interior designer

Planning a kitchen or bath renovation is an exciting opportunity to create a beautiful, functional space that is uniquely yours. If you’ve been dreaming about it and have done any amount of research, you may have found your wish list has become long and expensive.   So, how do you reconcile the limitless options and amenities with a limited budget? As a luxury interior design firm, part of our job is to steward our client’s budget. Most projects require some level of compromise to keep costs under control and hiring an interior design firm is a wise first step to keeping within your budget. Over the years, we’ve found there are certain elements in every project that are worth the additional expense. Here are a few items that are on the list.   Custom Cabinetry Cabinetry is not only one of the most visible elements in a kitchen or bath but also takes the most wear and tear. Investing in high-quality cabinets ensures durability and functionality not to mention they look amazing. Custom cabinetry allows for better space utilization and unlocks personalized and efficient storage options inside the casework. Look for a high-quality finish, sequence-matched woodgrain or color with depth, and detailed joinery. Custom cabinetry is individualized and enduring and provides a level of sophistication that stock cabinetry simply cannot.     Why it’s worth it: An investment in fine cabinetry will last for decades and reduce the need for costly replacements in the future.  Countertops This is probably the most obvious one on the list. The countertops are often the first thing people notice when they walk into the room. Beautiful tops will elevate a space even if the rest of the materials are unremarkable. It can be a bold way to give personality to your room, especially when natural materials like quartzite with a distinctive veining pattern are selected. Beyond their beauty, your countertops see daily use, so I recommend choosing materials that can handle the wear for the long term.   Why it’s worth it: A distinctive countertop elevates any space and provides a worry-free surface for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.  Lighting Lighting is one of the most overlooked components of interior design.  Good lighting transforms a space from average to extraordinary. Proper task lighting makes a space more functional. Ambient and accent lighting work together to set the mood and desired emotional response of your room. Good lighting makes the finishes in your space come alive. Imagine preparing a meal under perfectly placed pendant lights or enjoying the warm glow of dimmed accent lighting in the evening. The secret lies in layering light and planning its placement early in the design phase. This doesn’t mean that every decorative fixture needs to be the finest statement piece. It’s the quality and controllability (dimmers and layering) of light that matter most.  Why it’s worth it: Proper lighting doesn’t just illuminate—it elevates. It enhances usability, highlights your design, and creates a lasting impression.  Heated Floors Heated porcelain or natural stone tile floors are a luxury well worth the spend, especially if your home is in a northern climate. Don’t get cold feet when deciding to add this detail. Your new spa-like bathroom should be a place where you want to linger. Heated floors are inviting first thing in the morning, walking out of the shower, and even in the shower. The thermostat can be controlled for timing and temperature from your phone or home automation system, so you are only heating the floors when needed.  Why it’s worth it: Heated floors are pure luxury and make your bathroom a place you want to spend time in.  Cabinet Hardware A well-designed space is all about the details and here is another detail that is often overlooked. Cabinet hardware (knobs & pulls) provides an amazing opportunity for personalization and an understated expression of luxury. Modern finishes clean easily and repel fingerprints or choose a living finish like brass that patinas beautifully with age. This simple detail can be the most critical decision in creating the overall aesthetic of your room. Take the extra time and budget required to select hardware that compliments and elevates your space.  Why it’s worth it: Details matter. This is a relatively low-cost splurge to take your room from commodity to unexpected luxury.  Bidet Toilet If you know, you know. This is a game-changer that is finally catching on in North America. Advances in technology and design have made bidets much more approachable both in budget and operation. Obviously, there are different price points ranging from bidet seats that are just a few hundred dollars to integrated toilets that can exceed $10,000. If your budget doesn’t allow for a fully integrated bidet toilet, spend the money on a quality bidet seat that you can install on a conventional toilet. They are worth the spend.   Why it’s worth it: Hygiene, a luxury experience, and even a conversation piece at an attainable price.  Luxury Interior Designer Hiring a luxury interior designer is no different than hiring an accountant. You can probably do your taxes on your own, but your accountant knows the code and is equipped to minimize your tax liability better than you. An interior designer understands the nuances of good design that are not always obvious. Hiring an interior designer will extend the value of your budget and provide a comprehensive design that considers the details that take it from good to great. Interior designers also have access to materials you wouldn’t necessarily find on your own. Furthermore, an interior design firm that manages the entire project through wrapping up the construction punch list can not only save time and money but also sometimes marriages.   Why it’s worth it: The 10-15% of the construction cost you will pay in design fees will add value to the project far beyond the cost.  Luxury Kitchen and Bath Renovation When planning your kitchen or bath renovation, it’s natural to want to save where you can. However, investing in these key areas pays off in the short