Where to save versus where to splurge when it comes to remodeling your home. This is a difficult question for homeowners to wrap their minds around. Almost no one is able to build or remodel a home, or even furnish one for that matter, with an absolutely unlimited budget, where everything they can imagine is financially attainable. The reality for most everyone is that there needs to be strong consideration of budget constraints and optional expenses. This applies both when remodeling or furnishing a home.
So, the question is really to determine where—in all the choices available when it comes to remodeling or furnishing your home—it is best to splurge, and where a bit more restraint might be appropriate. The answer to this question is not exactly the same for every client I work with either. This is because some clients have hot button concerns, where the durability of hardwood flooring is just really important to them.
The short answer
Splurge on what adds value to your home, what you use every day and what is hard to replace, such as cabinetry, flooring, countertops and quality seating. Save on decor, accessories and trend-driven pieces you can easily update later.
But there are specific things we consider when helping a client decide where to splurge versus save. Because even with an endless budget, some things simply don’t require a splurge.
Instead, here are some factors to think about when deciding where to prioritize spending versus where to save.
01 | Spend on items that will increase your home’s value.
Choosing to spend on design aspects that increase the value of your home is always wise. This could include enhanced natural lighting, custom architectural details, substantial built-in cabinetry, upscale bathroom finishes, and thoughtful space planning.
Other nice-to-have features, such as accent wall treatments, or smart thermostats, will not necessarily result in a higher home value. Why? Because they are valued only by a subset of people who value those particular things. They are not universally sought by a broad range of homeowners. Splurge on home details that appeal broadly to most people, and that will positively affect your home’s value.
02 | Spend on items that have permanence.
For construction projects, I always recommend splurging on areas of greater permanence that are costly to change, and being more moderate in areas where making changes is an easier undertaking. This would mean that you would spend the money to get high-quality hardwood floors or durable kitchen countertops. However, you would not spend lavishly on custom closet organizers or decorative molding.
Why? Because there is a great deal of expense and labor involved with changing hardwood floors if you were to decide to do it down the road. But custom closet organizers can be installed much more easily, and at a fraction of the labor cost.
A great example, one that works for some of our clients, is to invest in premium bathroom fixtures and a well-built vanity with ample storage. They save by selecting a more affordable tile for the floors or shower walls. Tile can still be beautiful and durable at a lower price point, and reserving the splurge for the fixtures ensures daily function and comfort feel elevated.
03 | Spend on items that provide a return on investment.
If building or remodeling a house, consider investing in items and materials that have a good return on their investment. Unfortunately, this often means spending more money where it’s not visible.
This might mean investing in better quality windows or allocating more of the budget toward a high-efficiency HVAC system. Both can significantly improve comfort and reduce long-term energy costs. I also often recommend splurging on smart climate control systems, which give clients more flexibility in managing their home’s temperature and overall performance.
04 | Spend more on the items that get the greatest use.
When it comes to furnishings, we put more strain on some items than others. We always suggest investing well in high-traffic areas and on high-use items.
For example, in a typical family room, the sofa gets a lot of daily traffic. The whole family, including the cat and dog, enjoy the sofa to its fullest everyday. Even when very careful, sofas get lots of love. But the tv cabinet or console table—they are rarely touched. So, investing in a high quality family room sofa is a no brainer.
We also highly recommend investing in top-tier kitchen appliances for improved functionality and greater durability.
Then, for tables, bookcases, and storage furniture that only receive occasional use (hence why they are called occasional pieces), we often choose items that are chic without the high price tag. This is especially true in secondary spaces like guest rooms, laundry rooms, and kids’ bedrooms.
We recommend spending where quality matters.
05 | Spend on items that make a statement, or are focal points.
Spend money on things you see everyday or that your guests will see (if you host often). This might include a beautiful fireplace surround in the great room, beautiful kitchen cabinets and countertops, or stunning window treatments in your living room or bedroom. On the other end of the spectrum — spaces that aren’t used daily, and aren’t in the most public spaces of the home — are better approached with economy in mind. High-end faucets and fixtures aren’t essential in the laundry room, where durability and ease of maintenance should be the priority. In the children’s bathroom, adding a simple, fresh backsplash or colorful accents like towels and accessories can brighten the space. These touches add personality without requiring a large investment.
Another approach to this strategy equates to stunning jewelry layered on top of a simple black dress. Choose more moderately priced cabinetry (the little black dress), but add stunning and solid cabinet hardware like drawer and door pulls (the fancy jewelry). Find ways to “dress up” more economical pieces. For example, we love to add custom paint finishes or use high-quality lighting to highlight and elevate budget-friendly cabinets and furniture pieces.
From challenge to solution
Even generous budgets have limits. Here is how we help clients decide where every dollar should go.
01 · THE CHALLENGE
Every choice feels like a splurge
With endless options, homeowners struggle to tell which upgrades add lasting value and which are nice-to-haves.
02 · OUR APPROACH
Priorities set by value and use
We weigh resale value, daily use and replacement cost for each item, then allocate the budget to the pieces that matter most.
03 · THE RESULT
A home that feels luxurious where it counts
Money goes into finishes and furniture that last, while easy-to-change items keep the overall budget in check.
Frequently asked questions
Items that add home value or get daily use: kitchen and bath cabinetry, countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting and your most-used seating.
Decor, accessories, accent pillows, side tables and trend-driven pieces, since they are easy to swap as your style changes.
Not necessarily. They can add enjoyment, but they rarely raise resale value the way kitchens, baths and quality finishes do.
Keep reading
- Where to Invest in Your Home: A Designer’s Guide to Spending Intentionally
- 8 Ways Working With An Interior Designer Will Save You Money
- The complete guide to kitchen countertop materials — from everyday durable to heirloom luxury
- Project Union City: Before & After
Fall in love with where your life unfolds.
ASR Design Studio is a full-service residential interior design studio based in Escondido and serving San Diego County. We specialize in renovations, new builds, furnishing and thoughtful styling, blending our signature modern coastal style with the way you actually live. We take on a limited number of clients each year so every home gets our full creative attention.
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