With the holiday season already upon us, many homeowners will be looking to spruce up their living spaces. Whether you will be doing a thorough spring clean, or simply rearranging furniture for a new look, it is always a wise idea to break down your plan of action room-by-room to get the most out of your holiday spruce-up budget. We have enlisted two interior designers, both with years of experience and a wealth of knowledge on all things décor: Dernell Brown of Francilia Interiors and Dr. Tara Wilkinson-McClean of Interiors by Haven.
Living Room
“My rule of thumb is splurging on those items which are close to you, like throws on a sofa or a comfy rug beneath your toes,” said Dernell. She also added that while everyone may not be able to change their furniture, having a collection of seasonal throw covers can make a difference.
“You can mix and match cushions with varying price points,” she advised.
Tara also echoed Dernell’s sentiments on both saving and splurging on living rooms. She noted that if you want a change in style or size, you may want to invest in a new sofa but if you are happy with it, changing the upholstery will give you a new look for less.
On the topic of accent walls for the living room, Dernell believes that the concept of painting one wall a different colour is phasing out and suggested a gallery wall instead.
If you are still head over heels in love with the idea of an accent wall, though, Tara has a fabulous tip for you: “Consider the colour scheme of your home and find a colour that supports the existing theme to keep the look consistent. Also, think about the size of the room. Cool colours such as light purples, blues, and greens can make rooms feel bigger. For a more dramatic statement, you can opt for reds, oranges, and yellows. Black and grey make really interesting accent walls if you have a well-lit room.”
Tara’s pro tip for the living room: “You want to create a full sensory experience. Adding a scented candle, textured throw pillows, and playing music can add a little flair for the holidays.”
On curtains:
“If you’re going with new curtains, I recommend buying them before the season to reduce cost. If you’re on a budget, you can opt to move the curtains to different rooms to give each space a refreshed look,” she shared.
Dining Room
Your dining room is where guests will spend most of their time and homeowners want to make sure that they pull out all the stops for this room.
“Consider working from a theme,” says Tara. Draw on the colours from the accents in the home and add varying textures and heights to the centrepiece. Be sure that centrepieces don’t block your guests at the table. You want to encourage conversation as the holidays are about the moments you share with friends and family.”
According to Dernell, you can definitely get creative and make your own centrepiece.
“Apps like Pinterest can help you get creative in using what you already have in the house and to create a great conversation starter while also adding a bit of personality to your space,” she noted.
Kitchen
Every homeowner’s dream is to have a spacious kitchen where they make delicious magic happen. You’re going to be spending hours in the kitchen cooking up that delicious holiday feast, family members and guests traversing in and out. Dernell believes that you can spruce up your kitchen without ripping out tiles and repainting cabinets.
“You can update your hardware (handles) or even change the lighting. Lighting can make a big difference in a space. Even under cabinet lighting can add a layer of sophistication and practicality.”
Pro-tip from Dernell for your kitchen: “Adding some plants by the windows and maybe some fresh colours to your counter space, for example, canisters, fruit bowls or towels can help lift the flair of your space instead of your budget.”
Flowerpot Bowl Sandy, $16.99, Kooyman
Flowerpot Bowl Concrete, $18.99, Kooyman
Meanwhile, Tara sees the kitchen as an “investment” room: “The workflow is the most important aspect. Create a work triangle, then invest in materials and appliances that can take the daily use,” she advised.
Bedroom
Both designers agreed that one should only splurge on the intimate details in your bedroom… like sheets.
“When it comes to the bedroom, things touch our skin. Sheets and comforters are worth the splurge. Also, lovely blackout curtains help pull together an intimate space. These are items you want to change up frequently. No need to splurge on the rug,” says Dernell. She also asserted that since the bed is where you will be spending most of your time, invest in a quality mattress. “Who doesn’t want to feel like they are staying in a five-star hotel every night?” she quipped.
Tara’s tip for the bedroom is simple: “Whether you keep the existing furniture or invest in new pieces, you should mix the style to create interest.”
Pro-tip from Tara for the bedroom: “Go through the things you have and keep only the things that bring you joy. Decluttering will reduce the visual noise in your home and help you relax.”
Bathroom
For many, the bathroom is more than just a room for taking showers and baths. It is an oasis of self-care. No wonder both Tara and Dernell agreed on splurging on good-quality fixtures.
“Invest in the showers, sink, toilet, and storage since it is costly to renovate,” advises Tara.
Pro-tip for the bathroom from Tara: 
“To enhance the tranquillity, focus on the whole experience – what do you see, feel, smell and hear? Add a plant, art… consider the tile finish and the feel of the towels and mats, light scented candles, and music. Also, think about what products you use. The skin is the largest organ on the body so you want to use chemical-free products that have a relaxing scent.”
“I would splurge on a rain shower system unless you are one who loves baths, then the tub may be your focal point. Keeping the counter space as minimal as possible, hand soap, and maybe a cute plant can help maintain the cleanliness of your bathroom space. So finding other ways of storage, be it in a mirrored cabinet or vanity is preferred. If you want to update your old shower, consider tempered glass. Your bathroom will look even bigger,” says Dernell.