Every home upgrade needs a budget, and it’s always a worthy goal to find ways to save. But when updating your rooms, it’s just as important to know when to splurge. We asked local designers about the places where spending a bit extra can bring lasting beauty, comfort, and joy.
Time to Splurge
Terry Gillespie
Hennessee Haven
Splurge on a great mattress. While you may not see the beauty of a well-made mattress, you will surely feel better with a good night’s sleep. Look for rotatable mattresses with high coil count and avoid cheap foam mattresses.
Ann Nager
DZN Studio
Splurge on an iconic piece of furniture like the Womb Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, or an Eames lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller. It’s like having a beautiful piece of artwork as furniture.
Nathan Zak
Villa Verona Design Inc.
I wouldn’t necessarily consider it splurging, but rather allocating the right budget numbers to the areas of the home that make the most impact and give the greatest value. One area that I recommend adding a little extra cushion in the budget is the lighting package. More specifically, areas of high impact, such as the dining room, great room, master bathroom, and kitchen island. When done correctly, the lighting becomes the jewelry of the home and people will notice the impact of well-designed lighting.
Ivet Ivanova
Bogari Furniture
Your living room is your main living space, and having quality seating that’s comfortable, visually pleasing, and that will withstand the test of real life is fundamental. The one item that I would splurge on is your main upholstered seating. Your primary sofa or sectional should be comfortable, durable, and beautiful, and require an investment. Quality leather and fabrics will feel nicer against the skin and be able to resist soil, even in lighter shades. Many times, budget upholstered pieces may look stylish in the showroom but will not last through the wear and tear of real life . . . (investing in quality) will save you money in the long run while providing comfort and aesthetics to your home.
Barbara Dalton
Dalton Interiors
Splurge on a custom built-in desk to give you the functional space you need that is also aesthetically pleasing!
Cynthia Masters
Panageries
If a client can splurge on one thing, I always recommend it be on quality upholstery. While custom upholstery is preferable, if purchasing furniture from a manufacturer, look for a frame that is made of thick, kiln-dried hardwood with corner blocking that is glued and screwed to the frame. Additionally, be sure the cushions contain quality fill. Opting for high-end pieces with classic lines will absolutely get you your money’s worth and ensure your pieces can be enjoyed for years to come.
Molly Wittig
Wright Design
Elevate your space with original art! You’ll never regret the investment of finding a one-of-a-kind piece that really resonates with you personally, and it will bring amazing depth and life to your space. Whether you’re supporting up-and-coming artists or investing in a piece from someone well known, choosing an original instead of a mass-produced print will give you a little slice of creativity that speaks to your soul. Continue to collect art YOU love (no other opinions allowed), and the walls around you will always make a space feel like home, no matter where you are.
BethAnn Connor
Nandina Home & Design
You can never go wrong with investing in beautiful custom drapery and custom throw pillows. Drapery and pillows are the key accessories that complete a room, and when you find the perfect fabric, it can transform a space. The taller the drapery, the better! Hanging your drapes near the ceiling or just below the crown molding will make the room look larger. It is a great designer trick for making lower ceilings look higher and smaller rooms larger. Having a custom workroom make drapery based on the measurements of your windows will elevate the design of your space. I love pairing custom drapery with coordinating fabric on pillows. Don’t be afraid to add little trim details with fringes or tapes.
Lyn Norton
Home Style
This may be an unexpected answer from a designer, but I believe it’s money well spent using an experienced painter and quality paint. I believe a well-prepped canvas is the basis for a well-designed room. Quality of drywall finishing goes hand in hand with quality paint. There are several levels of drywall finishing that dictate the paint finish intended. Lacquered or high-gloss ceilings and walls, for instance, need a “level 5” finishing. This level finishing is the most effective in providing a uniform surface in order to minimize any drywall blemishes and joints. Using a quality paint is well worth the splurge. I prefer Benjamin Moore paints. They use their own additives for blending, allowing them to control the end product. In other words, if you paint your walls that perfect shade of blue, you’ll get the exact color match 15-20 years later when using Benjamin Moore paints. And the depth and richness of their colors are downright awe-inspiring!
Sarah O’Dell
Villa West
A bar cart is a great piece of furniture, because not only is it mobile, it can be the centerpiece for any party, and is much easier to style with less investment.
