In an ideal world, everything that fills your home would be something special - the sort of considered designs that you will keep forever. While that is not always possible, knowing where to focus your attention when you invest in your interior means that your favourite pieces will last through moves, changes in style, and hopefully be passed down and treasured again.
From statement pieces that are as “you” as can be to steadfast and well-loved staples, leading interior design house Neptune has curated a guide for pieces that are worth seeking out.
Offering storage and display space as well as a focal point for a room, dressers are as useful now as they have been in homes for hundreds of years, and are as stylish as ever.
Choose a timber one – be it an antique or a new design – and it will age beautifully, and as the years go by you can refresh the paint colour, change the handles, and even move it to a different part of the home.
One element of your home that is used day in, day out, by every member of the family, and has to stand up to the messiest room in the house, is kitchen cabinetry, which has to be the hardest working of all interior pieces.
It needs to be durable and function effortlessly, and it should look good too, being the heart of the home and on show to just about everyone who stops by.
Which is why kitchen cabinetry is a worthy investment, even if you are not in your forever home. The cabinetry in Neptune’s collection is built in such a way that you can easily move it, whether from room to room or to a different home altogether.
Speaking of pieces that get used every day of the week, instead of compromising on the style of sofa or armchair that you really want, invest in what is going to make you happy.
Much like your kitchen cabinetry, where you put your feet up in your sitting room is something you hopefully get to enjoy every day of the week. The comfort you will feel from a good sofa or suite, and the way that it elevates the look of the room, is something that will reward you for years.
On the lighter side of investing — literally — switches and sockets, bases and shades, the layout and the layers of light sources – lighting is one of the most transformative elements of interior design.
With a small amounting of planning, you can completely change the mood and the texture of your rooms.
Lighting is so much more than functional – and can be built upon over time.
Another thing to invest is tableware. While small, it is worth seeking out the best quality pieces. Neptune crockery is made from stoneware, which is less likely to chip than earthenware and is still dishwasher and microwave safe.
In terms of versatility, start with a well-made, fairly plain, set for every occasion and then consider adding more decorative elements over time.
Finally, considering how much of your life is spent there, and how deeply your quality of sleep affects so many other parts of your life, a quality bed is always a wise option.
When it comes to the mattress, look out for natural materials wherever you can because they offer the best temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties.
Mattresses that contain wool and horsehair are a good bet as these two materials also spring back to shape time and time again.
And always, always, look for pocket springs. This is also the item it really pays to try out in person before you buy.
Finally, whatever it is that you are investing in, make plans to keep it in good shape and make sure it makes you happy – ideally, you will be looking at it for many years to come.
