Home decor has been relishing the spotlight for the better part of the last half-decade. And social-media trends offer endless inspiration, making it tempting to click "add to cart" on a kitchen sink you've never seen. But impulse buys based on aesthetics alone often lead to disappointment, and short-sighted renovation decisions could deflate your home's resale value down the line.
Charleston, South Carolina-based MDI Luxury Design founder Margaret Donaldson strongly advises her clients to compare products in person, noting that otherwise "they sometimes talk themselves into less expensive knock-off finishes without seeing the difference in the quality item first." That's why pros like Donaldson recommend visiting a showroom like Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery. Because experiencing the products in person that you plan to live with day to day is far better than scrolling through blurry thumbnails on a flat screen.
Stepping inside a Ferguson showroom, for instance, is an immersive experience that allows you to touch, feel, and truly understand the difference quality makes. When you book an appointment, an industry-expert representative will partner with 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. So if you want to feel confident that you're elevating both your interiors and your equity, pair a trip to the showroom with the following tips from the experts.
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 more than $15,000. So spend wisely. "Labor costs are often relatively fixed, but an extra investment in quality materials is the best use of budget, to ensure an outcome that will transcend trends and create a timeless beauty," says New Jersey-based interior designer and gallerist James Yarosh.
And if budget is a concern, retailers like Ferguson carry 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 their budget-friendly counterparts, which means there will likely be a cost savings associated with your purchase, thanks to fewer repairs and replacements over time. "Quality materials, construction, and craftsmanship can better withstand wear and tear," says David Mann, president of MR Architecture + Decor in New York City.
It's easy to see how this savings gets passed down to future homeowners. "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 a thick marble countertop or solid wood floors, versus engineered materials that will wear poorly over time."
Stay true to your design POV.
However, keeping quality top of mind doesn't mean you need to sacrifice 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 concurs. "Considering the client's lifestyle is important—do they entertain a lot, have an active family, or is their home more of a showplace, meant to look beautiful but not necessarily to be lived in?" she says. "Quality products can outperform inferior products in durability and classic aesthetics."
That's where Ferguson comes in. When you book an appointment, their in-house industry experts are ready to help you stick to your vision while staying on budget with professional recommendations based on your unique wants and 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. "And small details go a long way, like great hardware and light switches," adds Mazzarini. "These are 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 the 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.
