The Things Clients Always Regret Not Spending On (and What They’re Glad They Did)

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | June 4, 2025

When someone decides to decorate or renovate their home, they usually start with a dream—and a budget. Most people can’t do everything, so choices have to be made. “Let’s skip this,” they say. “We’ll save money here.”

Sometimes that works out just fine. But other times… a few months later, I get a message.

“I wish we had just gone for it.”

Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern. There are certain things people almost always regret skipping—and others they’re so happy they said yes to.

Here are the things that make the biggest difference. Not just in how a space looks—but in how it feels.

What Clients Regret Not Spending On

1. Better Lighting

Everyone notices lighting. But it’s also the thing people try to save money on. They stick with the builder’s basic lights or buy something quick online.

Later, they say, “Why didn’t we choose the beautiful one?” Because here’s the truth: lighting sets the mood. A great light fixture can turn an ordinary room into something magical.

2. Soft-Close Drawers and Cabinets

This sounds small, but trust me—it’s big. Soft-close drawers don’t slam. They glide shut quietly, smoothly. And once people live with them, they never want to go back.

The regret comes when that daily “clunk” starts to feel loud and annoying.

3. Custom Storage

Many people skip built-in shelves, mudroom cubbies, or closet upgrades. They say, “We’ll deal with that later.” But later usually means piles of clutter and nowhere to put things.

When storage is designed just for your life, it changes everything.

4. High-Quality Hardware

Door handles, cabinet pulls, faucet handles—these are the things you touch every single day. Cheap ones feel hollow or clunky. The good ones feel solid, smooth, and satisfying.

It’s like the difference between a plastic toy and a real tool. You can feel the upgrade.

5. Window Treatments That Actually Fit

People often try to save money on curtains or blinds, but they’re shocked at how much better custom (or even properly measured) ones look. They frame the room, control the light, and add comfort.

Flimsy blinds or too-short curtains? Almost always a regret.

What They’re Glad They Spent On

1. A Comfortable Sofa

This is always a win. A soft, well-made sofa becomes the heart of the home. People gather, rest, and live there. Nobody ever says, “I wish we bought the cheaper couch.”

2. Good Paint

High-quality paint looks better, lasts longer, and cleans more easily. People who go for the better brand always say it was worth it. The color is richer. The walls feel fresh for years.

3. Professional Styling at the End

When the furniture is in and the paint is dry, the room still needs that final touch. Pillows, art, plants, a mirror at just the right height. The finishing layer is what turns a house into a home.

Clients who invest in styling say, “This is exactly how I wanted it to feel.”

Final Thought: The Things That Matter Most

Design is full of decisions. Some things are okay to skip or save on—but others change how you live in your space, every single day.

When a room works beautifully, it’s not because everything was expensive. It’s because the money went to the right places—the ones that matter most to you.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Have you ever made a design choice you wish you hadn’t skipped?
Or is there something you’re so glad you said yes to?

I’d love to hear your story. Comment below, send me a message, or tag me in a photo of your favorite home decision. Let’s share what we’ve learned—so others can create homes they love, too.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/.  Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio