Things That Are Worth the Money: Interior Design Edition
If you've spent any time on TikTok lately, you've probably seen the trend: "Things That Are Worth the Money."
As an interior designer, I couldn't resist making my own list.
Because while I believe you can absolutely save in certain areas of your home, there are a handful of investments that will completely change the way your space looks, functions, and feels.
So if we were shopping together, here's what I'd tell you is worth every penny.
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1. Hiring Me as Your Interior Designer
Okay... I had to put this one first.
Most people think hiring an interior designer is about making a space look beautiful. While that's certainly part of the job, what you're really investing in is expertise, strategy, and peace of mind.
I help clients create a clear vision before a single purchase is made, preventing expensive mistakes, impulse buys, and rooms that never quite come together. From space planning and sourcing to managing budgets, coordinating vendors, and overseeing the countless details behind the scenes, my goal is to make the entire design process feel seamless.
More importantly, I design homes that reflect the people who live in them—not just what's trending.
A well-designed home should support your lifestyle, tell your story, and feel like the best version of you every time you walk through the door.
That's an investment that continues paying off long after the project is complete.
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2. Sculptural Lighting
If I could convince every homeowner to splurge on one thing, it would be lighting.
Lighting isn't just functional.
It's architecture.
A sculptural chandelier, oversized pendant, or statement floor lamp instantly transforms a room and often becomes the piece everyone remembers.
Great lighting makes everything around it look more expensive.
That's a pretty impressive return on investment.
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3.Performance Fabric Furniture
If you have kids...
Dogs...
Friends who enjoy red wine...
Or simply enjoy living in your home...
Performance fabric is worth every single penny.
Today's performance fabrics are incredibly soft while resisting stains, spills, and everyday wear.
You shouldn't have to choose between a beautiful home and a livable one.
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4. Tile
Tile isn't something you want to replace every few years.
Whether it's in a bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or fireplace surround, investing in quality tile pays off in both durability and design.
A thoughtfully selected tile becomes part of your home's architecture, not just a finish.
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5. High-Quality Paint
Paint might seem like the place to save money.
I'd argue it's one of the last places you should.
Premium paint offers better coverage, richer color, improved durability, and a finish that simply looks more refined.
When paint covers thousands of square feet in your home, quality makes a noticeable difference.
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6. Decorative Switch Plates & Outlet Covers
This is one of my favorite "designer secrets."
Most people spend thousands on beautiful lighting, cabinetry, countertops, and hardware...
...only to leave standard plastic switch plates throughout the house.
Those little details matter.
Upgrading to decorative switch plates and outlet covers from brands like Residence Supply or Buster + Punch instantly elevates a room and gives it a custom, luxury feel.
Sometimes it's the smallest details that make the biggest impact.
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7. Artwork That Actually Means Something to You
Forget buying art just because it matches your sofa.
The best artwork is the kind that makes you stop and feel something.
It tells a story.
It reminds you of a place.
It sparks a memory.
It reflects your personality.
Your home should be filled with pieces you connect with, not just pieces that fill a blank wall.
Because personal art never goes out of style.
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My Final Verdict
If there's one thing I hope you take away, it's this:
Spend intentionally.
Not everything in your home needs to be expensive.
But the pieces you choose to invest in should improve how your home looks, functions, or makes you feel.
That's always money well spent.
Now I want to hear from you...
What's one thing in your home that was absolutely worth the investment?
Leave a comment below, I may just discover my next favorite recommendation.
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Ready to invest in a home you'll love for years to come?
At Life by Design, I help clients make intentional design decisions that maximize their budget and create homes that feel elevated, functional, and uniquely personal.
Book your consultation today, and let's invest in the right things together.