When I work with clients, there is almost always a budget and part of my job is to work out what is important to them. For example, you can have someone who’ll happily spend thousands on a bed but will also be reluctant to buy nice bedding. There are, however, certain pieces I always recommend clients invest in as they are used day in, day out and then there are others that for me, are worth the splurge.
The Best Bed You Can Afford
Everyone’s budget is different, so I’m not going to sit here and tell you to buy a £10k bed and that’s worth it. What IS worth doing is buying the best bed you can afford. If you have a lower end budget, I always recommend the Ikea Ramnefjall with an Ikea Valevag mattress - I have this in one of my guest rooms and always have compliments about its comfort levels. The added bonus is you can get covers from Bemz to make it look more high-end.
If your budget is higher, I can highly recommend the divan base from Darlings of Chelsea. It’s incredibly comfortable and has great storage drawers, which importantly don’t fall apart under the weight of their contents. If money were no object, Soho Home has some beautiful beds and Vispring bed bases are meant to be excellent.
The Best Sofa You Can Afford
Same principle as for beds - this is something you use a lot, so try and get the best you can afford. Once again, if budget is tight, I’d opt for Ikea and get a cover from Bemz. You get really good bang for your buck with Ikea versus other high street sofas that are a similar price - they usually come with a 10 year guarantee too. I’m a fan of the classic Ektorp, it’s comfy and ages pretty well, and the Hyltarp for a more structured form.
If your budget stretches further, once again Darlings of Chelsea are a good mid-tier option, along with Arlo & Jacob, Sofa.com. Personally, I’ve bought the Otti from Arlo & Jacob and can confirm it’s incredibly comfy. I have another of their sofas that’s 6 years old and you can barely tell it’s not new.
Top end (£5k+), Maker & Son’s and George Smith are amongst the best, I’d also check out Rose Uniacke for wonderful shaped pieces and great fabric choices. Ideally try out sofas in person, to check they’re comfortable for you.
Bathroom Hardware
Continuing my theme of things you use or touch a lot, taps should be the next place you invest your money. It’s a cliché but buy cheap and buy twice in this instance - the best quality taps have long guarantees and will outlive their cheaper counterparts.
Personally, I tend to use Burlington, Crosswater Belgravia range or Lusso Stone - in general, I favour a more traditional style too as they stand the test of time trend wise. Crosswater are particularly good if you have budget constraints, as they have various price points to choose from.
If you’re budget can stretch Bespoke Taps and Lefroy Brooks are also great options, with a better selection of finishes - Bespoke Taps is the go to for unlacquered brass, which ages beautifully but is certainly an investment.
Nice Light Switches
Light switches aren’t the sexiest of purchases, but I promise that upgrading to nice ones is something you’ll be glad you’ve done. They’re something you touch multiple times a day and so having ones that are metal rather than plastic, instantly upgrades your home. My go to ones are either Pooky or Corston - ideally keep them consistent through the house. I don’t apply this to plug sockets unless they’re really obvious, as why waste money on something that’s hidden?
Beata Heuman Handles
I’ve talked before about these being my favourite handles for cupboards and I stand by it. They’re heavy, solid and have a lovely patina. I can almost guarantee you’ll be as happy with your purchase in 10 years time as you are today.
Wool Rug
If your budget can stretch, I’d always recommend a wool rug - this is from my own frustrating experience of buying cheap polyester ones, which quickly look scruffy and hold smells more readily. Vintage rugs are a great way to get a wool rug for a more affordable price, still more expensive than a polyester rug but you’ll have something that’ll last way longer. My vintage rugs article has lots of sources for where I like to find great rugs. Alternatively, there are some great producers of new rugs such as Nordic Knots, Layered and Pelican House - all have options from neutral to colourful and patterned, and I can confirm they are great quality.
Toast Blankets
Toast is always my go to for blankets - they’re a little more expensive than your typical high-street fare but so much better for it. I love this wool blanket they have in currently… check back at the end of summer, as that’s when all the goodies start to come in!
Delft Tiles
If you can find a way to squeeze these in somewhere in your home, I promise they will feel so special. Hand-painted, with beautiful images, they’re timeless and there are so many options to personalise. Marlborough Tiles and Petra Palumbo sell my favourites - if budget is tight, mix the tiles with images along with the plainer option.
Matilda Goad Brass Lamp Shade
This is a bit of a statement piece, that a few years ago felt like it was everywhere. I’ve clung onto mine to ride the trend and I still love it. Sculptural and reflects light beautifully, it’s worth the investment versus a standard shade.
Roberts Radio
I always have a radio on in the background and the classic Roberts radio is my go to - I have the mini and full size digital versions, dotted around the house. They look so much nicer than an Alexa/Google Home or ugly speaker. And like every millennial, I’m listening to BBC 6 Music…
Summer house
I’ll end on this as it’s a bit of a splurge BUT bear with me. If you’re lucky enough to have the space, a summer house in your garden could be a worthwhile investment. This isn’t a home office, this is somewhere to lounge in the sun when it’s a little too chilly to sit outside. It’s somewhere for the kids to play when the weather isn’t amazing but you need them out of the house. From March-October ours is endlessly used and has felt like a little haven. They come in multiple sizes to work with whatever space you have. I’ve painted mine inside and put in an Ikea sofa for ultimate lounging opportunities. Mine is from Waltons, who also handily provide an assembly service, and has faired well!
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but my hope is it helps someone invest wisely!
As always, thanks for getting this far and any support is gratefully received. I offer consultations and sourcing services for those who are looking for help filling their homes with beautiful objects.
Steph x
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.