Splurge or save? Home items worth spending on

When you’re building or renovating your home, everything should ideally be a splurge since you want these items to last a long time.

It never happens, though, because somehow unexpected expenses come up, and home items and interior finishes are usually the ones that suffer. From my experience, it takes a few years to build a big house. By the time we’re halfway through, plans change and new ideas come to mind.

As basic needs, though, some home items are considered essentials rather than luxuries. So here is my list of the “must-haves” worth spending on.

A quick note though: These recommendations are subjective and drawn from my own experiences and those of my clients.

Paint

I’m a firm believer in using beautiful colors on walls and ceilings, so a good quality, preferably low VOC paint can be a great choice for your home.

Low VOC paint produces less odor and fewer harmful emissions than conventional paint during its application—although proper ventilation is still highly recommended. Plus, there are many textures and colors to choose from.

Doors

I grew up with basic hollow core doors, but I came to appreciate the value of a good door as I became more involved in interior design. A good solid door can make a room look beautiful, whatever design you choose, although, of course, the finish should complement the room.

Hardware

Door handles, cabinet pulls, drawer pulls, hooks and bathroom hardware are my must-haves. These are touched and used every day, so they should be easy to use, comfortable to the touch and, most importantly, safe.

Bathroom fixtures

The water closet, lavatory, bidet, showerheads, mixers and bathtub are worth every penny. Better brands often come with better-quality finishes, which can help prevent staining—if you know what I mean!

Washlets

This is truly worth it! Washlets are among the most comfortable additions to your bathroom. Toto is one of the most well-known brands, but other brands on the market are just as good. These washlets are electrically powered, so make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby.

Washlets come with a wide range of functions depending on the model and price. They can warm the toilet seat, sanitize after use, offer different flushing options, adjust water temperature, operate by remote control, wash and air-dry your bumbum, provide a night light and even offer Bluetooth connectivity—you name it! They’re probably creating even more functions as we write this article.

Air purifier

These are essentials in a household prone to allergic rhinitis! Every bedroom and living space can benefit from an air purifier. You can take your pick, from negative-ion technology to HEPA filters and more. There are even models designed for homes with lots of pets.

Styler steam closet

This is such a lifesaver. No need to wash lightly soiled clothes that may be sensitive to frequent washing or detergents.

These can be placed in steam stylers to refresh, sanitize, reduce odors, and smooth out wrinkles without traditional ironing. This had cut my dry cleaning bills by more than 90 percent.

Just be careful with piña barongs and thin, delicate fabrics, as the heat and steam may damage them. I learned this the hard way after putting my husband’s Patis Tesoro barong in the styler about three times!

Good washing machine

If you spend on clothes, I advise investing in a good washing machine that can handle delicate fabrics almost as gently as handwashing. You’ll notice the difference after many washes, especially if your cotton shirts start to fade in certain areas.

Spend on mild detergents as well, such as Woolite, Cycles and Perwoll. Use a mesh bag to protect more delicate items during the wash. A Miele washing machine may be a splurge, but its long warranty and gentle fabric care can make it a worthwhile investment for both the machine and your clothes.

Dehumidier and exhaust

Ideal for walk-in closets and bathrooms, these help control moisture and prevent mold from developing on your belongings, which can save you from costly damage in the long run.

French kitchen range

French cookers are a dream! They combine beautiful aesthetics with the ability to turn out delicious gourmet dishes.

You can choose from a range of colors, from teal to red and beyond, as well as customize the range hood and knobs in brass, nickel or stainless steel. There are various sizes and dimensions, with just about every cooking add-on you can think of.

Of course, these can cost as much as a mid-range car, but their durability and long-term use can make them worth the splurge. Lacanche and La Cornue are among the brands available locally.

Cooking pans

From copper pans to enameled Dutch ovens, these offer better heat distribution and cooking performance than many run-of-the-mill pans. They’re worth the investment if you cook often.

Nugget ice maker

An ice maker is a must-have in my home since we make a lot of drinks and prefer to have fresh ice on demand.

My kids prefer nugget-shaped ice to the typical bullet-shaped kind, which usually comes in hollow, tube like pieces. Iced coffee connoisseurs they may not be, but they certainly have specific preferences when it comes to ice!

Nugget ice is softer and more porous, making it easy to chew, while its larger surface area can help chill drinks quickly. If this is what you prefer, make sure to specify a nugget ice maker when buying, since bullet-type ice makers are more common.

Home security

This is a wise investment because it helps keep your home safe. Security cameras placed in strategic areas, motion-sensor lights and, where appropriate, professionally installed electric fencing can help protect your home and deter potential intruders.

A good mattress

This is highly subjective and may not necessarily be a splurge, since there are so many brands that offer comfort across different price ranges. It is largely a matter of personal preference, so it’s best to try it out before buying.

Consider your sleeping position, preferred level of firmness and comfort, as well as your TV-viewing and reading habits.

Good pillows

These are also not necessarily a splurge but are essential bedroom items. Choose pillows that provide comfort and proper neck support, suit your sleeping position and are made of materials that help reduce dust mites and allergens.

Area rug for the living room

I made this item specific, but if you can, why not have rugs in all the rooms? A rug should have good texture, beautiful design and durable materials to withstand years of use.

There are many kinds of rugs made from silk, wool or blended materials, but make sure your choice suits the way you maintain your home. And when you have dogs, you may have to think twice before investing in a delicate area rug.

Linens and towels

It’s wonderful to have top quality bedsheets and towels. These little luxuries can literally make your day. I’m a firm believer in comfort and a good night’s sleep, so these are must-haves for me.

Window coverings

Curtains and shades can make a big impact on any room and even on a building’s exterior.

Just imagine a tall, sleek condominium building with beautiful large windows and a single unit with red curtains. Ugly, right? I would stick to cream, gray or taupe curtains so they can complement your interiors, even if you change a couple of pillows here and there.

Make sure to use good quality fabric with a nice weight and, of course, choose curtains that blend well with the space.

Sofa

The first thing clients usually splurge on is the living room sofa. I agree that this is one of the most important pieces in the home. I suggest trying it out as a family to see which one best fits your lifestyle and comfort needs.