The Five Best Design Investments I Made in My Home

By Georgia Barnes

Our homes are often one of the biggest investments we make. I wholeheartedly believe that the time and energy we put into the spaces we live in is well worth it. When renovating my home, there were certain things I chose to save money on, and others I chose to splurge on. Here are a few of the things I decided to prioritize in my home and why I’m glad I did.

Pictured: Jawara Linen Cotton Roman Shade Cordless in J401-3 Oatmeal

Plumbing

When selecting plumbing fixtures, I knew I wanted to incorporate timeless finishes that would age gracefully. Unlacquered brass and polished nickel are my go-to finishes for clients and I wanted the same for my home. The polished nickel bridge faucet in my kitchen is the centerpiece of the kitchen. Bringing a beautiful warmth to the space, it perfectly complements the off-white cabinetry and Carrara marble countertops. I also used polished nickel in the bathrooms and paired the plumbing fixtures with brass lighting for a high-end feel.

Countertops

Many people are hesitant to use natural stone due to its porous nature. Yes, marble can scratch and etch but that’s actually why I love it so much. Marble and other natural stones feel authentic in the home and add the perfect classic charm. Just like anything in our homes, marble requires maintenance and like wood floors can be refinished, so can marble! Unlike quartz or other man-made materials, marble is able to be re-buffed and honed or polished–leaving them feeling new once again.

Tile

The bathrooms in my home are on the smaller side, so I opted for small mosaic tiles to help make the space feel bigger (funny how that works!). I chose two different patterns made of honed Carrara and Bardiglio marble to complement the marble countertops. The beautiful octagon and dot pattern always feels timeless to me, so I knew I wanted to incorporate it in our primary bathroom. Tile is a pain to change down the road, so investing in something that would last was worth the upfront cost.

Window Coverings

It took a year after moving into our home to get window coverings and I regret having waited so long! Drapery and romans are truly the jewelry of the home–the finishing touch that brings everything together. I chose Two Pages Jawara Linen in oatmeal for the pleated drapery in our living room and I love the way it complements the rest of the home. The pinch pleat elevates the space and the linen brings much needed warmth and softness to the room. I used the same fabric for romans in a few of the other rooms to tie the different spaces together.

Door Hardware

I am so glad I opted for sturdy and beautiful door hardware. I chose an aged brass finish with a classic round knob and I love the way it adds to the character of the home. It’s one of those small details that you might not think about at first, but it really makes a difference in how a home feels. They have held up beautifully over time and I am so happy I made the investment.

It’s natural to have regrets or wish you’d done things differently at the end of a design project or home renovation, but when it comes to these five things, I truly wouldn’t change a thing. My advice as an interior designer is to prioritize the things you love and that will stand the test of time and invest in those.

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