The Genius Trick This Designer Uses Before Buying New Home Décor

Redecorating, though exciting, can prove to be daunting—and costly. Though we love to keep up with the newest home décor trends, most of us try to avoid overspending on pieces that, although we may love at the moment, can foresee getting rid of in just a year or two.

This decorating conundrum can prove to be difficult, even for décor pros. But, expert Laura Genevieve of Blanco Bungalow cited a genius trick that she always references before investing in new home décor: the one in, one out rule.

"I have used the 'one in, one out' trick so many times," Genevieve shares with us. "Say I have a coffee table that I can’t stand—I list it on Offerup or Facebook Marketplace and wait for it to sell. Then, when it eventually sells, I use the money to go buy the table I love." 

Letting something go before investing in something new upholds order in your home. Genius, right? Not only is this rule of thumb helpful to your wallet, but it also keeps your space from becoming too cluttered or too far from your original design scheme—this simple way to keep our homes looking great is a principle we can definitely get behind.

In addition to "one in, one out," Genevieve embraces many alternative ways of shopping for décor that try to avoid long, tempting strolls around an expensive big box store. She's sharing more tricks with us for creating a space you adore without constantly purchasing new items.

"This speaks closely to my heart—whether I’ve rented or lived in my own home, there’s always been a budget," she shares. "Sometimes, it can be discouraging to see Instagram-perfect houses everywhere you look. But, there are so many creative ways to decorate, style, and furnish your home on a budget."

Embrace Secondhand Shopping

There is a certain thrill that comes with scoring an amazing piece secondhand, most likely for an amazing price as well. Genevieve is an active user of Facebook Marketplace to not only sell her own décor, but score new finds—one in, one out, right?

"I would up re-activating my Facebook account just to have access to the Marketplace," Genevieve shares with us. "It’s a great place to find vintage or gently-used furniture, as well as some unique pieces."

Check out what is local to your area, and make a day of shopping. "I'm pretty lucky to have so many local flea markets in L.A.," Genevieve notes. "They’re a great place to find cool art pieces, home goods, and more that will give your space that unique and special extra touch."

Be Patient Before Buying

It can be ever-so-tempting to spot the latest in Target and reach immediately for your wallet. But, a smarter strategy is to keep your eye on a piece you really love and wait for it to go on sale. If you still love the item by the time it's on sale, then you know it was the right purchase.

"Wait for a holiday for big-ticket items such as appliances and furniture," Genevieve notes. "If you can be patient, you'll end up getting a great deal."

Scour Estate Sales

Don't knock it until you try it—shopping at an estate sale can be a blast, plus, there are so many treasures to be discovered at estate sales that you won't find anywhere else.

Genevieve is also a big fan. "Try shopping at estate sales or yard sales," she suggests. "There are great estate sales where I live, and you can find some incredible pieces."

Be a Minimalist

When in doubt, one of the best philosophies when decorating is to lean into minimalism: keep what you need and love, and be rid of what you don't. "My best tip to save while decorating is to become a minimalist," Genevieve notes. "The older I get, the more I learn that less is more. A calm, peaceful, clutter-free space is the best kind of space." 

Don’t pressure yourself to fill a home with décor, furniture, and other things, Genevieve suggests. Aim for special, key pieces that feel luxurious to you, and just keep it simple.