We like to think we're pretty savvy shoppers here at H&G, but there is no one better at the job than interior designers whose mission is to curate products and pieces to make the most beautiful homes.
So, we thought it high time we spoke to some of our favorite designers to pick their brains on the pieces they've bought for their own homes or design projects that they'd buy time and time again.
Whether it’s a well-crafted sofa, an eye-catching light fixture, or a timeless rug, seasoned designers know what's up – what’s worth investing in and what brings some serious style to a room. From furniture to fixtures, here are their recommendations for items that are really worth their salt.
When shopping for your home, knowing which pieces to prioritize your budget or time to can be the key to creating a stylish home with longevity. So a few insights from interior designers should offer some invaluable guidance for anyone seeking to elevate their. Here are the pieces seven top designers swear by, and why they truly believe they're worth investing in time and time again.
1. Versatile Dining Chairs
For House of Hive co-founder and principal designer Kailee Blalock, her hero buy is a set of thrifted chairs for her dining room that allow for extra flexibility in her space.
'The one piece I’d buy again without hesitation is a set of fabulous dining chairs I found at a consignment store,' Kailee explains. 'What makes them so special is that they’re on castors, allowing me to easily wheel them into the family room for extra seating when needed.'
'When I first thrifted them, I replaced the old castors with new ones that roll on a ball, which has not only protected my floors but also enhanced the chairs’ functionality. I love the flexibility they bring to my home, and I’ve learned that investing in versatile pieces – things that work with how you actually live in your space – is something I would do over and over again.'
2. A Comfortable Couch
'I have a sage green velvet sofa (the Madeline Sofa from Kathy Kuo Home) that is not only one of the most beautiful pieces I own but also one of the most comfortable,' says renowned interior designer Kathy Kuo, who stresses the importance of choosing the right couch.
'I love how luxurious and polished it looks, but also that it's perfect for curling up with a great book,' she explains. A couch is one of the most-used pieces in the home, so it’s essential to invest in something you'll love for years to come.
'I would invest in this piece time and time again! Since your sofa is generally one of the largest and most expensive pieces you'll buy for your living room, it's worth it to make sure you love the look and feel and that you feel confident in its staying power.'
3. Natural Stone
With unique veining and rich tones, stone surfaces such as marble, travertine, and granite bring natural warmth to any space, making a one-of-a-kind statement in your home.
Designer Bethany Adams has never regretted purchasing a stone table. 'I have many a natural stone table in my home and I love them all and would never trade them and here's why. One: they look incredibly chic.'
'Two: the colors and patterns bring so much interest to a room without you having to layer on endless pillows or draperies in different fabric choices, and three, they are immovable and indestructible,' says Bethany. One of the best things about a natural stone table is its durability. '"Do I need a coaster?" No. "Mommy, watch me leap off of the coffee table!" No! (but the table will be fine),' she explains.
4. Timeless Lighting
Beloved interior designer Marie Flanigan emphasizes the importance of lighting ideas to tie a room together and anchor a space.
'Beautiful and thoughtfully considered lighting is truly the jewelry of any room, and I believe every space deserves stunning fixtures, from sconces to chandeliers and flush mounts,' Marie explains.
When carefully selected, lighting can make a room feel cozy, inviting, and well-designed. 'These elements not only provide illumination but also serve as statement pieces that elevate the entire design,' adds Marie.
Nothing says timeless like a simple brass sconce like this from McGee & Co. Featuring linen pleated shades, with a subtly curved antique brass arm in a traditional style – perfect for a cozy corner.
Thanks to its classic Farmhouse style, this 4-arm chandelier will work in both modern and traditional spaces. Each of the four bulbs is housed in a cone-shaped shade to soften the light and create ambiance over your dining table or kitchen island.
With a warm glazed ceramic lamp base and soft linen shade, this timeless table lamp is sure to cast a lovely golden glow. It can be used across the home from the bedroom to your living room.
5. A Really Good Rug
'Equally important are rugs underfoot,' Marie Flanigan continues. 'An essential layer that defines a room, adds texture and creates depth. A well-chosen rug anchors the space, making it feel more cohesive and inviting. Together, these elements bring a sense of refinement and warmth to your home, turning everyday rooms into thoughtfully curated spaces.'
Plus, a well-made durable rug will last for years, even in high-traffic areas.
'One of my favorite pieces in my home is a vintage Oushak rug from House of Seance that's been with me through several homes and many different rooms,' adds Molly Torres Portnof, founder of DATE Interiors. 'It's not only beautiful but durable, which is why I always source vintage rugs for clients.'
With a unique twist on the classic jute rug, the Louie rug collection from Joanna Gaines x Loloi collection was made in India using 100% hand-woven jute to create a series of rugs in plaids, stripes, and more minimalist designs.
The soft khaki green and neutral color palette of this H&M Home rug makes it a timeless and non-confrontational piece that can move from room to room or home to home with you.
With 30 5* reviews, this is certainly a popular rug by Birch Lane at Wayfair. According to reviews, it remains super soft despite the natural fibers and will make a great addition to your entryway or living spaces.
6. Quality Bathroom Fixtures
Designer Linda Hayslett, founder of LH.Designs favors focusing her attention on bathroom fixtures and hardware to enhance both the aesthetic and longevity of a space. With daily use, these pieces can endure significant wear, making durability and quality essential when sourcing.
'Kohler's fixtures, like the Purist Sink Faucet, offer a beautiful combination of precision, craftsmanship, and innovative design. The sleek lines and minimalist aesthetic fit effortlessly into a variety of styles, whether modern or classic,' she explains. 'I often recommend Kohler to clients for their balance of form and performance – once you've used their products, it’s clear why they’re a standout choice for any space.'
'Additionally, Kohler’s bathroom sinks have a way of transforming the entire bathroom vanity area with their clean lines and classic design,' she adds. 'The craftsmanship is exceptional, and the materials are built to last. They're products I return to because they add both beauty and comfort to a space.'
7. Boiling Hot Water Tap
'On a practical level, I could not live without my Quooker boiling water tap in my kitchen,' says Jane Lanindo, creative & design head of studio at Taylor Howes.
Whether you’re brewing tea or filling up a pot for the stove, a boiling hot water tap streamlines daily tasks and frees up counter space, reducing clutter and enhancing the overall look of the kitchen. It’s a small change with a big impact on efficiency.
'I recommend them to all my clients and would never go back to a kettle,' Taylor continues. 'Art and accessories are, I think, key to making my home a home - so definitely, the finishing touches are absolutely the items that I would buy time and time again. They are also the quickest way to update and change a room's look and feel, so I often swap things in and out and update them according to season.'
As you consider purchases for your own home, be sure to take inspiration from these must-haves that designers return to time and again. With quality materials and craftsmanship, certain pieces stand the test of time, evolving beautifully with you and your space. So it's worth putting some extra thought in so you'll be as happy as these interior design experts for years to come.
