26 Home Design Experts Share What’s Worth Splurging on in Your Home

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Paint, good quality timeless finishes and pieces and an Interior Designer!

Why's it worth the investment?

Paint has the power to completely transform the look and feel of any home no matter how run down it is. It can modernize & bring life back into any building. The colour paint you choose is crucial as colour alone has the power to affect how we think and feel and can actually be used as a tool to manipulate the perceived size of a space. Lighter whites can make a room feel larger where darker moodier colours can create a feeling of ambience and cosines so depending on your personal preference and also the long term goal of your home whether it’s your forever home or an investment property this will play an important role in the decision making when it comes to choosing the right paint colour.

When you invest in your home it is worthwhile to ensure you have thoughtfully planned the design as we spend most of our lives within our homes and the design of our environment can greatly impact our lives. We want to make sure that we are investing in good quality and timeless pieces & finishes to ensure the space does not just look good today but in years to come. Save yourself the costly and time-consuming experience that comes with double handing and do the job once and do it right.

This is where investing in an Interior Designer can be well and truly worth the investment and pay itself back tenfold when it comes to your home. Not only will a good designer thoughtfully plan out every inch of your home to ensure it not only looks amazing but also functions with absolute ease, they will think long term and ensure that the home is designed in such a way that it will stay beautiful for years to come. They will also take the guessing work out of the equation for you, the time, the money and all the back and forth of every little decision that goes into creating the perfect space to ensure it is curated and customised to suit you and your life. Whilst Interior Design can seem like an investment at first it truly does end up saving you money in the long term, being able to benefit from their trade discounts, connections and utilising their expertise when it comes to transforming a space you can ensure you are going to get a good quality design that is made to stand the test of time.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Landscaping

Why's it worth the investment?

It turns a house into a home and creates a sense of ambience.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Window Joinery & External Doors

Why's it worth the investment?

I don’t think you can overestimate the impact beautiful windows and doors have on a home. They assist both the exterior and interior look gorgeous, and just are one of the most important parts of any built environment.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Flooring!

Why's it worth the investment?

Flooring makes a HUGE impact on your overall home and it’s really hard (and will cost you more!) to change down the track. It’s one of the very first things you see as you walk in so get the best quality you can afford. Think about easy-clean and durability, it needs to wear well to stand the test of time. But also consider your colours to future-proof for any changes you might make to it’s surrounds down the track.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

High quality tapware

Why's it worth the investment?

We strongly recommend high-quality tapware to our clients when we are working on interior specifications with all levels of budget. It is important that tapware, particularly those with coloured finishes are covered by a good warranty. Some brands of tapware will only have a limited warranty of up to 12 months for certain parts which means the client will be liable for replacement if the colours start to peel off or become faulty. Clients are also often liable for the labour component as well which can often be more expensive than the tapware item itself. As many items of plumbing fixtures and fittings are “roughed in” so installed at the frame stage they can be more difficult to replace or match with other brands if problems arise.

There are many brands of tapware in the market that offer a ten-year and up warranty on their tapware and accessories which means our clients can have peace of mind about their investment. We absolutely love working with Australian-made tapware companies that provide great warranties and service to our customers with beautifully made tapware that will last many years to come. We recommend sourcing the best quality tapware that you can afford and doing your research on the inclusions and exclusions of warranties for the brands that you are purchasing.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Integrated appliances

Why's it worth the investment?

Our kitchens are more than just kitchens. They are the spaces we spend most of our time in. Integrated appliances will ensure a more seamless design approach with less visual clutter. This holds even more importance with open plan living where the kitchen is seen from so many different angles.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

This is a difficult question as your home is a place of comfort and self-expression! So it depends on the person and what they feel is most worth their money. However, with experience, I’d say Joinery, Lighting & Feature Pieces.

Why's it worth the investment?

Joinery

Splurging on soft close drawers and cupboards and even push to open systems really makes a difference. These little extra touches create a softer and more luxurious space. Also having hardware that complements the rest of your home. Joinery is also a place that is often overlooked, you can do so much with design & colour in joinery, for instance, YSG Studio is a powerhouse in custom designs and honestly, your imagination is the limit.

Lighting

Lighting is an instant mood activator. A home should have three levels of lighting to create an atmosphere whilst being functional. Ambient light is your general lighting, instead of downlights maybe try track lighting, it adds a little more luxury to a space. Task lighting is key, but think about it interestingly, like led strip lighting in your handrail or flush with kitchen joinery. A wall lamp that you can swing out. Ambient lighting, my personal favourite, can instantly make a space feel completely different. The perfect lighting is warm lighting, around 2500-3500 kelvins (personal preference), however warm lighting gives a space that atmosphere. Consider wall lights, as they can be pieces of art. The sky is the limit, just make sure there is balance.

Feature Pieces

My personal splurge moment is finding your feature piece items, these may take years to find but have an idea of what you’re looking for and it will pop up. I found an original Featherston modular sofa on Gumtree after looking for a year, it was luck but it can happen! When those dream pieces come, snap them up. Second-hand marketplaces, antiques, and garage sales are all places to frequently scavenge. Pieces that have lived a life immediately bring warmth into a home and add depth and story to spaces.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

A good quality sofa

Why's it worth the investment?

Who doesn’t enjoy indulging and getting cosy on a beautiful sofa that feels luxurious and comfortable?

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The kitchen

Why's it worth the investment?

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the centrepiece, and it’s the room that gets used 24/7, therefore it’s the perfect place to splurge. Spend your money on great quality appliances, fittings and finishes. Natural stone bench tops, custom cabinetry and quality tapware are my go-to splurge items for a designer kitchen that will also stand the test of time. Always opt for quality over quantity in the kitchen.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

I always recommend investing in the highest quality materials you can – and this is especially important in fixed materials of a new build. Think windows, benchtops and other materials that cannot be easily upgraded down the track. I suggest ‘saving’ on areas that you can finish off or upgrade easily down the track, such as adding decorative wall panelling or enhancing the landscaping.

Why's it worth the investment?

This is because fixed materials are just that – fixed. And you want these to last the distance. Decorative accents and additional interest through wallpaper or other enhancements can be easily added after the initial cost of the build has settled.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The bathroom and kitchen

Why's it worth the investment?

Your bathroom and kitchen work hard for you and they’re not rooms that we tend to redesign very often, only replacing them every 15 years or so. That’s a long time to live with a room. So not only do they need to look good but they also need to last years to come too so when it comes to budget these two rooms are the place to splurge. Think quality, durability and a classic design that won’t date utilising luxurious materials like marble, brass and high-end wood finishes.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

One statement piece/focal point per room

Why's it worth the investment?

Every room needs a focal point, something that draws your eye, gives them a place to rest, and makes you smile your face off. For example, if it’s a bedroom, use a headboard that is oversized and unique or a bold color. If it’s your living room, splurge and get a massive piece of artwork instead of a few smaller pieces. If it’s a kids room, put a fun wallpaper on the wall behind their bed. If it’s your dining room, get a chandelier that you never want to stop staring at. These items don’t necessarily have to be expensive, but they will make your home feel more expensive and unique.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Quality flooring may be expensive but it can future proof a home

Why's it worth the investment?

Whether you are moving into your forever home or are currently building or extending, flooring cannot be an aftermath thought. While you can be tempted to go for a cheap wood laminate floor ‘to start with’, it can be tricky, costly and not environmentally friendly to replace it after only a few years, especially when furniture is already in place. Expert installation of your dream flooring, whether this is carpet, wood or tiles, is also important to future-proof any project. Order plenty of samples or use a visualiser app to see what the flooring might look like in your home before you order and make sure that it is the kind of flooring that can cope with your everyday lifestyle needs.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The Kitchen!

Why's it worth the investment?

The kitchen is the heart of the home! And a well-designed kitchen can fetch a better price when selling the house so you cannot go wrong with splurging on fitting it out. A beautiful stone bench top against laminate ensures longevity and style. High-tech appliances, integrated dishwashers and fridges, induction cooktops, range hoods and self-cleaning ovens are all luxuries worth splurging on to make everyday life easier. Fittings and fixtures such as a good size sink, quality tapware, smart storage solutions and beautiful cabinet handles, all elevate a simple kitchen from mere builder grade to designer!

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The main items you will use all the time – kitchen, oven, washing machine, etc.

Why's it worth the investment?

A kitchen is something that gets used every single day in the home – cupboards get opened hundreds of times a day, washing machines are used multiple times a week, etc. Therefore, by splurging on good quality items, these things will last longer and continue to look like new.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Sofa, Lighting, Chairs, TV, Mattress

Why's it worth the investment?

Sofa

Sofas are the most used pieces of furniture in the home besides your bed. Investing in a sofa which is made from high quality materials will ensure comfort. Generally, the connection between a higher sofa price is reflective of the quality of the materials and the manufacturing process. For example, the fabric is measured by a rub rate (called martindale), a budget sofa would be covered in a fabric with martindale of around 10,000 (rubs), whereas a great quality sofa would be covered in a commercial grade fabric with a martindale of 30,000. This means the budget sofa will only last 1/3 the life of the premium sofa before looking old and worn. The same can be said for the quality of the foam and other internal materials. Size does matter – when we are talking about the depth of the sofa. Spend the time to research the size and pay close attention to the depth of the sofa to ensure something deep enough to really relax in the evenings. Aim for 68cm seat depth (not overall depth) to prevent feeling like you are sitting in a waiting room. Generally, budget options have a smaller depth than premium options.

Lighting

Lighting brings mood and ambience to a space. I highly recommend investing in dimmable downlights throughout your home. It is also important to layer your lighting and invest in a table and/or floor lamps in each room to create visual interest for the eye. If budget allows, you can incorporate fixed lighting such as wall sconces, pendant lights, chandeliers, LED light strips and lighting for artwork for a more luxurious vibe.

Chairs

Dining chairs are another place to splurge, as with any furniture you will be sitting on for extended periods of time. Consider the comfort of your guests while selecting chairs. The dining table is a great place to save to balance this room.

TV

There is something about a blank TV that instantly ruins the mood of a room. The black hole. Purchasing a TV that displays artwork is worth the investment, as you will notice a difference in your mood when your mind has been exposed to a beautiful image rather than a black rectangle.

Mattress (and bedding)

The number one thing to splurge on in a home is a mattress. If we are not getting proper sleep, we are not functioning at our highest. Ensure you find something to suit your needs, and don’t forget about the bedding. While the mattress is laid on, we are cocooned by the sheets. Splurge on a set that is the definition of luxury to you. It may be silk, bamboo, or fresh breathable linen, so long as you wake up feeling recharged.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Storage

Why's it worth the investment?

Few homes, particularly in new builds, have very little storage built-in. Clearing space in a home is essential to make it comfortable and spacious and give the room’s energy. One can never have enough wardrobe space, so carefully designed and laid out will ensure there is a place for everything and clear what is often the most untidy room! Reception equally benefits from low-level storage and some shelving above again to remove unnecessary clutter and always keep the room neat and clean. These items, may not necessarily be bespoke but built-in uses up the space more efficiently than off the shelf items, as you can design them to hold your particular items, giving correct depth and height for books, crockery and general items. For that reason, it is best to spend money on the items that will make your home comfortable and spacious.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The bed

Why's it worth the investment?

I personally don’t think people put enough time, energy or money into purchasing a bed. Research shows that the average person will spend over 27 years of their life asleep. That is over 236,520 hours that we spend in bed. So it makes absolute sense to splurge on a bed given it’s crucial role in our wellbeing. Poor quality sleep can have a damaging effect on our physical and mental health. Comfort should be our main concern and we need to make sure that we opt for a bed that provides the right support for our body. So choose wisely and don’t scrimp or you will live to regret it.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

A kitchen and bathroom

Why's it worth the investment?

The kitchen and bathroom are two of the most sought after rooms in a home and can help make or break a sale. Even if you’re not planning to move immediately, it’s worth installing decent quality kitchens and bathrooms with the mod cons both you and potential future buyers need.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

The heart of the home is the kitchen so it’s worth spending time and effort on getting it right.

Why's it worth the investment?

Make the space work for your family. We recently converted two rooms into our kitchen diner and replaced a window with French doors. The space we have created is fantastic!

What's worth splurging on in a home?

I would always prioritise splurging on large windows and doors that take advantage of the changing light throughout the day.

Why's it worth the investment?

To me, the way light and shadow play on walls and surfaces create changing atmospheres and elevate a space.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

If you rent: A great sofa, mattress, bedding, bath towels, coffee machine! If you own: Put your money in your kitchen and bathroom, and also in a sofa, mattress, and everything else I’ve listed already.

Why's it worth the investment?

You use your sofa and your bed the most, I’m guessing, so make sure it’s comfortable, quality, good for your body, and looks great. You use dishes and bedding and towels daily, so make sure they are great – quality, comfort and how they look. If you own your home, put your money in these things but also your kitchen and bathroom design because it will help you later when you want to sell the home.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

A new comfortable sofa!

Why's it worth the investment?

A comfortable new sofa is something you will use for years to come. Splurge on something like this, as you can easily save money elsewhere on decor accessories, artwork, and accents!

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Anything that makes you happy

Why's it worth the investment?

A home is a place you build a life and create memories. It’s a place where many of us find ourselves both living and working. A home gives us a sense of belonging, as well as being a place to shelter from the world.

Your home needs to support a modern lifestyle, but most of all it needs to support you. If there’s anything in your home that you can improve or update that will make you enjoy living in your home more or make your lifestyle easier, then it’s worth splurging on.

What's worth splurging on in a home?

A timeless, statement piece of furniture with a story to tell

Why's it worth the investment?

A timeless, statement piece of furniture that will last for many years and bring you enormous pleasure every time you look at it, is always well worth splurging on. A statement piece with a story to tell will also become a conversation point when you show guests around and nothing gets a conversation going more than a piece of interior decor that’s been featured in a film or on TV – such as the design classic the Acro floor lamp: The Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever, Iron Man’s sophisticated house and Tron: Legacy all feature what we like to think is the daddy of all free standing lights. Or the Ball Chair by Eero Aarnio which can be found in the collections of design museums around the world as well as in several movies and music videos including the The Prisoner 60’s TV series, Tommy and Mars Attacks. If you’re feeling bold and want to show off your insider knowledge of cult film, you could carpet your hall or cinema room with our officially licensed iconic hexagonal carpet from The Shining. And when you’re finished your decorating, you’ll deserve to sit down and take a drink from the Italian heavyweight Cini Boeri glass tumblers that featured in Blade Runner (all available from FilmandFurniture.com of course!).

What's worth splurging on in a home?

Kitchens!

Why's it worth the investment?

Kitchens are the heart of the home. Splurging here will not only up the value of your home tremendously, but will also improve the overall quality of living and entertaining in your home!