5 Ways Interior Designers Help You Maximize Your Home Investment

Hello, friends! Today I want to talk about a topic that can be a little taboo in some circles but is SOOO important. Are you ready for it?

Money. More specifically, spending it wisely. You see, part of my job (and this is the part you won’t see on Instagram) is helping clients get the absolute most out of their investments in their homes. Whenever I sit down with my clients for our first consultation, I always ask them about their budget and their design goals — their wants, needs, and wishes.

My role as an interior designer is to help you get as much on your wishlist as possible, while still standing behind the quality and longevity of your home. Together, we’ll bring your vision to life, be mindful of your long-term goals, and ensure your hard-earned money is invested wisely. 

This brings me to today's subject: 5 ways we help you get the most out of your home investment. Some might surprise you…

Custom shelving and a built-in wine fridge? This is a beverage center design that keeps on giving!

1. Designers Know Which Renovations Raise Property Value (& Which Don’t)

In an ideal world and with unlimited resources, I would say ‘elevate your life!’ Renovate your entire home, update that kitchen that drives you nuts, and build your own home gym complete with Peloton in the spare bedroom. :) 

However, if we’re working within a budget that isn’t sky’s-the-limit, I will help navigate which renovations will raise your property value and which won’t. We’ll be able to set your project’s scope with this information in mind.

I love to help clients strike a balance between what they love and what will feel timeless 5-10 years down the road.

floor-to-ceiling built-in? Yes, please! An investment for long-term joy and home value. From our SF Views project.

2. Designers Know Which High-End Pieces Impact the Final Design

You know how you can absolutely tell when you enter a home that an interior designer created? There’s that X-factor, where everything just works together effortlessly without looking overdone.

The secret?

You don’t need 100% high-end pieces to achieve that designer finish. Every design has a few key players that are holding the look together or elevating it to that extra level…

It could be a gorgeous stair banister, a dramatic entryway, an art installation, a show-stopping ottoman or mantel, etc. A designer knows exactly which pieces are worth the investment and which can take the backseat.

Simple yet stunning entryway in the Oakland Modern Townhouse. Now this is a space where you can take a deep breath, am I right?

3. Designers Know Where & How to Prioritize Comfort

Another way that designers help you maximize your investment is in the realm of comfort. A sofa that isn’t comfortable for your family? Probably not going to stay in your home for very long. One that you love cozying into on Movie Night? That’s the one you want.

Part of my job as a designer is knowing which pieces are best for prioritizing comfort, as well as which furniture makers excel in this area. (Yes, I really do go to designer-only showrooms and sit on all the furniture… call it field research. ;)

You can trust that if I’m recommending a sofa for your living room, it’s going to be one you’ll love! And that’s what makes a good investment.

a home designed for Modern Comfort in SF

4. Designers Know When to Prioritize Quality for Your Long-Term Investment

I know, it sounds pretty obvious, but I’m just gonna say it anyway. Always prioritize quality. No matter what your budget is, just get the best you can. It is undeniable that quality items save you money in the long-term.

“But Susie, does that mean I have to invest in custom pieces for every aspect of my home?”

Not necessarily. I usually suggest a mix. The high-use items should be durable, comfortable, functional, and beautiful — and we’re not going to find that at IKEA. However, it’s about prioritizing, knowing when it’s smart to go for quality and when it’s less important.

For example…

If you do have kids and pets, quality materials that weather the storm of time (and daily chaos) are a must! lots of performance fabrics are available now. Crypton and inside-out are beautiful, stain-resistant options. 

This goes beyond furnishings, too. Think about your countertops, for example. Materials that have a patina or natural stains (like quartz) are great options. You won’t notice wear and tear over the years. It’s already part of their natural charm.

All that said, it’s important to note that “Long-term” means different things to different people. Are you planning to start a family? Then maybe “Long-term” means baby-proofing everything now. Or maybe you already have kids, and “long-term” means in 10 years when the kids (fingers crossed) move out. ;)

My point is - it depends on your personal goals, and Your designer can help you make the right investment for YOU.

investing in a suave built-in bar was a no-brainer for our clients in this modern bohemian space!

5. Designers Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes

I have said it before, and I will say it again: Nail your home project the first time! (I can feel the huz rolling his eyes at me... but I know he gets it. We’ve done a lot of home projects around here! Like this one and this one.)

Investing in a job well done the first time saves down the road. 

That expensive piece of furniture you ordered that now looks too small (or too big in your space)? A designer could have helped you avoid that.

The kitchen layout that drives you nuts every time two or more people are in there? Yep, we could have helped you avoid that, too.

Designers have knowledge of trends and functionality, but we will always abide by the way YOU live. We can help create the best space plan for you, source the right scale of furniture for your space, and make sure the functionality is there to make your everyday living easier AND elevated!

This not only maximizes the investment you’re making in your home (and lifestyle), it also means not having to fix any mistakes later.

so, hire a reputable design team that won’t cut corners and that will prioritize your lifestyle. THAT’s where the magic happens — now and in the long run.

This classy SOMA high-rise is doing everything right… modern style, layered textiles for comfort, and sprawling views.

And there you have it! 5 ways designers help you stretch your investment while making your space the fabulous, cozy, functional, and sophisticated place you’ve always imagined it could be.

If you’re ready for a fresh home that elevates the way you live, let’s chat, my friend!

Until next time, stay creative, stay sane, and I’ll see you soon!

Xoxo,
Susie