6 Design Features Designers Say Aren’t Worth the Investment
Annie Schlechter
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While home is often considered the heart’s sanctuary, creating the most exquisite spaces usually involves a mix of creativity, time, patience, and, of course, financial resources. Whether you showcase your affluence with a carefully curated art collection or prefer the understated elegance of quiet luxury, many individuals express their prosperity through luxurious finishes, bespoke furniture, and modern conveniences.
“I can’t emphasize enough the benefits of incorporating small, luxurious details into your surroundings,” says Austin designer Killy Scheer. “These touches highlight moments of subtle opulence: sinking your toes into a plush hand-knotted rug, the tactile beauty of an embroidered pillowcase, or a unique brass switch plate or playful towel hook in a powder room that sparks conversation.”
While designers can justify the cost of a lavish kitchen island in Carrara marble or custom furniture, there are other ostentatious features that even industry experts find unnecessary. Frankly, some of these high-priced items seem overrated, overpriced, and simply not worth the investment.
That’s precisely why we turned to a group of designers to reveal the extravagant home accessories they consider to be excessive—and their responses might surprise you. From luxurious bedding to futuristic finishes, overhyped home decor comes in various forms and sizes. The good news? Removing these overpriced elements from your home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. These professionals are also sharing their preferred chic, budget-friendly alternatives to help you strike a balance between affordability and beauty.
Luxurious Bedding
While a restful night’s sleep is essential, you don’t need to splurge on expensive bedding. “There’s no need to invest time and money in pricey bedding that requires dry cleaning,” Scheer advises. “I prefer bedding that looks as good unmade as it does when neatly arranged.”
Instead of fixating on the price tag, Scheer recommends focusing on quality. Opt for bedding crafted from 100% percale or linen with a thread count between 200 and 400. “Higher thread count isn’t always better; excessively high counts are often a marketing ploy,” she notes.
Scheer particularly admires the sheets from Bed Threads as her and her clients’ top choice. “Their color selections and combinations are among the best available,” she says. “They are easy to layer and become softer with each wash.” Once you’ve found a high-quality, low-maintenance base, Scheer encourages getting creative. “Layer it, experiment with colors, and toss it in the wash—simple as that!”
Overpriced Furniture
Furnishing a home can be a costly endeavor, but you don’t have to be an interior designer to recognize the potential pitfalls of overspending. Laurin White of Cambridge Row advises thorough research before making substantial furniture purchases. “One common high-end
Are your decorating skills up to par? It turns out that finding high-quality decor doesn’t have to break the bank. According to White, it just takes a bit of creativity. She suggests that hunting for vintage, auction, and consignment pieces can lead you to unique finds at a fraction of their actual value. Looking for a budget-friendly purchase that feels special? Count us in.
When it comes to lighting, designer Margaret Naeve Parker believes that crystal chandeliers may symbolize opulence for some, but they are not always the best choice. She recommends opting for timeless pieces over trendy or overly ornate fixtures. Vintage or artisan-made options can add a touch of luxury without overpowering a room. Parker suggests being mindful of the scale when experimenting with statement lighting, focusing on areas like the entryway, bedside tables, or powder room.
Connecticut designer Chauncey Boothby emphasizes the importance of mixing textiles and finishes to create a sophisticated space. She suggests combining high-end items with more affordable options, such as layering sisal or wool broadloom rugs with a standout handwoven rug. Boothby also recommends splurging on intricate patterns and textures for window treatments and upholstery, while exploring vintage stores for cost-effective finds.
While steam showers are often seen as a luxurious addition to a bathroom, designer Rachel Cannon points out their high price tag and maintenance issues. She suggests focusing on high-quality fixtures, a rainfall shower, and thoughtful design elements like built-in niches and good lighting for a refined and relaxing bathroom. By opting for these details instead of a steam shower, you can save money to invest in beautiful tiles, a soaking tub, or elegant vanities.
In the realm of smart home systems, it’s not just about fancy gadgets. More than just speakers and touchscreens, smart home technology can offer convenience and efficiency.
When it comes to interior design, Cannon is urging homeowners to reconsider splurging on expensive, fully-integrated smart home systems that can cost over $50,000 and require frequent updates. Instead, she suggests opting for modular, consumer-grade items like Nest thermostats and Ring doorbells, which can be easily replaced or upgraded as needed. By investing in quality furniture and flexible technology, homeowners can enjoy convenience without the high upfront costs and compatibility issues associated with proprietary systems.
