Jenn Todryk Says Put the "Cheap Lights" in These Rooms

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Like many of our readers, the House Beautiful shopping editors are always on a quest to decorate and refresh our homes in the most wallet-friendly ways possible. That said, we don't have anything against splurging on something we love or investing in a piece we want to enjoy for years to come (two key principles of slow decorating). This leads us into the next point: there's something to be said about mixing the high with low. Need some pointers, here? We caught up with HGTV star Jenn Todryk at a recent Kohl's event, where we asked the designer for her best tips on affordable decorating. Given that she curated a collection of home-centric items for the retailer, Todryk was the perfect person for this mission. And, her advice is highly heeded. Keep reading to maximize your space and budget.

Don't Skimp on What Your Butt Touches

Of course, not everything in the home can (or should) be cheap. There are places to spend and others to save, so if you're wondering which, let Todryk explain. "I truthfully don't have expensive decor in my home. I am really big on investing in high-quality furniture where your butt and body lay, including couches and mattresses," she says. "But as far as decor goes, like what sits on a shelf all day, there's no need to buy anything too expensive." This advice may sound unorthodox to people who love an expensive vase or a gorgeous crystal picture frame, but your style and tastes will change over time. Since you may want to swap out decorative pieces every now and then, eliminating any cost-induced guilt over spending too much on, say, bookends is a good idea.

Invest Only in Timeless "Trends"

As a designer with a beloved decorating show, Todryk admits that she kind of has to embrace up-and-coming trends, but they aren't exactly the best use of your time or money because they change so often. One "trend," however, she considers timeless, is decades- or centuries-old millwork. "I think the trend that's been on the up and up since I started my show is embracing original architectural character from old homes," she shares. "A lot of people are paying to incorporate that beautiful stacked molding and the specific trim into new builds because, well, 21st-century spaces just don't have that kind of character."

So, if you want to stay on-trend without wasting money on a fad that won't last, focus on the architectural details. If your home is on the older side, investing in the millwork's repair or restoration is a good call. And if you live in a newer home (built within the last decade or two), you may want to consider incorporating detailed trim and moldings where you want a bit more charisma. "This is definitely the kind of trend that will stay around for hundreds of years," Todryk adds.

Find Treasures on Affordable Sites

The enormous online outposts with thousands of goodies may not be the place you'll buy your beloved heirloom pieces, but it's a great spot to find anything you need cheap, fast, and for a short period of time. Todryk suggests exploring the middle ground between high and low on sites like Kohl's. "Plus, if you want to swap anything you buy out, it's easy to find affordable replacements online because there's just so much stuff, and a lot of it is on the more affordable side." One of her recent cheap buys we're pretty enthused by is Todryk's collection of cordless lamps under $50.

Put the Cheap Lights Upstairs

And install the more expensive ones downstairs, which, Todryk says, may increase your home's value if or when you decide to sell it. "I only put quality lighting on the bottom floors because that's where the people are when you host," she says. "Go cheaper on the kids' bedrooms and guest rooms because those don't necessarily matter as much—especially in kids' rooms because they tend to break. In the kitchen and living room, though, consider investing in the good stuff."

Buy the Expensive Stuff First and the Cheaper Things Last

When designing a room from scratch, Todryk suggests getting the big-ticket items first and using the leftover budget on the decor. "Furniture would be the first place to start when starting with a blank space," she says. Of course, there are always exceptions when you find something special. "I once found an incredible rug and ended up designing an entire room around it, which I never really do, but this was an amazing rug," she adds.

Wooden Accent Table Lamp

Speckled Amber Glass Vase

Luella Tribal Geo Area Rug

16-Piece Jura Stoneware Dinnerware Set

Mahogany & Cedar Candle

Beauchamp Coffee Table

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room