If you’ve been keeping up with things for the last few years that Ive started sharing home decor, you know I love nice home items. Arhaus, Pottery Barn, etc. are some of my absolute favorites when it comes to home and decor, but I get it, sometimes they can also break the bank for even the smallest of things which is why I often shop Home Goods or online retailers like Wayfair, etc. if I’m looking for something to fit a particular budget. But, with that being said, I definitely have a list of best things to spend money on when it comes to making a house a home.
I love finding a great deal, but I also believe that just like some statement items in your closet (nude pumps, black blazer, a great pair of denim), that some pieces are definitely worth the splurge and I thought it might be fun to share them here today. Now, I’m not chatting building type items (like kitchen cabinets, wood floors, etc.), I’m chatting decor pieces or home items that I have no problem spending money on and this is because of one of two reasons (or maybe both):
A. The item brings me loads of joy
B. The piece(s) is a statement piece
So, here are some pieces I think are worth the price:
Best Things to Spend Money On
- Lighting. There are a lot of lights in a house, but I think one light in your home should be awe inspiring. It doesn’t have to be big, just something really fun and unique.
- These candles. Yes, I love these too, but when I’m really feeling like I want to splurge, I get one of these. Small, but mighty, they create ambiance in a whole room and burn perfectly even which means no waste. Plus, I reuse the jars when I’m finished (post coming soon on ideas!). I love the simple design of the black and white.
- A piece of art that means something. When I was pregnant Aaron got my Lisa Golightly’s Nightswim and I absolute adore it. It’s not an original, but it’s also not a cheap print and it’s my favorite artwork in our home. For Mother’s Day this year, he got me this one and I’m so excited to hang it. I think a piece of art should make you feel something. Sure, not every piece I am over the moon with in our home (hopefully one day), but there are a few I love walking past. And maybe one day these painting will become an heirloom to P.
- This detergent. Is the bottle small for the price? Yes. But I promise you, it lasts forever. I ONLY use this on my towels and sheets and every-time I crawl into newly washed bedding, I LOVE it and I swear I sleep so well because the scent lulls me to sleep. I’ve also had guests that stay in our guest rooms compliment the smell. It not only make an impact to me personally, but to my guests.
- Coffee Table Books. You wont be lost without them, but I do love the looks of books stacked in random places throughout a home. It creates such visual appeal and always gives a guest something to do if waiting. If anything at all, they are a great conversation piece that also looks great the other 364 days a year styled on your coffee table.
- Nice hand soap in guest areas. Please do not buy the $1.99 handsoap for your guest baths. I know it seems dumb to spend money on soap (but I personally love the look of this on my kitchen sink), but even Trader Joes has a delicious smelling hand soap that’s moisturizing and appealing that’s currently in our half bath. Now, upstairs in our bathroom do I buy the cheap stuff, yes. But downstairs and in our guest rooms I get something a little nicer (Love Ms. Meyers, too!).
- Speakers. If you like to entertain or even listen to music while you cook dinner, you need a good quality sound system or speaker. These are amazing and the best part is that they all link to one another so you can buy them overtime and connect. The quality is truly amazing.
- Antiques. No matter it’s value, please have something in your home no one else does. Whether a small trinket dish, an antique bowl or mirror, have something that tells a story of the past. You can read this post on how I incorporate old and new.
- Bedsheets. There is nothing like crawling into a set of good sheets. I’ll admit, I splurge on ours and get more affordable options for our guest rooms, but trust me, treat yourself you sleep there every night. Side note: I don’t buy less than 800 thread count for guest beds either.
- Upholstered Furniture. I know this is a tough one because a nice sofa can be SO expensive, but I promise, cheaper isn’t always better. I feel like upholstered furniture shows its age SO easily when it’s cheap. I prefer to splurge a little on the pieces I know we’ll use for years to come and just be diligent on Scotch Guarding it and setting rules. Our main sofa is a sectional from Pottery Barn and in our playroom we have an Ikea sofa. It’s all about balance. I promise you that PB one will majorly outlast that Ikea one.
This is also a contender for me in case you’re wondering what didn’t make the list, but I thought about. This is also one I think is a must. I’d like to add a really nice coffee maker to my list too, if you have any suggestions, please share.
Speaking of coffee…
Thank you for reading as ALWAYS.
What do you think are the best things to spend money on? Let me know in a comment below!
