Invest vs. Save: Where to Splurge in Your Home Design
Whether you are refreshing a single room or starting a full-home renovation, knowing where to invest and where to scale back is the key to intentional design. At Fitz Haus Interior Design, we guide clients in Central Pennsylvania and beyond to make smart, stylish decisions that balance beauty with longevity. Our goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes, reduce buyer’s remorse and create interiors that truly stand the test of time.
We’re sharing expert interior design tips on where to splurge, where to save and how to stretch your budget without sacrificing style or impact.
Where to Splurge in Your Home Design
Upholstered Furniture
A well-made sofa or sectional is worth the investment. Because it is used daily, higher-quality frames, cushions and fabrics will far outlast fast-furniture options and hold their shape for years.
Custom Window Treatments
Tailored drapes, shades or Roman blinds transform a space instantly. They add softness, frame views and provide solutions for light and privacy that off-the-shelf curtains cannot. Custom window treatments also increase energy efficiency and create a cohesive, finished look.
Lighting Fixtures
Lighting sets the mood in every room. Prioritize layered lighting with pendants, sconces and chandeliers that are both sculptural and functional. Designer lighting fixtures are one of the quickest ways to elevate a home.
Built-Ins and Custom Cabinetry
Custom cabinetry and built-ins increase storage, maximize your footprint and add significant resale value. They make a home feel purposeful, polished and completely unique to your lifestyle.
Rugs and Artwork
Investing in a hand-knotted rug or original artwork adds depth, texture and soul to a space. These pieces become the foundation of a room and often hold both emotional and design value for a lifetime.
Where to Save in Your Home Design
Trendy Décor
For seasonal or trend-driven accents like vases, throw pillows or decorative bowls, opt for budget-friendly options. These pieces are easy to swap as styles evolve.
Paint
One of the most affordable updates with the biggest impact is paint. Focus your budget on proper prep and application, then enjoy the dramatic transformation at a relatively low cost.
Secondary Lighting
Save on task lighting or under-cabinet fixtures in less visible areas. These can be practical without requiring designer-level investment.
Dining Chairs
Stylish dining chairs can often be found at accessible price points, especially when incorporating vintage or secondhand pieces. Mixing styles can add character without overspending.
Accessories and Styling
Once the foundational furniture and finishes are in place, layer in affordable accessories over time. Books, greenery and collected objects bring personality without a large financial commitment.
Interior Design Is About Balance
Great design is not about spending at every turn. It is about knowing when to invest and when to edit. By working with a professional designer, you can focus your budget where it will have the most impact while still achieving a home that feels elevated, intentional and uniquely yours. At Fitz Haus Interior Design, we help homeowners in Central Pennsylvania and beyond design spaces that are beautiful, functional and built to last.
___
About the Author
Abby Fitzgerald is the founder and principal designer of Fitz Haus Interior Design, where she helps homeowners make smart, stylish design decisions that balance beauty, function and longevity. Specializing in full-service residential design across Central Pennsylvania and beyond, Abby guides clients through every stage of the process, showing them where to invest for maximum impact and where to save without sacrificing style. Her thoughtful, client-centered approach ensures each home feels elevated, intentional and uniquely tailored to the people who live there.