Renovating your home can cost a small fortune, and it can be difficult to know when to save and when to splurge. The most expensive design decisions that you can make in your home need to be worth it, and thankfully, top designers are letting us in on what they think is worth investing in so you can feel confident your cash isn't being wasted.
Seth Ballard, of Ballard & Mensua Architecture in Washington, DC, explains, 'It's a big part of what we do, as interior designers, is to help our clients to understand features they can add to their homes that will improve their everyday lives, make them feel like they have gone on vacation in their own homes, and improve the value of resale in the future because they have a house that everyone wants.'
So, what expensive design decisions and renovation ideas do designers believe are worth it?
1. Custom millwork
Whether it's trim and moldings, custom cabinetry, built-in storage or pretty wall paneling like wainscoting, paying for professional millwork will certainly elevate the finish of your home. Plus, decorative molding can add value to your home, so worth the initial cost.
'Custom millwork serves double duty,' says Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors, explaining, 'Often it can be integrated into the historical details of a home to make it feel as if it was always there, further creating the feeling of history and atmosphere. But it also does the heavy lift of housing a client's library or, dare I say it, some unsightly toys.'
'While some prefer the flexibility of furniture, built-ins can guarantee high design all the time,' agrees Seth Ballard of Ballard & Mensua Architecture in Washington, DC. 'We have done many projects with built-ins in every room, and the result is that, everywhere you look, the vignette of what you see is beautiful.'
'It does take a good decorating eye to position things on the built-ins, but spending the extra money to do built-in window seats, bookshelves and cabinets, TV walls, offices, libraries, even built-ins within an exercise room, makes a huge difference in the level of design of a space.'
Millwork can also be used for decorative elements on the exterior of your home, like fascia, soffits, and window frames, working to enhance curb appeal.
2. Aesthetic kitchen features and appliances
'Appliances are really the jewelry of a space,' says Wendy Labrum of Wendy Labrum Interiors. 'Although expensive, if chosen intentionally and from trusted manufacturers, they can make a space design-wise. A frequent personal favorite for projects is Lacanche – elegant, yet functional.'
Seth Ballard also believes in investing in appliances that will help create the dream kitchen. He suggests '72” of fridge and freezer, a second beverage fridge, air fryers, steam ovens, and hoods that are works of art (see Rawurth for my favorites)', are all appliances that are worth the expenditure.
And, he adds, 'Architect-designed kitchens with mixes of color and wood, with amazing natural light, and high quality chef-like performance – see the galley sink for one of the cooler new inventions – are all great design ideas worth investing in for looks and practicality.'
3. An effective layered lighting scheme
We've said it before, and we'll say it again – splashing out on varied and curated lighting ideas is always a good investment.
Layered lighting is integral to a successful interior design scheme and can effect the tone, functionality, and experience of every room.
'Decorative fixtures and mood lighting are always worth it (yes, even if you have plenty of can lights),' agrees designer Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors. 'Cover all your bases: overheads, sconces, picture lights – and make sure they're all on dimmers. Purposeful lighting is transformative.'
Inject a little modern organic luxe into any room with this woven wall sconce that features a contrasting antique brass finish.
This handthrown terracotta shade in a crackle white finish will add a timeless retro touch to your interior with its fluted silhouette.
A sculptural jute shade with a beechwood support, this statement pendant will add texture and warmth to your interiors.
4. Incorporating natural stone
Natural stone is expensive yes, but the charm and character it adds to your home is worth the extra expenditure, according to interior designers. You can use natural stone anywhere from your kitchen countertops and bathroom cabinet, or in more surprising accent ways like a door frame, as seen in this luxurious bathroom.
'Incorporating natural stone into our designs, through countertops, fireplace surrounds, shelves, and decorative arches, is one of our favorite ways to add beauty and texture to a space,' says Lauren Williams of MV Architects in Washington, DC.
'One of our recent projects (above) features honed lilac marble, which boasts dramatic purple veining, offering a luxurious and elegant aesthetic. Although natural stone comes with a higher price tag, we think it's worth the splurge.'
5. Mudrooms
'I started putting mudrooms back into clients’ houses around 30 years ago,' says Seth Ballard. 'The funny thing was, back then at parties, there would be 20 people standing in the mudroom totally jealous.'
Serving as a spot to neatly house shoes, umbrellas and coats, the mudroom allows you to keep clutter out of your main living space. But it can be beautiful as well as functional, as this year's mudroom trends show. And you can really elevate the space with handy additions like dog stations.
Seth explains that his love for the mudroom goes back a long way in the family. 'Both of my grandparents had them, because my mom’s parents had a turn-of-the-century home in St. Paul with a big mudroom and laundry chute. My dad’s parents custom-built a home in Arlington – with eight kids, things had to be thought through, and the mudroom was huge, with lots of hooks and cubbies and two washers and dryers.'
He adds, 'Having space so that shoes and jackets don’t end up inside a door in a living room, makes a world of difference for a clutter-free living space. These days, we also add a lot of dog wash stations and stuff for pets.'
It might be a practical piece but that doesn't mean your mudroom doormat can't be stylish – and these stripes are super chic.
Make sure your shoes are tidied away in a stylish storage bench for a clutter-free space.
Keep your dog ultra cozy in its pet station with a cool but comfy bed that's an essential for a hardworking mudroom.
6. A wow-factor fireplace
A stylish fireplace design provides a high-end focal point in any room, creating ambiance, warmth, and a spot to gather or read in front of. The fire surround can also become an interior design statement, and the materials used are worth investing in.
'We always have fireplaces wherever possible to bring warmth to a space,' says Seth Ballard. 'There are so many wood-burning and gas options to choose from that provide heat and style, and surrounds that can turn heads and even be two-sided.'
7. Outdoor rooms
Whether it's an outdoor living room or outdoor kitchen (or both), creating extra space to enjoy al fresco will add value to your home as well as enhance your own enjoyment of it.
Cool items to add to your outdoor space? 'Built-in kitchens with pizza ovens, smokers, grills and great outdoor cabinets, warming drawers, outdoor fridges, and sinks that can double as ice bins... All help to create a great party space,' suggests Seth.
Other features that are worth investing in, according to Seth, include 'Outdoor pavilions, pergolas, ponds, and water features. And don't shy away from spending extra money on landscapes that change with the seasons, which can all create very special retreats.'
He adds that 'pools and hot tubs, and now saunas and cold tubs will round out the perfect outdoor oasis.'
Relax in style in your outdoor living room with this chic teak and wicker outdoor sofa.
This versatile outdoor coffee table in gray fibercement will be easy to style with other furniture and will add a modern yet textural edge to your outdoor living room.
An outdoor rug really works to ground the space in an outdoor living room and adds the ultimate inviting, curated finish.
These design features and decor decisions might be expensive, but your home is one of the biggest investments you can make, and all of these designer-approved additions will add value to your home. The key with any expensive project is to set realistic budgets and work with trusted and reliable designers and architects that can help your vision come to life – in fact investing in the people you work with is perhaps the best way to ensure your spendy projects turn out perfect.
