Inside design: Samantha Pynn

S@H: What are the biggest mistakes people make with their decorating dollars?
SP: Working on Pure Design, I've discovered that people buy stuff without having a plan or solid vision for how they'll use it in their home. When items don't work, it costs money, and worse, it's superfrustrating -- the type of frustration that brings people to tears. I can completely empathize; I once purchased a big sectional sofa for my living room without measuring it. Although the sofa fit, it completely overpowered the room. You have to start with a floor plan and some inspirational tear sheets. They'll save you from making costly mistakes.

S@H: When is a bargain not a bargain?
SP: Temporary fixes are never a bargain. Sometimes we buy items because they're inexpensive. I constantly hear people say "I got this because I needed something." Two years later, they get rid of it because it's not working. That's a waste.

S@H: Can you recount a personal victory with respect to beating the bottom line?
SP: I found a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes for $180 at Holt Renfrew Last Call that are so sexy and stylish. Oh, you meant furniture! Well, I found a $25 lamp and "upcycled" it with a new $75 shade. It looks awesome, like a brand-new lamp, but one that nobody else has. And here's another project: I bought three Malm chests from IKEA for $89 each and butted them together to form one large piece that I topped with investment lamps. It looks like I spent a bundle!

Splurge or save?

Save by buying vintage pieces. "Many of them are well made and are built to last," says Samantha.

Splurge on upholstery. A good upholsterer will make a piece last and look gorgeous, too!

Save by refreshing a favourite desk or chest of drawers with a coat of paint.

Splurge on classic pieces you'll have forever, such as white dishware, white bedding, and a wool rug.

Save on the fun stuff, like accent plates, vases and colourful pillows.

Splurge on fresh, seasonal flowers. "It's amazing how much of a pick-me-up even a single bloom can be," says Samantha.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Inside Design