The Art of Mixing High & Low: Where to Splurge vs. Save in Interior Design

Designing a beautiful home doesn’t mean everything has to be custom, premium, or at the highest possible price point. In fact, some of the most layered, interesting, and timeless interiors are built by mixing thoughtful investments with more accessible finds.

At Grounded Homes, we believe in smart sourcing. That means understanding where to splurge, where to save, and how to combine both in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and uniquely you.

Here’s how we guide our clients through the balance of high and low, and why doing so creates spaces that feel grounded and complete.

First: Why Mix at All?

Layering high and low pieces allows your home to feel both elevated and approachable. A room full of only high-end materials can sometimes feel precious; a room full of only budget items can lack depth and longevity.

The goal is balance. We blend quality investments with simpler, well-designed pieces to create a space that feels curated rather than overly decorated.

Where We Recommend Splurging

1. Upholstered Seating

Sofas, lounge chairs, and sectionals are worth the investment. These are pieces you interact with daily, and quality matters. A well-made sofa not only feels better, but lasts longer and maintains its shape over time.

Our Tip: Look for hardwood frames, durable performance fabrics, and high-resiliency foam or down-wrapped cushions.

2. Window Treatments

Custom drapery or tailored shades can completely transform a space. They add softness, height, and warmth—while helping with light control and privacy.

Why Splurge: The difference between ready-made and custom is night and day. The fit, fabric, and detailing of quality window treatments elevate the entire room.

3. Rugs

While not every rug needs to be a splurge, anchoring a space with a well-sized, hand-knotted or natural fiber rug can bring depth and longevity.

Invest Here When: You're designing a main living area or a space with high foot traffic. A quality rug grounds the room and can last for decades with proper care.

4. Cabinetry & Millwork

Built-ins, kitchen cabinets, and custom millwork are foundational. You touch and see these elements every day, and they set the tone for your home.

Why Splurge: Poorly made cabinetry shows its wear quickly. Investing here ensures both form and function over time.

Where You Can Save Thoughtfully

1. Side Tables & Accent Pieces

These smaller pieces can be a great opportunity to save without sacrificing style. A clean-lined side table or sculptural stool can look high-end, even if it’s not.

Our Tip: Stick with simple shapes, natural materials, or subtle textures. Avoid trend-heavy finishes that may date quickly.

2. Decorative Accessories

Styling pieces like vases, candles, and books don’t have to be expensive to feel elevated. We often blend collected items, budget-friendly finds, and vintage pieces to create layered vignettes.

Why Save: These items get swapped out seasonally or evolve as your tastes change—there’s no need to over-invest here.

3. Lighting (Strategically)

While statement lighting is often worth the splurge, you can balance that with more affordable fixtures in secondary spaces like laundry rooms, hallways, or powder baths.

Our Tip: Look for clean lines and a matte finish, or choose simple lights that won’t compete with higher-end elements elsewhere.

4. Kids’ Furniture

Children outgrow furniture quickly—physically and stylistically. When designing playrooms or kids’ bedrooms, we often recommend mixing in budget-friendly pieces that can be replaced or upgraded over time.

Final Thoughts

High-low design isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about investing wisely. When you understand where quality makes a difference and where simplicity serves just as well, you create a home that feels intentional, livable, and uniquely yours.

At Grounded Homes, we help our clients make these choices with confidence. We guide every project with a clear point of view, ensuring your home feels elevated without feeling overdone—and lived-in without sacrificing style.

Thinking about a project? We’d love to help you find the right balance, layer by layer.

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