Mixing high with low at home is anything but new, yet my own persistent frugality could surprise some. My parents were devoted to lives of service to a non-profit originating in the UK known for clothing donations. We kids grew up with very little money, the family owned no property or many belongings, and we were immersed in secondhand everything. Did we long for all things new and posh as a consequence?
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Mixing High With Low at Home
Actually no. We kids were also a part of the outreach work. It wasn’t simply church all day and evening Sundays and bible study on Wednesday nights.
Our whole lives were enmeshed with this mission of being hands and feet for God. We witnessed the deep physical and spiritual needs of people around the world who had little.
I fell for not just the sensibility of thrift, but the ecology and the fun adventure of it.
My idea of a fabulous Saturday morning was digging through rags at the thrift store to spy the elusive perfectly aged, faded vintage Levi’s.
That said, smart splurges are undeniable. Bedding and good sheets that we spend a third of our lives in?
Smart Splurge: Quality SHEETS
Yes, please. If you’re ready for a set that is out of the ordinary, say hello to lovely Honeydew. Splurge-tastic only because of the initial investment. If you have ever bought subpar sheets that either pill or rip within a year, then you know.
Pajamas are another semi-splurge I endorse. (Never a good item to thrift unless they’re on Poshmark and new!). I already have these linen pjs below in white, but I’m very tempted to pull the trigger on the French Blue – so elegant!
I also love the Positano linen robe in white:
I may own every pair of pajamas J. Crew offers, and sometimes will wear the tops as clothing when feelin’ saucy. Here’s the pair I reach for most often.
Pillow of Pillows
You already know their pillow is going to be something special when you visit Honeydew’s site and learn of the attention they pay to details. The fact they’re thoughtfully made in the USA with a unique design to support neck and shoulders? Goodness overload. To experience the level of quality seals the whole scrumptious deal.
you: THE PILLOW truly WON’T GO FLAT?
me: Dude, yes.
you: BUT WHAT IF THERE IS TOO MUCH FILL?
me: Honeydew pillows have toxin-free fill that is customizable. Add fluff. Subtract. Be totally MID like I am, enjoying optimal fluff straight outta the box.
BARGAIN TO DISCOVER: Daily Skin Routine
Skin glowing naturally across the seasons does not just happen for me. I mentioned the other day that I’m loving the price-friendly line from Riversol. Effective and really a bargain if you have tried as many products as this blogger.
Spa Cloths
Can’t say enough nice things about these lovely, hard working, multi-use cloths used morning and night to cleanse my face. Technically a baby-care item, they can also be used for household cleaning. Don’t freak when they arrive in the mail and don’t seem fluffy. Once they are washed and emerge from the dryer…dreamy.
High and Low Simplicity & Decor at Home
Here at home, our family room didn’t require too many tweaks during the renovation. We made it feel more like home with simple changes.
Sofas in the family room are a shining example of saving AND splurging! Inexpensive Ikea sofas wear luxurious custom Belgian linen slipcovers from BEMZ.
Also, a brand new fireplace surround with limestone or marble would have cost a small fortune.
Instead, we transformed it DIY style with paint and subtraction, removing glass bifold doors. The reclaimed wood and iron coffee table is a splurge from RH, but one that doesn’t sting any longer since we bought it 18 years ago. Our small living room is just steps past a pocket door from the family room:
See a short video I snapped:
Saves & Splurges in Our Kitchen
This glimpse of the kitchen is indicative of splurges and saves in a single mix.
The Thomas O’Brien chandelier is the oh la la HIGH in the space while a collection of old English crocks from the flea market and new trays from Crate & Barrel add charm without breaking the bank.
The Couristan area rug was a bargain ($120) found at Homegoods.
Invisible window treatments? Free free free!
Sometimes in photos, my quartz countertops (Viatera Muse) look solid white…
But they have lots of movement with grey veining in an airy, non-busy pattern.
When the Line Blurs Between High and Low
Not sure how you would characterize the choice of calacatta gold marble tile for the backsplash. While a backsplash is often a great place to splurge, it can get pricey to tile more than the standard 18″.
For our kitchen, we took the tile up to the level of the range hood. We also repeated the tile in the backsplashes of the laundry and pantry areas. Lots of marble! This house just can’t get enough white marble, and I refuse to argue with its wishes.
Did you notice I brought my rattan chairs indoors to use them in the family room?
They work everywhere should you need a bit of texture, and charcoal-ish hued rattan is not always the easiest color to find!
It’s always fun to use old things in new ways after a move. These stools have lived life as tables, dining stools, and now, my piano stool.
SMART SPLURGE: Hardwood Floors Finished on Site
A big splurge at our former home which we renovated completely were the white oak floors finished on site by an artisan. No regrets on such a splurge! The value seems only to increase over time.
Should you splurge on throw pillows?
I would recommend being more concerned that they are made from natural materials like cotton and linen. If you find quality at Homegoods, go for it.
The lantern pendant in our former dining room wasn’t expensive. It’s an exterior light from Home Depot that cost around $100.
Lighting is one of those essentials with a broad range of price points, yes? Sometimes it seems clear why a lamp is expensive, but not always. Often, the inexpensive knockoffs make a strong case for not overspending.
ALL FREE: Wholehearted Wishes
I wish you:
the blessing of beautiful living in the shelter you call home,
sweetness, this very moment, to counter bitterness within your being,
heart-fullness to soften beautiful edges of your soul,
loving kindness, lavishly overflowing from hidden wholeness within and…
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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