If you’re renovating or wanting to buy some new home furnishings, we have some tips to help you distribute your hard-earned cash.
The key is picking items of quality that you’ll be able to keep with you for a long time – regardless of whether or not you move or your tastes change.
Here are some timeless pieces that deserve a few extra dollars in your budget.
The perfect lounge
A lounge is the hero piece in any living room and it’s truly an investment.
The right lounge needs to be functional, not just aesthetic. It should tick all the boxes — the right size; the right comfort-level; the right look.
A lounge like Jasper II from King can be customised in terms of size, shape, colour and comfort.
The Jasper II is the kind of couch you can sink your money – and then yourself – into. Picture: King
Jasper II’s modular components can be configured to suit any space, changing seamlessly into numerous configurations that include storage and shelving. This flexibility is ideal long-term as the lounge can adapt to your changing lifestyle. So when you move, the couch can definitely come with you.
Remember: don’t play to trends; consider a lounge that comes in a neutral colour palette so it will last the test of time.
Artworks
With plenty of inexpensive, mass produced wall art available, people tend to forget a quality artwork is actually an investment.
Buying from a reputable gallery means your work may appreciate in value. Even if this isn’t a guarantee, there are clear pathways to resell a reputable artwork down the track instead of chucking it on Facebook marketplace for $10.
Buying art can be an investment if you know where to look. Picture: Pexels
The only downside is that you have to be willing to fork out the initial cost, which is likely to be at least $3000-$10,000.
Buying from a reputable small gallery, like Michael Reid in Sydney or Anna Schwarz Gallery in Melbourne, is a good place to start. Should you go down this route, you can also take advantage of schemes like Art Money, which provides interest free loans to support our art industry.
Australia is also lucky enough to be home to some of the world’s first and best abstract art forms via our indigenous communities. Look to the Indigenous Art Code or Desart to find excellent and reputable recommendations.
A large rug
The best items to invest in are ones that serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose. They can spice up a room while also serving a valuable need.
Rugs, for instance, help insulate rooms or protect flooring but can also add a bit of flare and interest to your space with exciting colours, patterns or textures.
A good quality rug can last many years. Picture: King
Rugs can be quite exxy, especially if you’re opting for a hand-woven piece or woollen fabric. Fortunately, a good quality rug like the King Rug Collection can stay with you for 20 years or more if you treat it properly, so it’s worth the investment.
The key is to pick a style and colour that is adaptable — and that you really like it. Darker or muted shades of red, green or blue tend to work with a number of different styles and can be adapted to many looks and spaces. They also won’t show up marks like most lighter shades.
To enhance longevity, keep it simple when considering patterns. Also, ask your vendor how to best keep it clean before you buy.
A statement chair
If your living area or bedroom calls for an armchair, feel free to get a little creative with form or colour. This piece can easily be a decorative accent as well as a comfy spot to sit.
If you want something timeless, this tub chair offers an elegant style and doesn’t occupy a lot of space. It can easily sit in the corner of your bedroom or living room without enveloping the area.
The Tub Chair is both stylish and comfortable. Picture: King
Feel free to experiment with materials too. For instance, if you love Hamptons style, you can explore this via an armchair without having your entire living suite made of rattan.
Similarly, you may not want a large velvet couch, but a couple of armchairs in this lush fabric will add an edge without being overwhelming.
Source: realestate.com.au