10 Things Interior Designers Always Splurge On
If you have ever wondered where interior designers actually spend money in their own homes, this post is for you. Clients always assume we splurge on everything. The reality is much more strategic… especially in my house. Emmett and I are very thrifty and mix a lot of high & low. Great design is not always about spending more. It is about spending on the things that matter most! After designing homes for years and renovating our own spaces more times than I can count, I have strong opinions about what is worth the investment and where you can absolutely save without sacrificing style. Here are 10 things interior designers always splurge on… plus, where exactly I’d pull back and save room in the budget.
You might find this post interesting… 20 things that make a home feel expensive. I think some of those might surprise you, while others are reiterated below…
1. Custom Upholstery
A sofa is not just a sofa. It’s the anchor of your living room and the most used seat in your house. When I invest in custom upholstery, I’m willing to pay more for kiln dried frame construction, hand tied springs or quality suspension, performance fabric that actually lasts, and comfortable furniture that has nice proportions. Mass produced sofas often look fine on day one. Five years later, they tell a very different story. Sometimes they can also feel too small, so you’ve got to be careful. If you entertain often, have kids, pets, or just live in your spaces like we do- quality upholstery is non negotiable. Here are 10 things to consider when ordering upholstery… read these before you splurge!
Where to Save: Accent chairs. You can find beautiful ready made options that feel high end with the right fabric and silhouette, even at lower price points.
2. Natural Woven Area Rugs
An area rug grounds the entire room. Hand knotted and natural rugs age beautifully, are durable, easy to layer, and they set the foundation for a space. They soften, wear nicely, and develop character. Synthetic rugs pill, shed, often contain harsh chemicals or materials that become airborne- and just look tired quickly. In our own home, I always prioritize natural fiber rugs in primary living areas. These often come in custom sizes and make everything look layered and intentional. Here are the best natural fiber area rugs, and how to clean and care for natural fiber rugs (without ruining them). I swear by these!
Where to Save: Vintage rugs. Believe it or not, you can find some seriously affordable vintage rugs. Most are made of wool, cotton, or silk and are equally as durable. They also layer perfectly with your natural fiber area rugs. If you’re on a budget, here are the keywords to use when searching for large vintage rugs, as well as my guide on how to clean vintage rugs at home.
3. Door Hardware
I feel strongly about quality door hardware. It is the first thing you touch when entering a room and the last thing you touch when leaving. Heavy, solid brass, or well plated hardware instantly elevates even basic, builder grade doors. There are so many bad lightweight hardware options with cheap finishes on the market… believe me when I say- it’s the worth upgrading. Here’s how to measure, select, and install interior door hardware, along with some of my current favorites… timeless hardware that won’t go out of style!
Where to Save: Basic hinges and internal cabinet accessories. No one sees those, or notices. You can also add weight to a hollow core interior door with nice heavy hardware.
4. Light Fixtures
Lighting changes everything. A beautiful chandelier or sculptural pendant in a timeless finish adds drama, dimension, and an intentional focal point. In almost every project, I allocate meaningful budget to quality, statement lighting in entryways, dining rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. With higher end lighting, you’re primarily paying for the quality of the materials and craftsmanship… classic finish, solid construction, dimmable features, elevated glass details (seeded, fluted, blown, etc). Don’t skip this post- how to layer lighting like a designer!
Where to Save: Recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting. Function matters more than form here… just make sure they’re warm in bulb temperature and are thoughtfully installed. Here are my budget easy smart home kitchen cabinet lighting ideas.
5. Mattresses & Bedding
You spend roughly a third of your life in bed! That math alone should convince you to invest in a quality mattress because it greatly impacts your sleep, health, posture, and mood. Designers think long term, and this is a long term investment. I’m also one to splurge on quality bedding. I’m still loving our Quince set… I have it in multiple colors for each season. Check out my linen bedding review: layered sheet set, duvet, and quilt. It’s a classic formula. I like to tie it together with this simple extra long bolster– not piles of useless accent pillows.
Where to Save: Bedside tables, a bench for the foot of the bed, ottomans, or accent furniture for the bedroom. Those are supporting pieces to the bed itself.
6. Faucets
Faucets are a high touch element. You feel the difference every day. Well made faucets operate smoothly, age well, and come in timeless finishes. Cheap ones loosen, leak, and show wear quickly. In kitchens especially, I never compromise here. Although I will say, I’ve been touching our kitchen faucet much less these days, thanks to a foot pedal for the kitchen faucet that’s worth the upgrade!
Where to Save: Pot fillers or secondary bar sinks if the budget is tight. Again, those play supporting roles. You could also save on bathroom hardware like towel hooks, that complement the faucet or shower trim.
7. Artwork
Original art brings character into your home. It does not have to be wildly expensive, it just needs to feel personal and layered. Vintage oil paintings, works from local artists, oversized art, personal works that make you feel something, and collected pieces tell a story. Mass produced canvas prints rarely convey the same feeling. I’m always willing to splurge on art because I know I’ll cherish it forever!
Where to Save: Frames and mats. High quality frames can elevate affordable art beautifully, but they don’t need to cost a fortune. I enjoy thrifting frames, or bopping over to my local shop… their pricing is surprisingly affordable. Check out this post for custom framing art tips, cost, and frame selection ideas to elevate your artwork.
8. Millwork and Trim Details
This is where homes go from builder basic to custom. Crown molding, baseboards, paneling, and thoughtful millwork create architectural depth. Once installed, they are permanent value additions. If I have budget flexibility during a renovation, this is always where it goes. Here’s how to choose the right wall trim and baseboard style for your home!
Where to Save: Ceiling medallions. While they’re technically part of your millwork design plan and should look cohesive, they’re obviously installed on the ceiling and aren’t something you’ll ever be super close to. I have no problem purchasing the plastic or foam version to save room in the budget… you’ll never notice the difference once they’re painted, and they’re easier to install. Speaking of, here’s how to install a ceiling medallion.
9. Countertops
Countertops take up quite a bit of visual real estate in a kitchen. They cover a large surface area and get daily wear. Natural stone like marble or soapstone adds depth that is difficult to replicate. The veining, movement, and finish can completely transform a kitchen. In projects where we splurge on the counters, the entire room feels more custom and layered. Cheap laminate or low grade materials tend to age poorly and can date a space quickly. This is one of those decisions that pays off and adds value to your home. After you choose your natural stone, here’s how to select different countertop edge profiles.
Where to Save: Secondary spaces like laundry rooms or guest baths where durability matters more than the designer factor. For smaller surface areas, here’s how to save money and shop stone remnants in a slab yard.
10. Appliances
Take it from me… you don’t want to have faulty appliances or a pretty range that looks aesthetically pleasing, but doesn’t function. Designers always splurge on appliances because they matter. I also prioritize panel ready refrigerators and dishwashers whenever possible because they create a seamless, custom look. A well designed range can also become a focal point instead of an eyesore. Since these pieces are large and highly visible, cutting corners immediately shows. In case you’re interested…
- An Honest Review of the GE Cafe Range (would not recommend)
- An Honest Review of the Big Chill Classic Range (would recommend)
Where to Save: Smaller appliances, like a toaster oven or air fryer. These are low commitment and are usually stored out of sight in an appliance garage or pantry.
The Truth Behind Designer Splurges
Interior designers splurge on foundational pieces that affect comfort, function, and longevity. We save on trend driven, easily replaceable items. If something is structural, high use, or permanent, I’m prone to invest. If something is decorative, seasonal, or easy to swap, that’s where I’ll pull back. That mindset keeps projects balanced and budgets on track.
Questions?
I think when done correctly, you can save… check out this post for the best budget curtains that look custom. Don’t forget to train them!
We sleep on this mattress every night and I’m obsessed with it. We’ll go on vacation, stay at top notch places, and still dream of sleeping in our own bed. It’s the perfect mattress, and each side can be adjusted. I wish we would have invested in it years ago!
They’re not all created equal. Some are really good replicas, and others severely miss the mark, so you should tread lightly. I did pull together a Sarah-approved list… Visual Comfort Dupes (thank me later).
Thrift, buy secondhand, and don’t be afraid to vintage shop! I’m a big fan of estate sales… here’s how to find and shop home estate sales. Otherwise, here are 50 classic home finds from Amazon that look expensive. These are underrated!
This post is a must-read… two reputable (and beautiful) brands: Grandeur vs Emtek exterior door hardware. You can’t go wrong with either!
Related Posts
Looking for more professional interior design advice? I’ve got you covered! Be sure to read the following…
- How to Find Your Home Design Style
- 10 Decorating Mistakes Designers Never Make
- Designer Guide to Mixing Metals by Room
- How I Designed a Classic Kitchen That Still Feels Timeless
- The Designer Guide to Styling Built Ins
- 12 Designer Tips to Make Your Ceiling Look Taller
- Common Home Decor Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Dated (And How to Fix Them)
- How to Design a Cohesive Home That Flows Room to Room
- 10 Ways to Be a Bad Interior Design Client and How to Avoid Them
Design is not about spending recklessly. It is about investing wisely. When you focus on quality where it counts and stay disciplined everywhere else, your home feels elevated without feeling overdone. That balance is what separates a beautifully designed space from one that simply cost a lot of money. I’m curious… what have you splurged on that was absolutely worth the investment? For me, it was definitely our bed (similar), mattress, and linen bedding!
Good morning! I think we all learn our fair share of lessons when it comes to saving and splurging. I know I have over the years. I agree whole-heartedly with this list- mostly because you trained me well, ha!! One of the biggest lessons I learned is that it doesn’t always have to be an Instagram reel worthy “finish”. Sometimes projects can be broken into chunks over time, and with the right planning, intentionality and budget prioritization, I’ve found that I’m able to get the exact look I want while stretching my budget. It may not be the most preferable route for some, but it works like a charm for us! Definitely reminding myself of all of these, with so many projects wrapping, and so many more in the works. Thanks for the reminder Sarah! I hope you’ve had an amazing week! Xx