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I’m an Interior Designer. I Won’t Be Wasting Money on These 7 Things This Year.

  • I have been an interior designer for years and there are certain things I won’t buy this year.

  • I won’t buy office chairs that are more stylish than functional or require plants.

  • I avoid quickly bought furniture, mass produced carpets and kitchen gadgets that only have one use.

As an interior designer, I am always looking for objects that combine value and style.

This year, my goal is to prioritize durable design elements that will stand the test of time, focusing on smart investments rather than chasing fleeting fads.

Here are the things I won’t waste money on in 2024.

Too expensive, branded decorations

High prices and luxury names do not always go hand in hand with quality, which is why I avoid spending too much money on branded decorative items just for the sake of it.

For me, good design is about finding hidden gems that combine style and substance, regardless of brand. I have an open mind for inexpensive pieces and a discerning eye for expensive ones.

Non-ergonomic office chairs

A white, spacious home office with a desk in front of the windows and a small console table with artwork hanging above itA white, spacious home office with a desk in front of the windows and a small console table with artwork hanging above it

An office chair should be about comfort, not style. Morsa Images/Getty Images

If you work remotely, having a comfortable home office is extremely important.

And while I would love to have a beautiful space, I no longer want to spend money on office chairs just for the sake of it — yes, I’m talking about you, trendy velvet office chair!

A good office chair should be ergonomic and designed to be comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.

Plants that require a lot of care

This year I am avoiding plants that require a lot of care.

Instead, I opt for low-maintenance greenery, which allows me to breathe life into a space without the stress of rigorous maintenance routines.

Plastic plants can look cheap, so I’ve found that dried flowers and branches are a reliable alternative. They’re perfect for those of us who can’t keep plants in good condition.

Cheap, mass-produced carpets

Instead of being tempted by cheap, mass-produced rugs, I will invest in durable, high-quality rugs that will enhance the aesthetic value of my space and withstand everyday wear and tear.

This will save me from having to replace them frequently.

Too many pillows

Place pillows on a neutral bed with a gray night lightPlace pillows on a neutral bed with a gray night light

Too many pillows can just be overwhelming. Khongkit Wiriyachan/Getty Images

I love pillows, but too many are out of place. This year, having more than three pillows on your bed is unacceptable

I will invest in quality over quantity, choosing pillows that fit the space but don’t clutter up sofas and beds.

Fast furniture

Throughout 2024, sustainable development will be a priority for me, which will help me choose durable furniture that is consistent with an ecological philosophy.

While a $300 sofa may seem appealing because of its affordability, mass-produced furniture breaks quickly, contributing to a throwaway culture.

By choosing to pay more for clothes that will last, I am focusing on quality and actively reducing waste.

Unnecessarily specialist kitchen gadgets

Sorry, but I won’t be adding any more disposable gadgets to my kitchen arsenal.

While an avocado slicer or hot dog toaster may seem tempting, I prefer to use multi-tools to keep my kitchen organized.

Read the original article on Business Insider