Our experts tell us where spending a bit more will pay off in comfort and style
In our winter issue, we asked area interior designers and decorators to weigh in on the most rewarding places to splurge in the home, and we had so many great responses that we’re sharing more in this issue. From original art to the perfect light bulb, these splurges can take your spaces from perfectly pleasant to simply perfect.
Splurge on Style
Home has taken on far greater importance in recent years and owning quality custom window treatments is one of the best investments you can make in creating your perfect home. Not only can homeowners address functional needs (like privacy, light, energy efficiency, and smart home automation), they can also fully integrate their own personal style and taste into every room.
Beth Mills | High Country Drapery Designs
A rug can make a big difference in a room. It can make it feel cozier and add softness. A lot of homeowners select a rug that is too small for their space. To ensure you have the right size, make sure your furniture has at least two legs on the rug.
Kathleen Reynolds | Kathleen Reynolds Interiors
Splurge on good upholstery for pieces used everyday. Hardwood frames, eight-way, hand tied springs, and quality fabrics will provide years of use over more cheaply made products.
Terry Gillespie | Hennessee Haven
Splurge on an incredibly comfortable benchmade sofa in a fabulous fabric. Your sofa is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your house, so splurging on it is so worth the extra cost. It will stand the test of time over all those movie nights at home with your family. Not to mention sustainable, as this will keep furniture that does not last out of the landfill. Verellen and EJ Victor are two of our favorites and made in North Carolina.
Ann Nager | DZN Studio
When renovating (or with new builds for that matter), we really suggest ‘splurging’ on custom cabinetry, especially in the kitchen. The flexibility of using custom cabinetry is simply unmatched and you can make sure that they are the best fit for your space—no wasted space! Not only that, but it allows you to build your kitchen around your family’s lifestyle and style. In some cases, we have found that the price difference is not at all overwhelming. We typically try to use inset doors, which do add another bump; however, it’s well worth it for the clean design.
Amanda Louise Campbell | Amanda Louise Interiors
One seemingly small item that we recommend splurging on: the lightbulbs throughout your entire home! It may sound inconspicuous, but we believe intentionality here can seriously upgrade any interior . . . There is a wide range of preferences when selecting the temperature or warmth that will work best in your space (professionally called ‘lamps’ or ‘lamping’). If you prefer a warm or incandescent style light, choose a bulb that says 2700k on the box. If you prefer a more clear, white light (my favorite), 3000k is best. Look for a high color rendering index (CRI) to help the colors in your space look more natural. Keep an eye out for bulbs that have a CRI of 85 or higher.
Katie Skoloff | In Site Designs
I think it is important to splurge on a piece of art that you love. Surrounding yourself with artwork that brings you joy and represents your personality is one of the best avenues of self expression.
Louise Hane | Louise Hane Interior Design
“Art you love. Art brings a timeless and unparalleled energy to a space.”
Everett King | Everett King Consulting
