sandrasoulflower
Sleep comfort is personal. If you are loving micro fiber..... not sure you'd like percale! Percale is the kind of "aaaahh cool, crispy-soft" your granny had. It's very smooth, but it isn't a drapey smooth like even a sateen sheet might be. I hate sateen, ( clammmy feeling) I don't like anything not a natural fiber, but that is me. I like Cuddledown.com.... 500 count Italian percale. If you want to really splurge, any from Sferra will be VERY nice, and higher priced.

sandrasoulflower Thank you. It would be interesting to try but at nearly $400 for a King set, that feels like a real splurge.

JAN MOYER sandrasoulflow,
Yup... that is not outrageous in King... and divide by the number of night in year! ....a cup of coffee is what it boils down to!

mbbrown Not sure I would spend $400 on a set of sheets, however when you take into consideration that you only need two sets and any given time, one of the bed and the other in the wash. A nice quality sheet set should last sometime.

jonahb Good to see you back Erika, so glad you have signed on for more.

katarin I bought 100% linen bed sheets from Sofia's Linen , They are absolutely fabulous awesome european quality and the prices are almost too good to be true . I will recomend to anyone who is looking for pure linen bedding. Their website is : www.sofiaslinen.com

erin2b I'm looking for some feedback on my family room sofa and chair and a half. They are about 15 years old and were manufactured by King Hickory. The fabric is beginning to fray and rip so I need to either slipcover them (I have a fantastic lady who does this very economically) or replace. My questions:
Is the style outdated with the big rolled arm?
I'm thinking about making the back cushions a "box" pillow rather than like they are now. Will they still look okay with a more "streamlined" back?
I would like to use a velvet fabric, but I'm afraid I will have to vacuum it every day. If I don't use velvet, which fabrics are best for wear. The fabric I have now is a damask, which hasn't worn that well.
Any advice will be appreciated!

kroze I think you might be happier with a new beginning here. You might want to look for something a little less heavy in appearance. Depending upon your personality you could consider something in the way of sectional pieces that can be easily rearranged and spaced at unique intervals. I would try to keep it light and airy. But that is my taste maybe not yours.

This is your rare opportunity to change your entire room. Sofas tend to last several years.

springlering I would give anything to have back my big roll arm sofa like yours. Yeah, it was big and bulky, but it was soooo comfy, and we didn't realize how great it was til we got rid of it. I hate the new one. If I could turn back the clock, I'd reupholster that sucker. The bulkiness also suited our big laid back sunny family room. And it was very dog friendly, with room enough for all. *sniff* I miss that thing