'A very worthwhile investment': Living room features worth splurging on, and those that aren't

This week on The Block, contestants tackled the biggest, and potentially most expensive, room in the show’s history – the living and dining room.

“Designing a successful open plan living and dining area can be testing and costly,” says designer and stylist Rebecca Johnson.

“Today we live more casually. We want to be chatting to our family and friends while we cook. It is the modern way of living but only rewarding if our spaces are well planned and equipped. The challenges of open plan living extend from lack of wall space and excess noise to clutter and lack of privacy. Luckily, with good design that incorporates the right investments, they are obstacles that can be overcome.”

So where to splurge and where to save? The experts let us know.

Visual dividers

When planning, consider how each zone will be delineated and how flow will be achieved. “Because the living and dining areas are open to each other, there should be subtle divides that still allow flow,” says Johnson.

“This can be achieved with a piece of furniture, luxe floor rug, art, or a low-set partition. Each becomes a visual divider without becoming a boundary. Such pivotal pieces are well worth investing money in because they are imperative to creating a useful space.”

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Beautiful ceiling

This week Spence chose a coffered ceiling as his distinctive interior feature. It’s a choice, says Johnson, which guarantees real impact.

“It’s a very worthwhile investment,” she says. “It’s a great way to make your high ceilings a beautiful feature as well as highlight different living zones. It is a timeless addition that can be made to any home, no matter how large or small. It offers a real point of difference.”

Fireplace

Nothing screams luxury more than a beautiful fireplace. For Norm and Jess, a Jetson-style floating fireplace is the perfect standout feature for their space.

“A fireplace, whether it is double-sided, traditional or linear style, is always a smart investment,” says Johnson.

“Lit or not, it adds warmth and ambience, and because it draws the eye is a natural focal point. I love their choice of rotating fireplace. It is not only beautiful and decorative but allows different styles of entertaining also.”

Statement pieces

“Nothing says status like a chandelier and a baby grand piano,” said Sara. Or does it?

“I tend to agree,” says Michelle Hart from Bask Interiors, “although they would be better suited to a grand hotel foyer rather than a contemporary apartment that isn’t the penthouse suite. Definitely not a wise splurge.”

When choosing statement pieces, aim to invest in ones that are appropriate for your space.

“It’s important everything cohesively works and flows well together,” Hart says. “You don’t want too many hero pieces fighting for attention. Aim for understated elegance, which can be achieved for not a lot money. The key is to look for pieces that are a combination of quality materials, colour and textural elements.”

Artisanal furniture

Courtney’s choice of a handmade dining room table featuring exquisite parquetry is an investment that should pay off.

“A beautiful handmade table with luxe seating packs a guaranteed style statement,” says Johnson. “They are ‘forever pieces’ and a fantastic investment, because a handcrafted piece of furniture made from high quality materials will last longer and look better than a similar piece from a chain store. Plus you are supporting a small business. It’s a good splurge on all fronts.”

Television

One item that is always an investment worth making is the television.

“Today’s televisions are super large and tend to overtake a room,” says Johnson. “A high quality TV is well worth splurging on, but to prevent it looking like an eyesore the right placement is paramount.”

Whether wall mounting or placing on a surface, strive to ensure it is not a focal point.

“Rather than automatically centering it, try placing it to the side,” says Johnson, “or place in a bookcase or on a dark wall so it blends in.”

Spence and Kerry had the right idea. Their beautiful smoky mirror incorporates a television that is only seen when in operation.

“This new generation of television is the epitome of a modern masterpiece and the perfect splurge,” agrees Johnson. “Just ensure it is the perfect fit for your space by matching it up with the wall behind and hanging it as you would a piece of art. It should be at eye level and have ample space surrounding it.”