Expensive tastes and compromises?

I hate to admit this, but I have expensive taste.  I feel like I am in AA… “My name is Cathy Andréasson, I have a problem and I like expensive things.”  I feel like I need to clarify though, I do not like expensive things for the sake of expensive things.  I like second hand and bargain shopping but I also like unique things that come with “unique” prices.  So how does this translate to my un-intentional quest to becoming a Svensson? The bigger the house the more rooms to furnish and how do you own “nice” things with a toddler?  If you have designer or expensive things, do you stand out too much from your neighbors?  Will I blend in? Am I lagom enough?

I remember planning for our apartment (the one just sold) and looking at these beautiful Danish design chairs, thinking how perfect they would be at our dinner parties (that never happen).  They were classy, simple, untreated oak with leather seats and cost $3200( 22000 SEK) for two!  My husband and I looked at them half a million times (7), sitting on them, lounging, and testing all that was acceptable in a high-end furniture store.  After 4 months of consideration we decided, those were the ones.  Then, I got pregnant.  We tried to convince ourselves for months that these chairs would work with a kid and the oak  would gain character. In the end we decided on a more practical, washable, cheaper ($2500) option =)  We now have our Stingray, yes it even comes with a name, adorning our living room and yes it is “kid friendly”.  It is as much art as furniture… and at that price we will love it (even if we hate it) for MANY years to come, though I still mourn the loss of those beautiful twin oak chairs.