Good design can be costly, but some items are more splurge-worthy than others. This week, we asked seven designers—Anna Cappelen and Chloe Pollack-Robbins, Nicole Forina, Lucas Goldbach, Jeanne Hayes, Molly Torres Portnof and Taniya Nayak—to share the elements where an extra spend makes the biggest impact.
Light the Way
“We always love when clients splurge on lighting. It really is the jewelry of the home. A great fixture brings personality, a little drama, and that sense that everything in the room was chosen with intention. It is also one of the few elements that can stay beautiful through years of real life. Unlike upholstery that sees spills, pets and daily wear, lighting quietly does its job while continuing to elevate the space. It is a smart place to invest, especially for busy families who want their home to feel special without having to worry about it being too precious.” —Anna Cappelen and Chloe Pollack-Robbins, Curious Yellow Design, New York
Textiles First
“For me, it will always be luxurious fabrics and wallpapers. Even when you’re looking to cut costs, investing in fabrics instantly elevates a space and creates a more refined, layered look and feel. We recently worked on a project where the budget needed to be reduced significantly. The easiest way to do that—without compromising the overall design intent—was to swap out expensive frames for more affordable or vintage options, then reupholster them in richer, more interesting fabrics. The result still felt elevated and intentional. Fabric is also one of the most impactful ways to personalize a space. While big-box stores often offer the same linen-look sofa again and again, distinctive textiles are what truly set a home apart and give it character.” —Nicole Forina, Forina Design & Co., Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Wood You Rather
“There is something about the ‘wooden jewelry box’ effect—immersive wood paneling that makes a room feel precious. While it is an investment, we believe in the power of mixing woods, like pairing white oak doors with walnut handles or layering different species across the walls and floors. As long as they share a tonal quality, the mix feels intentional. We also advocate for the impact of a stone vanity paired with great lighting or a proper vestibule. Especially in Chicago, a glass-and-steel pre-entryway creates a necessary transition that cuts the cold. It’s a functional necessity that also allows us to experiment with material shifts, color ups, and multiple lighting fixtures before moving into the more interior feeling of the home.” —Lucas Goldbach, En Masse Architecture and Design, Chicago
Artistic Endeavors
“Art is the element that instantly gives a space soul and individuality. It tells a story, creates conversation and often becomes the emotional anchor of a room. When a client is willing to invest in a piece they truly connect with, it elevates everything around it. We also love when clients trust us to splurge on emerging textile designers for pillows, upholstery or drapery. There’s something incredibly special about sourcing textiles that still feel a little under the radar. They bring a sense of discovery and individuality to a space, making it feel more personal, layered, and not like something you’re seeing everywhere.” —Jeanne Hayes, Camden Grace Interiors, West Hartford, Connecticut
Floor Decor
“I love when clients splurge on rugs. Vintage and antique rugs are timeless, and as we move toward warmth, character and depth, they’re more important than ever. Rugs are an incredible way to add texture, softness and definition to a space; vintage and antique rugs add history and sustainability too.” —Molly Torres Portnof, Date Interiors, Lido Beach, New York
All In The Details
“Hardware is always a great investment—it’s the jewelry of the home! Have fun and be whimsical. It’s a small but mighty detail that is an important finishing touch. A statement chandelier [also] does so much for a space, so it’s a great place to splurge. It creates ambiance and often acts as a piece of sculptural art, so go ahead and make it a conversation piece.” —Taniya Nayak, Taniya Nayak Design, Boston
