Which Selections in a Remodel Should You Splurge On?

When we plan a home renovation, it’s easy to dream big. What REALLY gets us going is when we see stunning photos on Instagram, Pinterest, and in magazines…

Luxurious finishes, state-of-the-art appliances, and the finest materials feed our real desire:

• To have a space we find as beautiful as it is functional
• To NEVER apologize again when someone comes over and we comment on “the state” of the home
• To get real joy out of every space
• And for the home to nurture the exact life we want to live

But, let’s face it…at the time of making our design selections, splurging on every element isn’t realistic.

READ: it’s also not necessary, thank goodness!

The key to a successful renovation with real Return on Enjoyment^TM lies in making thoughtful decisions about WHERE to invest your budget, and where to be more conservative. This requires an approach that prioritizes the elements with the most impact on your daily life and with the greatest power to bring you joy.

The Approach: How to Identify Your Priorities

Everyone has their own unique set of “must-haves…” They’re those special features, fixtures, or finishes we just want. Period.

For some people, that might be a unique marble countertop. For others, it’s the high-end range that transforms cooking into a true culinary experience every day.

Your challenge? Determine the elements that deserve the extra investment. Do you know right now what your priorities are? Think you’re missing anything? Are you sure what order you’d put them in?

Here’s how to find out…

Step 1:

Glose your eyes and imagine walking through your newly-remodeled home. Which areas make you smile? Which details catch your eye? Think about:

• How you use each space daily
• Where you spend most of your time
• What activities bring you the most pleasure in your home

This step identifies what you already know you want.

Step 2:

Jot down the things you do truly love about your current home. Maybe it’s the cozy reading nook, or all the natural light in your kitchen.

Next, think about the things that frustrate you most. It could be a lack of storage in the main bath, certain outdated fixtures, etc.

Finally, identify the key updates that would solve these frustrations.

This step clarifies what you have, and what you NEED to solve key problems.

Step 3:

Finally, leaf through your favorite interior design magazine or a new design Instagram feed. Look at the photos of the spaces that really amaze you. Look closely at those photos and identify anything that you LOVE but hadn’t thought of in your own mental “walk-through.”

These are the “nice-to-haves” that you wouldn’t have thought of without the visual cues and inspiration…

Step 4:

Now it’s time to prioritize the selections that bring you joy AND lifestyle impact.

Take ALL the “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and other design features you noted between steps 1, 2, and 3. Then, find the sweet spot — in other words, the selections you should DEFINITELY splurge on — based on which are BOTH:

1. Something that will bring you joy (because you simply love it)
2. Something that will enhance the way you use, move around, or live in your home

Here’s a quick look at where different selections might fall into these categories:

Brings Joy Only:	Lifestyle Impact Only:	Both Joy and Lifestyle Impact:
Statement chandelier in the dining room	High-efficiency HVAC system	Custom-built kitchen island with seating
Luxurious wallpaper in the powder room	Extra insulation for soundproofing	Heated bathroom floors
Hand-painted tiles for a backsplash	Smart home security system	Walk-in closet with custom organization

SUMMARY: some selections, like a statement chandelier, might not drastically change your daily routine…but they’ll bring you joy every time you look at them. On the other hand, a high-efficiency HVAC system might not be something you admire, but it will improve your home’s comfort and lower your energy bills. The real winners are those selections, like a custom-built kitchen island or heated bathroom floors, that enhance both your enjoyment and your lifestyle.

The Many Choices in a Renovation…

When you begin a remodel, the number of selections to be made can be both exciting and overwhelming. From the major elements like flooring and cabinetry to the smaller details like door hardware and functional lighting, every choice contributes to the final result. This is where a designer guides you through every selection, then puts them into renderings where you can visualize everything together.

READ: Your designer is the partner who not only helps you make choices but ensures that every selection aligns with your priorities and your vision for your dream home.

To give you an idea of the scope of selections involved in a typical renovation project, here’s a look at the selections in a full kitchen remodel and a full bathroom remodel…

Full Kitchen Remodel Selections	Full Bathroom Remodel Selections
Cabinetry (style, color, finish)	Vanity (style, color, finish)
Countertops (material, color)	Countertops (material, color)
Backsplash (material, pattern)	Backsplash (tiles, patterns)
Flooring (material, color)	Flooring (material, color)
Appliances (brand, model, finish)	Fixtures (faucets, showerheads)
Sink (style, material)	Bathtub (style, material)
Lighting (overhead, task, accent)	Lighting (vanity, overhead)
Hardware (handles, knobs)	Hardware (handles, knobs)
Paint (walls, trim)	Paint (walls, trim)
Island (size, design)	Mirror (style, size)
Ventilation (hood, fans)	Towel bars and hooks
Window treatments	Window treatments
Electrical outlets and switches	Electrical outlets and switches

These selections are only the tip of the iceberg. For a custom renovation, the choices are vast, and each one plays a role in how your space will look and function. Your design-build renovator or interior designer helps you navigate these decisions with confidence.

…As you embark on your renovation, remember to focus on what matters most to you. It’s crucial to get that list clear in your mind and prioritized accordingly, otherwise you’ll miss details that could have led you to loving your home^TM more than you knew possible.

The decisions you make about your home aren’t just financial decisions: they’re LIFE decisions. Your home should be a reflection of your life and what you value most!!

Keep the conversation going — join area homeowners in our private design community.