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Budgeting for home renovations or designing your new digs from scratch is like planning for a wedding: You set your budget, but then you just have to have that Champagne wall. Or in the case of apartment or home upgrades, it might be a custom fabricated sink for a powder room or perfect accent chair for your living room, says Katie Winnington, principal designer of C&E Furniture + Design on Fenwick Island, Delaware. “I always like to explain to my clients early on that there will be something at some point that will be worth splurging on,” she explains. “It’s going to be the thing that you are so excited about,” she continues, noting that whenever that occurs, she knows it’s worth it for the client, and they’ll be able to pare back elsewhere.
Along with material upgrades and bespoke furnishings, design pros deem larger appliances and smart electronics as another category worth shelling out extra cash in home renovations. “Appliances that simplify life and exude refinement are definitely at the top of the list of frequent splurge-worthy investments,” says Deborah Costa, principal of Design Alchemy in Sausalito, California. Since people’s lives are hectic, says Costa, creating personalized and luxurious spaces that prioritize comfort, convenience, and the pursuit of excellence is always a win. Below, read about 12 such additions that are probably going to be worth every penny.
A luxurious bathtub
Photo: Rob Melnychuk/Getty Images
If you know you’ll be indulging in extra TLC as a result of the investment, you’re getting more bang for your buck. Mimi Meacham, founder of Marian Louise Design in Houston, calls her nightly bath routine a sacred time that she cherishes each day after her kids are tucked in bed, the kitchen is cleaned, and she has a moment to slow down. “When selecting a bathtub for our newly built home, I knew I wanted it to reflect beauty and femininity, and stand up to daily use,” she says. Indulging in this big-ticket purchase meant Meacham was happily able to cut corners elsewhere: “Due to the beauty and prominence of the tub in our primary bathroom, I was able to hold off on adding a pricey light fixture and was able to go with a more simple and less expensive countertop material.”
Brass fixtures
Another place in the bathroom to spend more liberally? The fixtures. Elizabeth Vergara, founder of Vergara Homes in New York City, asserts that gold brass assets like outlet and light covers, faucets, shower heads, and towel bars are a pricey but a worthwhile addition to your bath. “Not only do they add a touch of elegance, but they also offer durability, resistance to corrosion, and easy maintenance,” she says. “Coordinating all fixtures in the same finish creates a cohesive and visually appealing design, enhancing the bathroom’s value and making it more inviting to potential buyers.”
A full backsplash
