Home décor has been enjoying the spotlight for the past five years. With social media trends providing endless inspiration, it’s tempting to click “add to cart” on a kitchen sink you’ve never seen in person. However, impulse purchases based solely on aesthetics often lead to disappointment, and hasty renovation decisions can ultimately reduce your home’s resale value.

Margaret Donaldson, founder of Charleston, South Carolina-based MDI Luxury Design, advises her clients to compare products in person. “They sometimes talk themselves into less expensive knock-off finishes without seeing the difference in the quality item first,” she notes. Professionals like Donaldson recommend visiting a showroom such as Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Experiencing the products you plan to live with daily is far better than scrolling through blurry thumbnails on a screen.

The Showroom Experience

Stepping inside a Ferguson showroom is an immersive experience that allows you to touch, feel, and understand the difference quality makes. When you book an appointment, an industry-expert representative will assist you every step of the way, from in-store selection and personalized recommendations to delivery coordination.

“At the end of the day, quality finishes hold up better over time, are best for resale, and tend to be more beautiful,” says Gideon Mendelson, founder and creative director at New York-based Mendelson Group. To ensure you’re enhancing both your interiors and your equity, pair a trip to the showroom with the following expert tips.

Budget for Quality Materials

According to contractor marketplace Sweeten, the national average cost of a full bathroom renovation in 2024 ranges from $16,000 to $31,000. Much of that variance comes from the quality of fixtures, which can cost anywhere from $1,500 to over $15,000. “Labor costs are often relatively fixed, but an extra investment in quality materials is the best use of budget to ensure an outcome that transcends trends and creates timeless beauty,” says New Jersey-based interior designer and gallerist James Yarosh.

If budget is a concern, retailers like Ferguson offer a wide variety of price points without compromising on integrity. “Custom often means costly. If you can stick to standard-size finishes and fixtures, you can often find savings there,” adds Sweeten’s senior director of operations, Katherine Jones.

Factor Durability into the Investment

High-quality finishes stand the test of time better than budget-friendly counterparts, which translates to cost savings due to fewer repairs and replacements. “Quality materials, construction, and craftsmanship can better withstand wear and tear,” says David Mann, president of MR Architecture + Decor in New York City.

These savings benefit future homeowners as well. “Anything that can be refinished rather than replaced is a value-add,” points out Dan Mazzarini, bicoastal principal and creative director of BHDM Design and Archive. Think of a thick marble countertop or solid wood floors versus engineered materials that wear poorly over time.

Stay True to Your Design Vision

Prioritizing quality doesn’t mean sacrificing your vision. “We advise clients to buy timeless pieces that bring them joy,” Mendelson says. “It’s important to keep both livability and longevity in mind when shopping for a home renovation. I want to create places and spaces that make a family’s life easier, more interesting, more relaxing, and more fun.”

Donaldson agrees, emphasizing the importance of considering the client’s lifestyle. “Quality products can outperform inferior products in durability and classic aesthetics,” she says. Ferguson’s in-house industry experts are ready to help you stay true to your vision while staying on budget with professional recommendations tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t Overlook the Details—Big and Small

The foundational elements of your home—the ones most difficult to change—are where it makes the most sense to invest. Yarosh recommends upgrading to top-notch materials when changing the bones of a house, such as millwork, flooring, mantels, kitchen and bath fixtures, countertops, and tiles. High-end appliances like French-door refrigerators and built-in ovens give a kitchen a sophisticated, curated look. “Small details go a long way, like great hardware and light switches,” adds Mazzarini. “These are often afterthoughts for many homeowners, but when they’re in place, people see the value they create. It also builds confidence in the overall infrastructure of the home.”

Lighting, hardware, and plumbing fixtures may seem small, but they’re elements in your home that you interact with every day. Whether you’re working on a new build or upgrading your space, quality should be of the utmost importance. Book an appointment with your local Ferguson showroom to get the in-person experience you need to choose what’s right for your home.

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