{"id":85124,"date":"2023-06-30T10:08:18","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T17:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=85124"},"modified":"2023-07-31T15:12:28","modified_gmt":"2023-07-31T22:12:28","slug":"priceless-home-decor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/priceless-home-decor\/","title":{"rendered":"Priceless Home Decor: 12 Design Decisions Worth the Investment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Creating a space that reflects your personal style and provides comfort is a rewarding endeavor. And when it comes to home decor, making the right design decisions can truly transform a living space. While certain pieces, such as sofas, appliances, and mattresses, are clear investment items, how do you decide when to save or splurge? Luckily, this Redfin article has expert-backed advice to help you make the best decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, whether you live in a <\/span>house in Duluth, MN<\/span><\/a>, or a <\/span>Wilmington, NC apartment<\/span><\/a>, read on to learn about 12 priceless home decor items that are worth the investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. A sturdy sofa\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Investing in a quality living room sofa is critical when designing your home. \u201cSofas and couches get a significant amount of use and need to meet the demands of a busy home,\u201d notes Cory Connor, owner of <\/span>Cory Connor Designs<\/span><\/a>. \u201cWhen thinking about upholstery, consider using performance fabrics that can take the day-to-day wear of children and pets,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, selecting a neutral fabric allows you to switch out pillows, rugs, and window treatments as trends change.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Paint with personality<\/span><\/h2>\n

Paint is one of the most impactful parts of a home, so it\u2019s essential to invest in it when renovating or redecorating. \u201cWhile you can slowly invest in other decorations over time, paint is unique because it immediately adds personality and flair that makes a home yours,\u201d comments Lily Zingman, owner of <\/span>Lily Z Designs<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIf you\u2019re feeling bold, go for some accent wallpaper walls as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Unique wallpaper<\/span><\/h2>\n

The team at <\/span>Hygge & West<\/span><\/a> believes that wallpaper can add a different dimension to a room. \u201cWe\u2019re often asked for paint color matches for our wallpaper background colors, but we love the more recent trend of choosing an accent color from wallpaper to paint trim and accents,\u201d they say. \u201cWe\u2019ve been seeing this approach a lot more recently and think it\u2019s a keeper.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t be afraid to play around with your wallpaper and paint colors to create a one-of-a-kind statement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

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4. Long-lasting furniture<\/span><\/h2>\n

Invest in sturdy, long-lasting furniture. When selecting your furniture, look for durable items that will serve a function in your home. \u201cAvoid filler items that don\u2019t have a use in your layout,\u201d says Talita Mathias, Design Manager with <\/span>Basile Studio<\/span><\/a>. \u201cOpt for fewer items and more open floor space to accentuate the beautiful furniture you own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

5. A beautiful rug<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most impactful investments you can make in a room is a rug that correctly fits the floor. \u201cMake sure to leave between 8\u201d and 18\u201d of space from the walls,\u201d suggests Adam Charlap Hyman, Principal at <\/span>Charlap Hyman & Herrero<\/span><\/a>. \u201cRugs give clarity and strength to a space and allow it to breathe,\u201d he says. \u201cWhile you don\u2019t want everything symmetrical, a bit of balance goes a long way in making a room feel ordered and calm.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stephanie Dyer, Creative Director of <\/span>Dyer Studio<\/span><\/a>, agrees that rugs are an essential investment piece. \u201cMake sure to choose the correct size for your space,\u201d she says. \u201cUndersized rugs can make a space feel imbalanced or unfinished, especially in open floor plans. Choose the right rug to enhance your room\u2019s function and style.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Quality lighting<\/span><\/h2>\n

A priceless home decor and design item that is worth the investment is quality room lighting. \u201cArt, furniture, and other pieces of home decor require appropriate lighting in order to give off their intended impressions,\u201d says Danny Evatt from <\/span>Texas Real Estate Source<\/span><\/a>. \u201cEven the finest furnishings won\u2019t look very good in dim, dank lighting, so invest in it to beautify your home.\u201d Good lighting can also <\/span>increase your home\u2019s value<\/span><\/a>, which is helpful if you\u2019re planning to sell.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Gorgeous wall sconces<\/span><\/h2>\n

A great choice for homeowners and renters is timeless wall sconces. \u201cSconces are gorgeous and make a difference in any space,\u201d advises Kim Hawkins, president of <\/span>Gardella Design Group<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThey come in black, silver, and gold, can last 50 hours on one charge, and are often fully dimmable with a remote,\u201d she says. \u201cYou can also often control the quality of light and use rechargeable bulbs to help <\/span>reduce your carbon footprint<\/span><\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Quality staging if you plan to sell\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re planning on selling your home, investing in quality staging can dramatically increase your home\u2019s value. \u201cWith a little refresh or upgrade, a potential buyer can really see the potential of the home,\u201d says Jenny Bittner Borden, Director of Showcase Operations at <\/span>The San Francisco Decorator Showcase<\/span><\/a>. \u201cStaging helps people feel at home and gives them ideas on how to use the space in a functional way that works for them.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Antiques with a story<\/span><\/h2>\n

Antique furniture and accessories are important because they add depth and dimension to your home. \u201cThese pieces literally have history and a story to tell,\u201d says Mark Phelps, founder and principal of <\/span>Mark Phelps Interiors<\/span><\/a>. \u201cRegardless of your choice, your space will be enhanced by the antiques you select because they have had a journey of their own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Unique artwork<\/span><\/h2>\n

Art and photography are worthwhile investments. \u201cArt has the transformative power to pull a space together, reflect your unique personality, and add warmth,\u201d says Lisa Eryn Silverman, founder and Creative Director of<\/span> These Fine Walls<\/span><\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s what makes a space feel lived in, connects people, and tells a story,\u201d she says. \u201cEven if you move or decide to redecorate, art remains a constant you can easily move or rearrange to continue to make an impact.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

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11. Natural and organic materials<\/span><\/h2>\n

The team at <\/span>CT Exclusive Homes<\/span><\/a> suggests investing in organic and sustainable materials. \u201cThe trends for 2023 are all about bringing organic, sustainable, and recycled materials into your home,\u201d they say. \u201cFrom natural stones, wood elements, and natural fabrics to blending antiques with modern furnishings. More than ever, we understand that our homes are our safe haven, and we love surrounding ourselves with the natural materials mother nature gifts to us-\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Multifunctional spaces<\/span><\/h2>\n

Multifunctional spaces are worth the splurge. They are designed to be flexible, adaptable, and efficient, allowing people to maximize their living and working spaces. But how do you create them? Reiko Lewis, Principal Designer with <\/span>Ventus Design<\/span><\/a>, has a few suggestions to help:<\/span><\/p>\n