That said, experts note that there are certain home interior items worth spending money on, and these items can improve your quality of life and pay off (or increase in value) over time. After all, a good piece of artwork has the potential to transform a space and transcend time, and a well-made lighting fixture can elevate a room and set the mood. From small, yet impactful trimmings to big furniture pieces (there’s one that kept coming up above all others), read on for the top home decor items interior designers says are the best investment. You won’t regret splurging on these somewhat costly pieces.
Top Splurge-Worthy Picks
When it comes to aesthetics, Penfield suggests relying on your instincts. “When you see a piece of furniture and it’s love at first sight, go for it. For me, it was a pair of Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs I purchased from an auction while living in New York. As a young designer with no money, I had to have them!” she adds. Some of Penfield’s top spots for finding good pieces include Knoll, 1stDibs, Chairish, flea markets, and local estate sales and auctions. Just be sure to have the pieces authenticated, as Penfield points out there are plenty of knock-offs out there. “It visually brings your eye through the room and adds your personality to the space,” says Tamara Day, an interior designer and host of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions. “Artwork can be fun and quirky or sophisticated and calming. It can be a landscape that takes you back to your favorite place or an abstract piece that sparks joy. An interesting piece can also make for a great conversation with guests!” Day is also a big fan of removable wallpaper. “It gives warmth, and if you pick the right design, can make for a dramatic and striking moment, or create a soothing effect,” she says. She’s currently loving the Aster pattern. “It adds flare and drama, as well as texture, while still being soft and elegant.” He recommends checking out the selection of rugs from Southern Loom or Loloi. “As long as you maintain and care for them, they’ll last lifetimes as both an excellent investment and a beautiful heirloom to pass down through generations.” “Good friends of mine with children always opt for vintage when they can because they hold up well to high foot traffic and rough playtime,” adds Karina Lameraner, a creative stylist at online interior design service Modsy. “Each vintage rug is unique and one-of-a-kind. I highly recommend perusing Etsy for good vintage finds.” Day suggests adding depth with an eclectic mix of lights and different finishes. “I have wall lights in front of my house, a bright chandelier in my entryway, and a linear chandelier in my dining room.” “We’re currently seeing a resurgence in pleated lampshades, which were first popularized in Danish designs in the 1950s. They spark a bit of a retro flair today. Additionally, sloped lampshades are making a major comeback. The sloped-style lampshade was a hallmark of the ’80s interior design style.” If you don’t want to make a big purchase at once, Capra recommends starting with the main living area and bedrooms. “Roller shades from The Shade Store and Smith & Noble offer a clean look. You can also add drapery in front should you want to enhance them with fabric.” “I can’t think of a better item to splurge on. Let the bedding be the trendier items. A duvet and throw pillows and blankets are easily changeable and much more affordable” adds Taniya Nayak of Taniya Nayak Design, who recommends Saatva and W Hotels. She considers good towels another must when it comes to everyday comfort. “It’s important to do your research. You want a towel that gets softer with each wash—not rougher. Add a design element with a monogram or unexpected pop of color,” she recommends. Her current favorites include a starter pack from Weezie, which offers a range of piping options and can be customized with embroidery. Even if you move, you’ll likely be able to find a use for this versatile storage piece in your new space, making it a purchase you’ll use for decades.
