6 Home Decor Pieces Designers Don’t Regret Buying This Year

When it comes to home decor, the options are endless and constantly changing. What’s trendy one moment can feel tired and outdated the next, making it difficult to determine what’s worth purchasing and what’s best left on the shelf.

While it can be tempting to chase what’s new or viral, designers agree that the most satisfying investments are the pieces that work hard year after year—adapting to evolving styles while anchoring your space. 

We asked two interior designers to share the home decor pieces they don’t regret buying in 2025, so you can shop like a pro in the new year. From items that instantly elevate a room to those that make everyday living better, these are the six home decor pieces designers say are always worth it.

Original Artwork

According to Whitney Ray, principal designer of Wyeth Ray Interiors, no decor elevates a space like original artwork. While original artwork can be pricier than buying a print or mass-produced piece, supporting an artist and scoring a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that resonates with you will set your home apart in a way that’s hard to put into words.

“Investing in original artwork feels like a power move for your home,” she says. “A bold painting or photograph, something with presence, becomes a home anchor. In my experience, a single well-chosen piece of art can add personality, color, emotion, and a sense of soul that no throw pillow or rug ever does.”

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Personal Souvenirs or Objects

Like original artwork, personal souvenirs, or meaningful objects are always a good buy. Perhaps it’s a nostalgic tchotchke, a souvenir from your travels, or a unique, sculptural item that caught your eye. According to Ray, it’s these personal items that will help your space feel curated rather than staged. 

“These small touches reflect you: your travels, memories, and interests,” she says.

Quality Lamps

Ambient lighting is one of the simplest ways to make your space feel warm, cozy, and inviting, no matter the season. That’s why Ray points to quality lamps as something she’ll never regret investing in. Whether they’re table lamps or floor lamps, there’s always a way to put a nice lamp to good use. 

“Invest in one or two good lamps that do more for your space than just add light,” she says. “Lamps can be sculptures in themselves, along with making a room feel cozy and highlighting the textures in art and rugs. I tend to buy oversized lamps that make a statement rather than simple, slim lamps—go big or go home.”

Statement Mirrors

Mirrors do more for a space than merely reflect—they can multiply light (visually brightening a room), make a space feel larger, and add softness and balance, says Ray.

Statement mirrors, in particular, do all of this and more, acting like works of art with unique shapes, sizes, colors, or textures. For Ray, this makes them a good investment every time. 

“Choose a design with interesting proportions, shape, or frame details to bring more personality to your space,” she says. “If your bedroom is small or lacks natural light, place a large floor mirror to bounce what light you do have around. It will make a world of difference.”

Area Rugs

Area rugs are another foundational decor element designers say are always worth the investment. The right rug doesn’t just sit underfoot—it anchors the room and sets the tone for everything around it.

“A good rug has the ability to tie an entire space together, adding a layer of warmth, texture & providing a colour palette for the space,” says Meagan Stock, founder and principal designer of Home With Meag.

Beyond aesthetics, a well-made rug can stand the test of time with proper care. In fact, keeping the same rug while swapping out smaller decor pieces can give a room a completely new look, or you can rotate rugs between spaces for an easy refresh that feels transformative without starting from scratch.

Drapery

Lastly, Stock says drapery is one purchase she never regrets—but quality matters. This isn’t about flimsy, ill-fitting curtains that barely skim the window. Done well, drapery can completely transform a space.

“While often forgotten about, drapery is the finishing piece to any room,” she says. “Adding good quality drapery that is the proper length and hung at the proper height (you always need to hang it higher than you think you do) takes a room from ‘blah’ to complete, instantly.”

So what separates drapes that look high-end from those that don’t? While custom options are always a worthwhile investment, achieving a designer look doesn’t require blowing the budget—the secret lies in scale and placement.

Choose floor-length panels and mount them at least eight to twelve inches above the window frame to create a sense of height and drama. One final designer tip: skip eyelet and rod-pocket styles, and opt for curtain clips or hooks—they instantly elevate even the most affordable panels.