Items worth the splurge

When it comes to designing a home, especially if you are working on more than one room, costs can quickly add up. And while there are certainly ways to save (trust me, I’m all about the high/low look!), there are also certain things that are definitely worth the investment.

Window treatments

Whether it's a Roman shade, roller shade, sheer drapes or blackout panels, investing in quality window treatments can really make or break the look of a room. Part of the reason is the quality of the material and part of it is achieving a tailored look that has proper scale and proportion. An expert tip for selecting drapes is to choose a length that’s little too long and spend the extra $$ to have it hemmed so your curtains perfectly *kiss* the floor. 

And if you can’t make a big purchase and do all your windows at once, start with the living room and main bedroom. You don’t have to do every room in the house, and not every window needs drapes. 

Lighting

Lighting is so important for creating ambiance and can be the perfect finishing touch to complete a room - like jewelry for an outfit. I’ve found that it can be obvious if the light fixture is cheap, especially the hardware and the shade, so this is absolutely an area you want to splurge on. 

Investing in a beautiful light fixture not only shows that you put thought into the details of the room, but can also have a huge impact on how we look and feel. Try mixing up finishes and shapes so not every light in your house is too matchy. 

Sheets & Towels 

It’s SO easy to shop at Target or Amazon and pick out the cheapest sheets and towels you can find and go with those. Sure they aren’t great, but they were pretty cute and affordable, right…? No! We spend half our life sleeping, so it’s absolutely worth investing in good sheets that last longer and help you get a better night’s sleep. Sheets and towels help create a luxurious, hotel-like experience and what better way to start and end your day than with a little gift to yourself. 

There are so many amazing options online now where you can read reviews before you decide. I personally have been impressed with Parachute and BrookeLinen. 

Sofa

A well-built sofa is the key to any living room, and definitely not a place to skimp on spending. It is where we spend hours and hours of time and is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in any home. By choosing to spend a little extra on a sofa, not only do you guarantee a more comfortable lounging experience for you and guests, but it will also last longer. Sofas can last anywhere from 7-15 years but a well-built sofa can last even more. 

I know it’s scary to buy a sofa online, so read as many reviews as you can or purchase from somewhere like Interior Define or Restoration Hardware that has a store near you where you can try it out.