Interior experts reveal the home items they always splurge on

With so many excellent affordable homeware and furniture options on offer, it can be hard to decide what to splurge on and what to save on. We know it’s a wise move to invest in long-lasting, high-use items such as sofas, beds and mattresses, but what else should we be spending our hard-earned pennies on?

The answer: things that you personally value and know you will enjoy and appreciate for the rest of your days. In light of this, we turned to our favourite interior experts to find out what items they value and always splurge on for their own homes.

Greg Natale, designer

“I’ve always been a big advocate of allocating some of your interior design money for art — and if you can push the budget that little bit further, I encourage my clients to collect at least one good oil painting for their collection — they contain so much depth. Art in the home can take on any number of roles. It can contrast, complement, draw a scheme together or make its own statement. My own home brings together sculpture, paintings, prints and mixed-media works. They each contribute character and a point of interest that I never get bored of.”

Mr Jason Grant, stylist and author

“I love splurging on interesting objects. I’m a stylist and a creative, so it’s a given that I love to collect things. I like collecting things that both resonate with me and that have meaning. I spoil myself by splurging on handmade ceramics often from Scout House in St Kilda (Bridget Bodenham is a favourite); Nikau Store in Byron Bay (Emma Gale is a favourite) and Koskela in Sydney (Anchor Ceramic are a favourite). I love things made by hand as they are unique, one of a kind and always feel special. Splurging on these interesting objects to me is the ultimate luxury.”

Emma Blomfield, interior stylist

“I am a big fan of statement lamps and lampshades. Most lamps come with a standard choice of white, black or beige shades, but I’m all about colour and pattern, so I tend to get custom shades made up in an interesting pattern fabric or textured colour to work with a stylish lamp base. This often means the shade costs more than the lamp base, but I feel it makes a big difference to the look of the room and becomes a talking point when guests visit.”

Steve Cordony, interior stylist

“The item I always splurge on is bedding. I love luxurious feather and down mattress toppers, goose down duvets, pure linen sheets and goose down pillows. I love layering with custom cushions and beautiful cashmere and wool blankets. A bedroom should feel like a sanctuary and creating a slice of a luxe hotel room in your home is one of life’s little indulgences.”

Natalie Walton, interior stylist and author

“Good lighting is always a priority in my home. It is what I will spend money on, and I can justify the expense of getting something bigger and better quality,” Walton says. “When I was living in a Sydney terrace a few years ago, my dining table was from Vinnies, and cost next to nothing. However, the pendant that hung above it was about 10 times the price and worth every single dollar. It was an industrial pendant light from Belgium and sourced from Quintessential Duck Egg Blue. It is timeless and has since hung in my shop Imprint House and now hangs in my daughters’ bedroom.”