What to Splurge On - And What to Skip
Our no-nonsense take on where to invest your reno budget for the most impact.
At Megan Crosbie Design, we don’t believe in spending the most - we believe in spending wisely.
A big part of our job is helping clients figure out when to lean in and when to pull back. Because even if the budget feels big, the wrong decisions will shrink it faster than you can say “$20,000 ceiling fixture.” (Yes, that’s a real quote from a recent project. And yes, we course-corrected. The one we chose came in at a much more reasonable $3K. Still a splurge - but the kind that made sense for that particular space.)
So where do we think it’s worth spending - and where can you save without regret? Here’s our take.
SPLURGE: Statement Lighting in Key Spaces
Lighting is one of the most transformative elements in a home - and one of the fastest ways to signal quality and intention.
That doesn’t mean every fixture needs to cost five figures. But in key areas like the foyer, kitchen, dining room, or main living space, a thoughtfully chosen light can anchor the whole room.
Think of it like this: lighting is jewelry for your home. You don’t need diamonds in every room - but you do want something special where people will notice.
Save here: Secondary bedrooms, utility spaces, powder rooms (yes, even there - we said it).
SKIP (for now): Structural Reconfigurations
Before you start moving walls or adding square footage, ask yourself: Is this the smartest path to impact?
We’ve seen clients itching to blow out the back of their house to gain a few extra feet - only to realize the same function could’ve been achieved with better layout planning and millwork.
Start with what you have. Sometimes a rework of the interior flow gets you 90% of the way there without the demo bill.
Bottom line: Don't bulldoze first. Design smarter, then see where it leads.
SPLURGE: A Sofa That Can Take a Beating (Gracefully)
If there’s one piece of furniture that earns its keep every single day, it’s your sofa.
We always recommend allocating real budget here.
You’ll sit on it, nap on it, binge-watch on it, and maybe even spill red wine on it. A high-quality sofa not only lasts - it feels better every time you use it.
Cheap sofas might look okay at first glance, but they often fall apart (or sag) within a year. Your back will notice. So will your guests.
Splurge tip: Prioritize hardwood frames, quality foam/down, and performance fabric. You’ll thank us later.
SAVE: Art Itself - But SPLURGE on Framing
This one surprises people: while we love original art, that doesn’t mean we aren’t all for affordable art too.
Print shops, vintage stores, even family photos - great art doesn’t have to be expensive.
But if you want it to look like a million bucks? Put your money in the framing. Custom framing elevates even the most modest print, giving it weight, presence, and polish.
Pro tip: Float mounts, oversize mats, and museum glass go a long way.
MIX: Tile - Be Strategic
We have a soft spot for handmade tile, and yes, it’s often worth the splurge. Texture, movement, character - it all adds up. But here’s the thing: you don’t need it everywhere.
In spaces like a powder room backsplash or a kitchen feature wall, a handmade tile makes an impact.
In high-foot-traffic areas or behind-the-scenes zones? Porcelain tile is a winner. It’s durable, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly.
Save smart: Use cost-effective tile where it counts (think: shower walls, laundry floors), and channel those savings into one special surface.
SPLURGE: Built-In Storage That Actually Solves Problems
Nothing feels more luxurious than a place for everything - and that’s where custom millwork shines.
Whether it’s a mudroom that corrals the chaos or a pantry that makes meal prep easier, purpose-built storage is something you’ll use every single day.
We’ve never had a client say, “I wish we didn’t add that linen tower.” Not once.
Save here: Prefab closet inserts for secondary bedrooms or guest spaces - no need to over-customize where it won’t be used regularly.
SPLURGE: Fixtures You Touch Every Day
There’s a reason we guide clients to prioritize quality kitchen and bath fixtures. These are the elements you physically interact with multiple times a day - so they need to feel good, function well, and last.
Think of your faucet like a handshake. You want it to be solid, well-balanced, and quietly confident - not flimsy or fussy.
Pro tip: Look for solid brass internals, not just shiny finishes. And don’t be afraid to spend more where it counts - like kitchen taps, shower valves, and hardworking prep sinks.
SPLURGE: The Unseen Comforts
Some luxuries don’t announce themselves - but once you have them, you’ll never want to go back. We’re talking about things like:
Heated floors
Soft-close everything
Dimmers and layered lighting
Outlets where you actually use them
Acoustic insulation between floors or bedrooms
These aren't flashy, but they add up to a home that feels refined, quiet, and considered. And once they’re built in, they’re hard to add later - so plan ahead.
Small touch, big payoff: Add an outlet to your bathroom vanity drawer and keep electric toothbrushes and clippers out of sight.
SAVE: Doing It All At Once
Your home doesn’t need to be fully “done” the minute you move in. Sometimes the smartest decision is to phase things out and wait for the right piece.
Good design takes time. You don’t have to do everything at once - especially if it means making compromises you’ll want to undo later. A little patience often leads to much better results.
Permission granted: Live in the space a little. Let it tell you what it needs.
The Takeaway: Spend Where You’ll Feel It
Design is full of decisions - and the secret isn’t to spend more. It’s to spend where it will matter most to you.
Ask:
Will I see this every day?
Will it make my life easier or more beautiful?
Will it last?
If the answer is yes, it’s probably worth it.
