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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

What's your biggest home splurge?

Photo Credit: Wright

Photo Credit: Wright

While, in all practicality, my next home splurge should be a really great, ergonomic desk chair, I just can't seem to get excited about that and will probably end up going for the least expensive (and least ugly) thing that looks like it has any back support at all, and save my rainy day money for something more like a vacation*. The truth is, I am bad at splurging. Like almost physically incapable of it. I envy the people who can buy the high(er)-end but well-constructed sofa they truly love and then fill the rest of the living room with cheapies from discount stores and flea markets. In my home, it's all cheapies. I know, I know, it's a recession now, no one needs to be splurging anyway, blah blah blah, but I'm still curious what other people will willfully ignore (or completely rearrange) their budgets in order to procure for their homes—fancy appliances? artwork? iconic furniture? high-thread-count sheets?

So you tell me: What's your biggest home splurge, and if it's a recurring expense, will that change if the economy stays stalled?


*Given that fact, this $49,000 Design Within Reach-outfitted Airstream might be the right kind of splurge for me, if I had that kind of money. And a place to park it.
Photo Credit: DWR

Photo Credit: DWR



More opportunities to sound off on Shine:
Discuss your worst-ever household purchases
Is heirloom furniture a blessing or a burden?
Do you sweep or Swiffer?
What do you collect?
What are you doing to freshen up your home for summer?
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 24
  • Carlota's Avatar
    Posted by Carlota Wed Jul 2, 2008 7:14am PDT

    I'm with the sheets. Definitely have to have good sheets.

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  • Christi's Avatar
    Posted by Christi Wed Jul 2, 2008 7:59am PDT

    I'm with Carlota, I have to have great sheets and a good mattress and great pillows. I figure I spend 1/3 of my life in the bed it may as well be comfortable.

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  • Jessica's Avatar
    Posted by Jessica Wed Jul 2, 2008 8:48am PDT

    Cookware. I used to buy cheapies and realized it just wasn't worth it. Non-stick coating would scratch off even without using metal utensils. Now I go with nicer enameled cast iron. It costs more, but it's much more durable and usually comes with a great warranty (lifetime for some brands).

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  • Pinner's Avatar
    Posted by Pinner Wed Jul 2, 2008 11:14am PDT

    bedroom set! Have to have a comfy matress and pretty sheets, blankets, and pillows to enjoy the room I will spend 1/3 of my day in! In fact, I think our bedroom has the most decoration / expense of any room so far in our house. We just bought a house, so we had to finish one room... when we were trying to decide which room to work on first, we both looked at each other and both said "the bedroom!". So we have a decked out bedroom (thank you IKEA!) and the rest of the house barely looks like anyone lives here! :)

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  • JosieM111's Avatar
    Posted by JosieM111 Wed Jul 2, 2008 12:34pm PDT

    Definitely sheets.

    Oh la la...

    j.

    www.lifeofjosiem.com

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  • J.P.'s Avatar
    Posted by J.P. Wed Jul 2, 2008 2:51pm PDT

    My biggest splurge is "MY HUSBAND"! He spends thousands of dollars on the damn yard, but we don't live in the yard!!!! DUH!!! If he dies first, I'm going to take a flame thrower to it!!!!

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  • Camillon's Avatar
    Posted by Camillon Wed Jul 2, 2008 6:13pm PDT

    home electronics you know

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  • eleganceamust's Avatar
    Posted by eleganceamust Thu Jul 3, 2008 5:48am PDT

    Any Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic feather and down sofa or chaise...they are elegant, comfy and sturdy!

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  • PORKCHOP's Avatar
    Posted by PORKCHOP Thu Jul 3, 2008 8:28am PDT

    SHEETS.

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  • Russ's Avatar
    Posted by Russ Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:40pm PDT

    Home theater and electronics.....

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Comments 1-10 of 24

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No, I'm not turning into a Buddhist monk, giving away everything except the shirt on mine and my kids' backs. I've just come to my senses. If I own a lot less, life will become simpler. -Blond & Blithe