Spend Vs Save: Where Interior Designers Invest & Where They Hold Back

SPEND

Sofas & Armchairs

If there is one area worth investing in, it is your seating. A well-made sofa or armchair will not only last for years, but will also define the comfort of a room in a way very little else can. Look for pieces that are thoughtfully constructed, ideally using natural materials, with a shape that feels timeless rather than trend-led. Makers such as Lorfords, George Smith and Kingcome are known for exactly this. It is these pieces that anchor a room, both physically and aesthetically, so it is worth getting them right.

Joinery

Good joinery has a transformative impact on a space. Whether it is a beautifully proportioned bookcase, a considered boot room or a simple run of cabinetry, it has the ability to make a room feel resolved. Well-designed joinery brings both function and permanence. It is often the element that allows a home to feel tailored to the way it is lived in, rather than simply decorated.

Mattresses

It may not be the most visible investment, but it is certainly one of the most important. A well-made mattress will last for years, and have a direct impact on how you feel day to day. Natural materials are always worth considering here, both for comfort and longevity. Brands such as Naturalmat offer beautifully made options that feel as good as they look.

SAVE

Sofa & Curtain Fabrics

While it is worth investing in the structure of a sofa or the making of curtains, the fabric itself is often where you can be more savvy. Both require a surprising amount of material, so choosing a simple, well-priced linen can be a more practical approach. Suppliers such as Tinsmiths or The Cloth Shop offer beautiful plains that work effortlessly within a scheme. Interest can then be introduced more lightly, through cushions, throws or a carefully chosen trim. A detail like the Temera Braid in Red & Indigo from Susan Deliss can elevate even the simplest fabric.

Rugs

Rugs are one of the hardest working elements in a home. A natural jute rug offers a wonderfully relaxed foundation and can be replaced over time as it wears. Something like this from La Redoute is a good example of something that feels considered without being overly precious.

Antique Furniture

Antiques are often assumed to be an investment, but they can be one of the most cost-effective ways to bring character into a home. Auction houses, local fairs and places such as The Saleroom can be a rich source of beautifully made pieces at a fraction of the cost of new. A small chest of drawers or a side table can add depth, history and a sense of permanence without requiring a significant spend. Investing in the pieces that shape how a room functions and feels, while being more resourceful elsewhere, allows a home to come together in a way that feels both considered and enduring.

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SPEND

Upholstery

Do spend on upholstered pieces such as sofas and armchairs. These are pieces you live with every day, so quality really matters. A well-made frame will last for years. It’s always better to choose a well-made piece and upholster it in a more cost-effective fabric than the other way round.

Taps

Do invest in good-quality taps and shower valves. It’s a false economy specifying cheaper options as they’re prone to failure and far more costly to fix once installed.

Hardware

Do spend on good hardware and cupboard knobs. They are a relatively small upgrade but can completely transform cabinetry and elevate a room.

SAVE

Art

Do save on artwork. You can find beautiful prints or pieces with real meaning without spending a fortune.

Rugs

Rugs can be a place to save if needed. Vintage kilims are often surprisingly affordable and bring great character, while for larger areas a simple textured jute works beautifully.

Furniture

You can save on furniture by visiting antique fairs, and often finding well-made, characterful pieces at more accessible prices.
 

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SPEND

Sofas

Investing in a high-quality sofa allows for complete customisation – from proportions and fabric to a comfort level tailored specifically to you. Whether you prefer a firmer sit or a more relaxed, sink-in feel, this level of personalisation ensures the sofa works for your lifestyle while remaining timeless in design.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are one of the few elements that combine practicality with strong visual impact. Sitting at eye level and often spanning floor to ceiling, they are one of the largest visual elements in a space. Well-made curtains are tailored to the space through the choice of fabric, the level of fullness, the style of heading, and details such as trims and poles. These decisions determine how the curtains fall, how they handle light, and how they frame the room, which gives them a bespoke quality that elevates the entire room.

Joinery

Bespoke joinery often makes a space feel fully resolved. Designed to the exact dimensions of a room, it allows even awkward areas to be used efficiently, integrating storage in a way that feels seamless. Tailored to how a client lives, it offers a level of personalisation that off-the-shelf pieces cannot achieve, while its quality and craftsmanship ensure longevity. Thoughtful detailing – such as door design, joinery profiles, handles and finishes – adds another layer of refinement, allowing each piece to feel truly unique. When done well, it brings cohesion to a space, making everything feel aligned and considered.

SAVE

Occasional Furniture

When selected with care, simpler or more accessible designs can feel just as considered as more expensive alternatives. The focus should be on how each piece fits within the space – its size, finish, and how it works alongside other elements. A clean-lined side table, for example, can complement a more luxurious sofa beautifully, allowing the room to feel effortless rather than overworked.

Mirrors

Mirrors can be approached with a more measured budget, particularly when not intended as a statement feature. A mirror above a dressing table should feel well-sized and functional, but it doesn’t need to be overly decorative or costly to be effective. Its role is to reflect light and support everyday use.

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SPEND

Authentic Materials

Invest in real stone, real wood and beautifully ageing metals like unlacquered brass. These materials bring depth, warmth and longevity – the foundations of a truly elevated space.

Tapware

Tapware is used daily, so quality matters. I lean towards nickel or unlacquered brass for their timelessness, and always recommend choosing a brand with at least a 15-year guarantee.

Made-To-Measure Curtains

Well-tailored curtains instantly elevate a room. They add softness, height and a sense of intention that off-the-shelf options rarely achieve.

SAVE

Decorative Lighting

Table lamps and occasional lighting are a great place to be flexible. There are so many beautiful high-street and vintage options that deliver on style without the designer price tag.

Styling Accessories

Vases, trays and decorative objects can be sourced more affordably and layered over time. Mixing high and low creates a more relaxed, collected feel.

Jute Rugs

Natural jute rugs are brilliant for adding texture and warmth without overspending. They work beautifully in relaxed, high-traffic areas and can be layered with smaller, more decorative rugs if needed.

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