Splurge or Save? Modern Traditional Living Room

Need help redecorating your living room? We can help you achieve that with furniture, an area rug, art, lighting, and window treatments. Whether your budget is high or low, we can create a room you love! Here’s an example of two living rooms with the same design goal: a modern traditional living room but at different price points. Or if you are in the mid-range for budget, you can use a mix of items that are “high” and “low” price points!

Product links for both looks are provided below.

What drives up the price/makes it more expensive?

  • Artisan made- custom built furniture (sofa, recliner) frames made by craftsmen, upholstery made in the USA by artisans (seat cushions), more labor intensive seat suspensions

  • FSC Certified Wood

  • Real leather, responsibly sourced

  • Seat cushions contain materials made from partially plant-based material and a blend of sterilized down and feathers.

  • Handmade and customizable furniture

  • Finished wood surfaces that are sealed and lacquered for added protection

  • Solid metal materials (cabinet hardware, light fixture, steel suspension in couch)

  • Hand-knotted rugs and premium materials (i.e. wool)

  • More expensive quality materials (linen)

  • Popular Brand/Higher Markup 

What keeps the cost down? 

  • Mass produced and imported materials

  • Items made with cheaper materials such as Polyester, Polypropylene, Cotton

  • Poly-fill inserts

  • Furniture frames made with engineered hardwood, engineered wood (plywood, MDF), and veneer

  • Less labor-intensive seat suspensions (your cushion will have less support/more sagging over time)

  • Area rug is machine printed (pattern is surface printed, not hand woven)

  • Factory made furniture

  • Assembly required (shipped in smaller package via courier, with all the parts separated)  

  • Artwork is mass printed (not original paintings/drawings) and cheaper frames

  • Metal coated hardware (cabinet hardware, light fixture)

PRO TIP: Remember to leave some room in the budget for shipping and tax! Don’t forget you can bundle items from the same retailer to save on shipping. Most companies offer “white glove delivery” or “in-home delivery” for larger pieces, which typically range anywhere from $200-350 flat fee for all items in your order. They’ll bring the items into the bedroom, unpack them, and take away the packaging. Assembly is not included but can sometimes be added for a fee.

SHOPPING LINKS:

Prices and availability are subject to change per the vendor/manufacturer.

SPLURGE DESIGN LINKS

Norwalk Three-Piece Corner Sectional(beacon cashmere)

Ubud Coffee Table

Loreo Hand-Knotted Wool Rug (9x12)

Scarlett Slope Arm Leather Swivel Glider Chair (Milan - Umber leather)

Bodhi Media Console(oat, 80”)

Emery Linen Curtain in Mocha

Callahan Floor Lamp(oil-rubbed bronze, white slope shade)

Floral Wall Art Abstract Collection Print

Wrought Iron Convertible Lantern

SAVE DESIGN LINKS

Modmax 5-Piece Fabric Modular Sectional(oyster)

Irving Square Arm Leather Swivel Recliner(maple signature)

Rockport Rectangular Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table (66”, Sierra)

Washable Vintage Floral Area Rug Sage Green(9x12)

Clairemont 72" Natural Wood Storage Media Console

Spyglass Floor Lamp(oil rubbed bronze)

Textured Cotton Room Darkening Curtain(flax)

Maris 5-Light Ceiling Light(black)

Emotive Peonies Wall Art

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