Where to Spend + Where to Save

Here is what we tell our clients when it comes to where to invest, and where to pull back for renovations and new builds.

One of the smartest things you can do in any renovation or new build is to get clear on your priorities. You don’t need to spend big everywhere to get a beautiful result. Strategic decisions allow your home to feel elevated in all the right places, without blowing the budget. It means you can put the budget required to execute a specific space to perfection while others that require less don’t chew up the total spend unnecessarily.

We work closely with our clients to guide where to invest and where it’s totally okay to pare things back. With the right balance, even modest budgets can feel refined and intentional.

Here’s our go-to guide on where to spend and where you can confidently save:

Where to Spend

These are the areas that set the tone, impact how you live day-to-day, and are hard to retrofit down the line. When you invest here, you feel it.

1. The Kitchen

The heart of the home, and where most people spend a lot of their time. Well-considered layout, quality cabinetry, stone benchtops, and beautiful lighting make all the difference. Don’t skimp here, it affects everything from functionality to resale value.

2. Outdoor Living (Connected to the Main Living Zone)

This is an extension of your interior space, especially in our climates in Australia. This includes the central living zones that connect to the outdoor space. Investing in a seamless indoor-outdoor flow through large openings, covered outdoor areas, and quality outdoor materials pays dividends in how you live and entertain. In terms of resale value, it’s a big part of how potential buyers will see themselves living in the home.

3. Primary Ensuite + Main Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a retreat. In the ensuite, think custom vanities, quality tapware, and hero tiles. These are high-touch spaces where upgrades are worth it, every single day. It’s your private sanctuary and it shoulld feel that way.

4. Powder Room

It’s a small space that punches above its weight. Because it’s typically used by guests, the powder room is the perfect place to splurge on a standout basin, beautiful tapware, and statement lighting. It can be an opportunity to do something different that a space space allows for.

5. Lighting

Architectural lighting (like LED strip lights, wall lights and pendants) shapes mood and function. Investing in a thoughtful lighting plan and well-made fittings will elevate your whole home. Lighting requires early planning and expert execution to get it right, it’s worth the time and energy spent here.

6. Tapware + Plumbing Fixtures

These are high-use items. Opt for finishes that are both beautiful and built to last. Brushed nickel, gunmetal, or aged brass offer character and durability. This is not the place to cut corners. Just because it looks similar, doesn’t mean it is - you want to go for trusted brands like Astrawalker, Brodware and ABI (for a lower cost option).

Where to Save

Not everything has to be top-of-the-line. Here are areas where you can keep things simple without compromising the overall outcome.

1. Subsequent Bedrooms

These rooms can be dialled back with simpler wardrobes, more affordable carpet or flooring, and pared-back styling. You can always layer with beautiful linen and soft furnishings down the track.

2. Secondary Bathrooms

Once the primary ensuite is sorted, the family or guest bathrooms can be approached with a simpler palette. Use the same tile in different layouts. Family bathrooms are often high use so require functionality and durability. Guest bathrooms are often low use, so can be kept really simple.

3. Laundry

A practical layout matters more here than fancy finishes. The thing to invest in here is joinery that functions the way you need a laundry too - be it inbuilt hampers, internal close rack, cupbaords to hide vacuums and cleaning products etc. You can make smart decisions in the laundry like using a thinner bench thickness than your kitchen or bathrooms (20mm vs 40mm). Function over too much fuss.

4. Furniture

This one might surprise you, but we’re big believers in evolving your furnishings over time. Prioritise key pieces (like a sofa or dining table), but don’t feel pressure to furnish every room immediately. It’s okay to grow into your space.

5. Tiles (in some cases)

Not every tile needs to be a showstopper. Use more affordable tiles for floor or wall coverage, and hand-pick where you use your hero/feature tiles. Just choose wisely - with SO many tile options out there it can be tricky to decipher what is actually nice. Make sure to get samples, bring them on site and look at them in the lighting.

6. Wardrobes in Secondary Rooms

Keep wardrobe joinery simple and functional in the kids’ or guest bedrooms. You can always upgrade later or use modular inserts to add functionality without the custom price tag.