When renovating a home, itās almost impossible not to think about budgets: where should you save, and where is it worth spending a little more? After moving into our home and living in it day after day, I can confidently say there are certain areas I never once regretted splurging on.
These werenāt just aesthetic upgradesāthey improved our comfort, convenience, and overall quality of life. If youāre planning a renovation and wondering where to allocate your budget wisely, here are the areas that truly paid off for us.
1. Tinted Glass Wardrobe Doors
Tinted glass wardrobe doors were a design decision we debated for a while, but in hindsight, itās one of the splurges Iām most grateful for.
Visually, they add depth and a quiet sense of luxury to the bedroom without feeling heavy or overwhelming. The subtle tint softens the view of the wardrobe interior, so it never looks messy, even on days when things arenāt perfectly arranged. At the same time, it still allows enough visibility to easily locate itemsāstriking the perfect balance between practicality and aesthetics.
Beyond looks, the glass reflects light beautifully, making the room feel more spacious and polished. Itās a small detail that elevates the entire space and makes the bedroom feel intentionally designed rather than purely functional.
2. Limewash Paint in the Master Bedroom
Choosing limewash paint for the master bedroom was a quiet splurgeāone that doesnāt scream for attention, but makes a profound difference to how the space feels.
Unlike regular paint, limewash has a soft, chalky texture with natural variations that add depth and movement to the walls. Depending on the light and time of day, the finish subtly shifts, giving the room a layered, almost artisanal quality. It brings warmth and character without relying on bold colours or patterns.
More importantly, the master bedroom is a space meant for rest. The organic, imperfect nature of limewash creates a soothing atmosphere that feels grounded and sereneāexactly what we wanted for a place to unwind at the end of the day.
While it required skilled application and a higher cost, the result is a bedroom that feels calm, intentional, and timeless. Itās the kind of splurge you appreciate not just visually, but emotionally, every single day.
3. Large Format Marble Tiles
Choosing large format marble tiles throughout the home was undeniably a splurge, but one I have never second-guessed.
The larger tile size creates a seamless, expansive look with fewer grout lines, instantly making the home feel more open, cohesive, and high-end. Walking through the space, thereās a continuous visual flow from one area to another, which enhances the overall sense of calm and luxury.
Marble also brings a natural elegance thatās hard to replicate. Each tile has its own unique veining, giving the home character while remaining timeless. Underfoot, the cool and solid feel adds to the sense of permanenceāthis doesnāt feel like a temporary home, but one thatās meant to last.
While it required a higher upfront investment and careful workmanship, the end result is a foundation that sets the tone for the entire house.
4. Wall-Hung Toilet Bowl & Concealed Rainshower
Opting for a wall-hung toilet bowl and a concealed rainshower system was a conscious splurge that transformed the bathrooms both visually and functionally.
The wall-hung toilet instantly creates a cleaner, more streamlined look. With the cistern concealed and the floor left unobstructed, the bathroom feels more spacious and easier to maintain. Cleaning becomes quicker and more thorough, and that everyday convenience adds up more than youād expect.
The concealed rainshower, on the other hand, elevates the daily shower experience. With piping hidden behind the walls and only essential fittings visible, the bathroom takes on a hotel-like calmness. The gentle, even water flow of a rainshower turns a routine into a moment of relaxation, especially after a long day.
While these choices required more planning and higher installation costs, the payoff is a bathroom that feels refined, clutter-free, and thoughtfully designedāone that continues to feel luxurious long after the renovation is done.