Redesigning your house might drain your wallet significantly, and determining whether to cut costs or invest more can be tricky. The priciest choices for decorating should really pay off, fortunately, leading experts are sharing their insights on which ones truly matter.
is
worthy of investment so you can be assured your money isn’t going to waste.
Seth Ballard from Ballard & Mensua Architecture based in Washington, D.C., elaborates: “A significant aspect of our role as interior designers involves guiding our clients towards additions that enhance their daily living experience. Our aim is to create spaces where homeowners feel they’ve embarked on a relaxing getaway within their own four walls, all while boosting the home’s attractiveness for potential buyers down the line.”
So, what costly design choices were made?
renovation ideas
What do designers think is worthwhile?
1. Custom millwork
Regardless of whether it involves trim and molding, bespoke cabinets, integrated storage solutions, or decorative elements
wall paneling
like
wainscoting
, investing in professional millwork will undoubtedly enhance the finishing touches of your home. Additionally,
ornamental trim can enhance your property’s worth
, totally justifies the upfront expense.
“Custom millwork has dual functions,” according to
Clara Jung
From Banner Day Interiors, they explain, “It frequently blends seamlessly with the historic elements of a house, making it seem like it has been present all along, thus enhancing the sense of heritage and ambiance. Additionally, it manages to accommodate a client’s book collection or even those less attractive playthings.”
“While some appreciate the adaptability of movable furnishings, built-in installations always ensure top-notch design,” he concurs.
Seth Ballard
Of Ballard & Mensua Architecture based in Washington, DC, they state, “We’ve undertaken numerous projects featuring built-ins throughout each space, leading to an environment where every angle reveals a picturesque scene.”
It requires a keen decorative sense to arrange items on the built-ins effectively, yet investing additional funds into features like built-in window seats, bookshelves, cabinets, entertainment centers, home offices, libraries, and even custom storage solutions for workout areas can significantly elevate the overall design quality of a space.
Millwork can similarly be employed for ornamental features on the outside of your house, such as fascia, soffits, and window frames, serving to enhance the aesthetics.
enhance curb appeal
.
2. Stylish elements and equipment for kitchens
‘The appliances truly act as the jewels of a room,’ according to them.
Wendy Labrum
Of Wendy Labrum Interiors. “Though pricey, when selected deliberately and from reliable manufacturers, they can enhance the aesthetic of a space. I often personally prefer using them for various projects.”
Lacanche
– elegant, yet functional.’
Seth Ballard similarly advocates for purchasing appliances that can contribute to building an ideal kitchen space. He recommends having 72 inches worth of refrigerator and freezer units, adding another drinks fridge, incorporating air fryers into your setup, installing steam ovens, and choosing hood designs that serve as artistic features (refer
Rawurth
For my favorites), these are all appliances that justify the expense.
He mentions, “Kitchens designed by architects featuring a blend of colors and woods, bathed in abundant natural light, and offering top-notch culinary functionality—take note of the innovative galley sink as one of the latest cool additions—are excellent design concepts worthy of investment for both aesthetics and utility.”
3. A well-implemented multi-layered lighting design
We’ve mentioned this multiple times, but let’s repeat it once more – investing in a selection of well-chosen items makes all the difference.
lighting ideas
It is always a wise choice.
Layered lighting
plays a crucial role in an effective interior design plan and can influence the ambiance, usability, and overall feel of each space.
‘Ornamental fittings and atmospheric lighting are invariably worthwhile investments (even if you already have numerous recessed lights),’ confirms the designer.
Jeanne Barber
, the founder of Camden Grace Interiors states, “Ensure you have comprehensive lighting options including overheads, wall sconces, and picture lights – and verify they can all be adjusted with dimmer switches. Thoughtfully designed illumination has the power to transform spaces.”
Add a touch of contemporary organic luxury to your space with this woven wall sconce, which boasts an elegant antique brass finish for contrast.
This hand-thrown terracotta lampshade featuring a crackle white finish brings a classic vintage vibe into your space with its fluted design.
A sculptural jute shade paired with a beechwood frame, this eye-catching pendant will bring texture and warmth to your space.
4. Incorporating natural stone
While natural stone may be costly, it lends an unparalleled charm and character to your home, making the additional expense worthwhile, say interior decorators. This versatile material can be utilized throughout your space, from the kitchen to the bathroom.
kitchen countertops
and
bathroom cabinet
or in even more unexpected accent styles, such as a door frame, as featured in this opulent bathroom.
‘Some of our favorite methods for enhancing a room with beauty and texture involve integrating natural stone through elements such as countertops, fireplace surrounds, shelves, and decorative arches,’ explains the designer.
Lauren Williams
From MV Architects located in Washington, DC.
Our latest project (as shown above) incorporates honed lilac marble, known for its striking purple veins, providing an opulent and sophisticated look. Despite the premium cost associated with natural stones, we believe it’s well worth the investment.
5. Mudrooms
‘I started putting
mudrooms
About three decades ago, I used to enter my clients’ homes,” recalls Seth Ballard. “What made it amusing was that during gatherings back then, twenty individuals would congregate in the mudroom feeling envious.
Acting as a designated area for storing shoes, umbrellas, and coats, the mudroom helps maintain tidiness within your primary living areas. However, it doesn’t just have to be practical; it can also be aesthetically pleasing, much like many designs from this year.
mudroom trends
Show. You can truly enhance the area with useful features such as pet stations.
Seth mentions that his affection for the mudroom has been passed down through generations in his family. He says, “My grandparents both had mudrooms; my maternal ones owned a house built at the turn of the century in St. Paul which featured an extensive mudroom along with a laundry chute. On my paternal side, their home in Arlington was tailor-made for their large family of eight children. Everything needed careful planning, so they created a spacious mudroom equipped with numerous hooks, compartments, as well as dual washing machines and driers.”
He mentions, “Creating enough space so that shoes and jackets aren’t left hanging around doors in the living area significantly enhances a tidy environment. Nowadays, we frequently incorporate numerous pet washing areas and facilities for animals.”
While this may serve as a functional item, your mudroom doormat certainly does not have to compromise style; these striped designs are incredibly fashionable.
Ensure your footwear is neatly stowed in an elegant storage bench for a tidy area.
Ensure your dog stays extremely comfortable at its resting spot in the pet area with a stylish yet snug bed that’s crucial for a functional mudroom.
6. A wow-factor fireplace
A stylish
fireplace design
offers a luxurious centerpiece for any space, fostering atmosphere, coziness, and a place to congregate or enjoy reading. Additionally, the fireplace mantel has the potential to serve as a key element in your decor, making the choice of materials an important investment.
We strive to include fireplaces whenever we can to add coziness to a room,” explains Seth Ballard. “With numerous choices between wood-burning and gas models available, you get both warmth and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, fireplace surrounds offer an eye-catching design element and some designs even allow for fires on both sides.
7. Outdoor rooms
Whether it’s an
outdoor living room
or
outdoor kitchen
(or both) to create additional space for enjoyment
al fresco
will increase the worth of your home along with improving your personal satisfaction in it.
Stylish additions for your outdoor area could include built-in kitchens featuring pizza ovens, smokers, grills, along with excellent outdoor cabinets, warming drawers, outdoor refrigerators, and multifunctional sinks that also serve as ice bins. These elements transform the space into an ideal venue for gatherings, according to Seth.
According to Seth, additional worthwhile investments encompass outdoor pavilions, pergolas, ponds, and water elements. He also suggests not hesitating to invest more funds in seasonal landscaping changes as they can craft truly distinctive sanctuaries.
He mentions that ‘swimming pools and hot tubs, along with saunas and cold tubs, will complete the ideal outdoor retreat.’
Unwind elegantly in your outdoor living space with this sophisticated teak and wicker outdoor couch.
This adaptable outdoor coffee table in gray fiber cement can effortlessly complement other pieces of furniture and bring a contemporary yet textured touch to your exterior lounge area.
A patio mat effectively defines the area in an outdoor seating zone and brings a touch of welcoming sophistication to complete the look.
These design elements and decoration choices may come with a high cost, yet your house represents one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, and each of these professionally recommended enhancements will definitely pay off.
increase the worth of your property
The crucial aspect of handling costly endeavors is establishing feasible budget constraints and collaborating with seasoned and dependable designers and architects who can bring your concept into reality—indeed, prioritizing the selection of professionals you collaborate with might be the most effective method to guarantee that your significant investments yield impeccable outcomes.
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