The household items worth investing in

Buying everything you need for a beautifully functioning home can be an expensive exercise, so knowing which items are worth investing in is important.

We asked the experts for their tips on the household items that add value, efficiency and good looks, making them solid long-term investments for a home you will love living in.

Flooring

“Good quality flooring is a priority,” says Lauren Li from Sisalla Interior Design. “It’s what anchors and elevates a space, so it must be durable and low maintenance.”

Li suggests seeking out options in natural materials that suit your taste and lifestyle.

“Natural stone tiles like terracotta and terrazzo are stylish and durable,” she says. “Timber floors are timeless and textured wool carpets add softness and feel beautiful underfoot.”

Good quality floor rugs impart texture and are ideal for zoning open-plan layouts.

“Look for a large rug and anchor it under furniture, rather than allowing it to ‘float’,” says Li. “Avoid cheaply made versions with a short lifespan, and invest in rugs handmade traditionally in Morocco, Persia, Nepal or Afghanistan. They really last and never go out of style.”

Appliances

Selecting appliances can be stressful and while it may be tempting to purchase the low-cost option, choosing quality that ticks all the boxes makes it a smart investment that saves money long-term.

“Quality is about performance, sustainability, and aesthetics,” says Michele Laghezza from Miele. “Determining which is a priority for you, and choosing appliances accordingly, ensures your investment is an excellent one.”

For built-in convenience, seek out styles equipped with efficient time-saving features.

“The Miele Generation 7000 range available at The Good Guys includes ovens, steam ovens, microwaves, rangehoods and cooktops that are beautiful, functional and feature cutting-edge technology that make life easier,” says Laghezza.

The Miele oven, for example, features TasteControl that avoids overcooking by opening the oven door to cool the cavity, closing, then moving to warming mode, ensuring fail-proof results every time.

“Design is a priority, so Miele appliances match and come in classic colours and styles, like ArtLine, VitroLine, PureLine and ContourLine, that suit all tastes,” he says. “Their classic contemporary design ensures they’ll never date.”

Choosing energy-efficient products with sustainability and longevity make for the ultimate investment.

“We use recyclable materials,” Laghezza says. “We also design for longevity, so Miele products live in your kitchen longer, rather than ending up as landfill in five years’ time.”

Preparing ingredients with integrity guarantees an investment in your health every time you cook, he adds.

“Steaming ensures ingredients retain a significant amount of their nutrients,” he says. “A steam oven means you are cooking healthily for your whole family.”

Art

Art is considered a true passion purchase.

“Unlike stocks, art is an investment enjoyed daily,” says stylist Amy Collins-Walker. “Art holds its value, can be passed down generations, and can increase in price.”

When purchasing, look for reputable galleries representing emerging and established artists of original works, suggests designer Emma Hann.

“An experienced dealer offers solid advice especially if you’re new to the art world,” she says. “Form a relationship with them, research artists that interest you, and keep size in mind so you invest in pieces the correct size for your home.”

Most importantly, avoid buying “on-trend” works and look for pieces you love.

“Trends come and go, but good art lasts forever,” agrees Hann. “Unlike the stock market there are no dividends, but a beautiful piece of art provides years of enjoyment.”

Lighting

“Good lighting is crucial in a beautiful home,” says designer Nickolas Gurtler. “It’s functional, influences mood, and improves aesthetics.”

While the best-planned lighting schemes include ambient, task and decorative varieties, investing in the latter is most important.

“Decorative is a combination of sculpture and light source,” says Gurtler. “They are pieces of art and like jewellery for a space.”

Look for options that are well-designed and embody “modernity”.

“Lighting designed 50 years ago is still popular today due to its classic design and honest materiality,” he says. “It’s what makes them a true design investment.”