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Ann Marie Cousins
Lifestyle Correspondent
1:00 AM 1st February 2025
lifestyle

Where Best To Invest In Your Home: Expert Tips From Interior Designer

Luxe look bathroom - AMC Design
Luxe look bathroom - AMC Design
I’m often asked by homeowners, ‘What should I invest in to really elevate my home?’ Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or simply create a space you can truly enjoy, the choices can be overwhelming. With a range of options and varying budgets, it is essential to know where to invest for maximum impact.

Kitchen upgrades: The heart of the home

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. Not only do we spend a lot of time cooking and socialising in this space, but it also plays an important role in determining the value of your property. My first piece of advice is to really be clear on how you want to live and use the space, how you wish for it flow and the type of cooking you envisage doing. Take inspiration from magazines and social media but don’t rely on this because everyone has unique needs. Take time to determine what is important for you and your family.

Invest: If you’re looking for long-term investment, improving your kitchen is one of the best ways to go about it. At AMC Design we work with Brown Pear Kitchens who are based in York, Arcade Kitchens in Ilkley, Interiors of Ilkley and Dovetail Kitchens in Cowling. In my opinion independent kitchen companies have your best interests at heart, their aim to is to help make the process as easy as possible and ensure there is a personal approach.

Splurge on things such as taps, countertops and even cupboard hinges. These are the elements of the kitchen which are the most frequently used so you need them to stand the test of time. For instance, natural stone, marble, granite or quartz countertops look stunning and are incredibly durable which adds long term value.

Save: Smaller updates in this space can make a dramatic difference. Consider respraying your cabinets with a fresh new mid-tone colour. This can give an instant facelift to a dull kitchen. If you are choosing to change the colour of your kitchen don’t forget the detail, there are a wide variety of handles and knobs in different finishes which will complement your new colour scheme.

Bathroom renovations:creating a spa-like sanctuary

The beginning of the year is a great time to reassess your current bathroom space and plan a full renovation or smaller refresh.

Invest: It’s important here to opt for beautiful sanitaryware that will not fade or go out of fashion. For that reason, I much prefer a classic white in a main bathroom. You can easily bring in colour to the space through paint, tiles, flooring or wallpaper in the bathroom but bathtubs and basins are a lot harder to change in the future.

Consider using luxurious tiles like stone or even marble for a stylish upgrade, coloured tiles rich in patterns can work well to add personality, warmth and interest. One investment people often forget to budget for is underfloor heating or heated towel rails. This luxurious addition brings warmth and comfort, especially on chilly mornings.

Save: Don’t worry about future buyers as they could end up making changes outside of your control – instead focus on making your space work for you. And though it may sound radical, if you’re not a family of bath lovers, consider omitting it- it can easily be reinstated by the next owners and means you can splash out on an amazing shower instead of spreading your budget further. Another way to save is by choosing a functional shower tray, rather than an expensive one. It’s not something you’d notice as long as it’s doing its job.

Living room focus style and comfort

The living room is one of the more personal spaces in a home where you unwind, entertain, and spend time with loved ones. Here, it’s all about creating a warm, welcoming environment that suits your personal style. While it's tempting to splurge on new furniture or accessories, it’s worth considering the long-term value of your choices.

Invest: Art and accessories punch way above their weight spending wise. At AMC Design, we advise setting 20% of your budget aside for finishing touches, because without them, the room can look sterile and lifeless. We interweave existing belongings into the scheme and supplement them by sourcing new products, creating a tapestry that reflects a homeowner's life and their style.

A well-chosen statement sofa can elevate the entire room without needing to redesign everything. It’s important to measure your space and your doorways before you visit showrooms otherwise you could overwhelm your space with a monster sofa. Foam sofa materials retain their shape and while feather gives a satisfying sigh when you sit down, it does need redressing every time. Allergies permitting, our preferred sofa construction is a feather wrapped foam interior on a hardwood frame. The frame will last and while the cushions will be comfy, they will not need constant attention to make sure they look ready to collapse into. Invest in quality fabrics for cushions, throws, and rugs. Natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton are durable, luxurious and will withstand the test of time.

Save: While I wouldn’t recommend opting for budget lighting, one way to save is to address your lighting to overhaul the space. Layering your lighting can add depth and warmth. As a rule, you should have three sources of lighting in your living room so consider a mix of overhead spot lighting to highlight dark corners or architectural features, task lighting and pendants plus automated lighting or mood lighting for extra ambience. One key tip is to update your bulbs to 2700K- any brighter and it’ll feel clinical and unwelcoming.

The key to home investment is finding the right balance between aesthetics and emotion, functionality and long-term value. While it’s tempting to make dramatic changes, sometimes it’s the smaller, thoughtful investments that can truly make a difference.

Ann Marie Cousins
Ann Marie Cousins
At AMC Design, our goal is always to create spaces that reflect our client’s style while bringing joy, comfort and practicality. I recommend focusing on what will improve your daily life while keeping in mind how these investments will impact the overall value of your home. For more information on how an interior designer can help you with this, please feel free to contact us.