Interior designers reveal the 10 things worth splurging on in a home

Your kitchen likely gets used on a daily basis, so investing in high-quality cabinets is a wise idea, according to Kristen Piper, owner and principal designer at Piper Interior Design.

"Well-made cabinets can always be refinished and the hardware can be replaced to change the whole look if you ever decide to give your kitchen a refresh," Piper told Business Insider. "Cheap cabinets will always look cheap no matter how nice your hardware or countertops are."

Piper also said that engineered wood flooring (a type of flooring that's specially made to be durable) is worth the money — and is a must for those living in climates where the seasons change. 

"This will help with the ever-changing humidity and warping of the boards," she told BI.

Piper also explained that this type of flooring is made from real wood — so it can later be sanded down and refinished if you choose to switch up your home's look. 

Annie Santulli, owner of Annie Santulli Designs, told BI that opting for an "artisan piece" is always worth the money — even if you don't have a huge budget. 

"Whether it be a stunning painting, a custom chandelier, or a handmade rug, an artisan piece will create a focal point while showing a little of the homeowner's personality," said Santulli. 

Art can be expensive, and you shouldn't buy it all at once, but you should definitely consider investing in a few pieces throughout your life, said Piper. 

 "Not only are you supporting artists, but also no matter where you live throughout the years, it's the easiest thing to bring with you," Piper told BI. "Great art often becomes a family heirloom — and you can also move it around anywhere in your home to instantly refresh a space."

Since art can be expensive, you want to make sure you frame it with quality glass that compliments the high-end look.

"There is nothing worse than going to the trouble of getting your art framed and having light reflect off of the glass — you want to be able to see your art," Piper said.

Piper said a great option is museum glass, which is a non-glare glass that can help leave "your art vibrant and clear all while protecting it from ultra-violet rays which will fade your art over time."

Taylor Spellman, CEO and creative director of Taylor Spellman New York, an interior design and staging firm based in NYC, said you should splurge "on the items that you will use the most."

Because of this, Spellman told BI that one of her "top splurge items" is kitchen chairs, which are often subject to wear and tear each day. 

Spellman said you may also want to consider sprucing up your bed since it's a place you regularly spend large chunks of your day. 

In particular, Spellman said she suggests picking up "the most comfortable bedding you can afford without breaking the bank" because it'll feel nice and last you a long time. 

Piper said you often get what you pay for, and if you want your furniture to last more than five years, you need to "invest in the good stuff."

She suggested finding furniture that's been constructed from solid- wood frames. 

"The arms will not loosen over time, cushions will hold their shape and come in many different fill options. Many of these makers also offer the softest performance fabrics that will help with repelling stains and pilling," she said. 

Rugs, especially large ones, can get expensive — but Piper said investing in the bigger rug is always a good idea, as long as it's the correct size for your space. 

"Rugs should either have two legs of the furniture on them or all of the legs. Floating rugs instantly make the space feel small," she explained. 

The bigger the rug, the larger your room can feel.

You may be hesitant to drop a ton of money on a sofa, but this is one place you shouldn't skimp, according to Sonja Rasula, a former interior designer on HGTV's "Home to Go" and TLC's "Trading Spaces" who founded Unique Markets in Los Angeles.

"Even though there are cheap options for lounging areas in your space, a couch is one piece of furniture that, if you want to keep it for a long time, you should definitely spend some bucks on," they told BI.

This story was originally published on January 2, 2020, and most recently updated on March 11, 2024.