12 Things You Should Always Buy for Your Home, According to Interior Designers

High-Quality Linens

A bed isn’t just for show—it’s one of the most important investments you can make. That goes for the linens you put on top, as well.

“Everybody deserves to have a luxury sleep, and having sheets of high quality both look fantastic when making the bed and also feel amazing,” says Sherry Schmidt, president and lead designer at Form and Function Interior Design. “Look for sheets with a luxurious hand; I love a simple, solid color with an accent trim that coordinates with my bedding set.”

Baskets and Bins

An organized home is one you can really relax in, and baskets and bins allow you to keep tidy in a sophisticated way. “From clear acrylic bins in my fridge and pantry (so like-items are grouped and easy to find), to beautiful woven baskets holding my favorite cozy throws in the living room, I have baskets and bins everywhere,” says interior designer Eva Andersen, principal and CEO at Gilded Antler Interiors.

She says you can get great bins now at nearly any store, though baskets are a bit harder since you want it to be functional and the right size. Make note of the measurements you need and keep an eye out when shopping or thrifting.

Cocktail Ottomans

Coffee tables provide lots of function, but interior designer Cheryl Kees Clendenon of In Detail Interiors swears by cocktail ottomans. “They’re very durable (especially in leather), casual enough for a football party to put your feet on, and you can add gorgeous trays for setting glasses on; it’s also great to style with books and florals,” she says. “And, if you get tired of it, you can reupholster it for a new look. You can’t go wrong with a cocktail ottoman.”

Fresh Flowers and Plants

You know how the world instantly feels lighter when you step into a flower shop? Or when you’re in a space filled with real, living plants? Adding greenery to your space isn’t just a designer trick for staged photos—it’s a must for everyday life.

“Fresh flowers instantly bring a wonderful smell and brighten up the room. Bringing the outside in adds warmth to your home—and who doesn’t want to treat themselves to a fresh bouquet?” Schmidt says. She says to play around with different flower arrangements and to incorporate different colors, textures, and heights. If you want something that lasts longer, opt for plants!

Cozy Throw Blankets

Comfort and style are achieved with a cozy throw blanket, and Clendenon says you can’t have too many. “I cannot pass up a good throw, and I’m in Florida and it’s hot. Yet the throws always get used,” she says. “Inexpensive or luxurious, a good throw can be the lift a tired living room needs.” Just toss it on the sofa casually where it drapes across an arm or the back. She suggests looking for saturated colors to make more of a statement and to give a bit of energy to the room.

Cutting Boards

According to Kasandra Rafter, founder and designer at Canyon Creative Design, cutting boards are an absolute must for both kitchen styling and functionality. “Not only do they protect your countertops, but they’re also key to bringing warmth to cold stone surfaces,” she explains. “We mix vintage boards and open shelves with a large, classic board for the island. The wood tones add earthy depth, and they double as the perfect backdrop for a vase or coasters.”

Ribbon

Sometimes it’s the tiniest details that infuse charm and intentionality into a space, and that couldn’t be truer than with ribbons. It’s an easy way to make a statement, notes interior designer Cyndy Cantley of Cantley and Company. She says, “From bows tied on topiaries, seasonal wreaths on cabinet doors, a simple knot on linen napkins, or attached to shelves, it’s easy and inexpensive and unexpected.”

Unique Drawer Pulls

Another small detail that makes a big impact are drawer pulls. Boring, basic pulls tend to make a space feel as such, but a simple swap can really boost charisma.

“I like to think of these as the jewelry for my furniture. I’m always looking out for unique ones,” says Anna Tatsioni, lead interior designer at Decorilla. “Last week, I found these amazing brass octopus knobs, and they were perfect for turning a basic dresser into a statement piece.”

Try mixing metals and styles on the same piece, or source vintage pieces or items from boutique retailers, and don’t be afraid to get creative. Tatsioni says she’s even used some as wall hooks or unconventional curtain tiebacks.

Original Artwork

Art is meant to serve as a conversation starter, and nothing conjures a conversation better than an original piece. “Supporting local artists and having custom art made is so special to me,” Schmidt says. “When you invest in a piece that moves you it will last a lifetime, versus buying stock artwork that is disposable and lacks life.” If commissioned or art gallery pieces aren’t in the budget, poke around thrift stores, or—if you have an artsy thumb—create something yourself.

Picture Lights

Speaking of artwork, small task lights that illuminate paintings are a quick way to infuse that interior designer touch into your space. “They’ve been around for ages, giving any room that classic, nostalgic charm,” Rafter says. “No matter what piece of art they’re highlighting, it instantly feels more elevated, more significant.”

Sizing matters here for a balanced look. Rafter says her team typically goes by the two-thirds rule. For example, an artwork that’s 36 inches wide pairs well with a 12-inch light.

Vintage Pottery

Sculptural pieces are another way to incorporate art. Vintage pottery is a particularly wonderful option since it instantly infuses character, while also serving a function.

“I’m a sucker for vintage ceramics, and it’s a designer’s dream, because you can do so much with them, whether it’s a single item or a collection,” Clendenon says. “Try grouping a few of slightly varying heights together, but maintaining the style and complementary color tones. You can also use a heavier piece in a kitchen as a bookend against cookbooks, or on top of a few cookbooks on their side. Or try a wide-but-lower bowl next to your bed to catch your rings and other items.”

Oversize Floor Vases

No doubt you’ve got a few vases tucked away somewhere, or maybe even a few on display right now. But have you considered an oversized vase that rests on the floor?

“They’re the perfect statement that can transform a boring corner in a second,” Tatsioni says. “I love to use them to place large branches or pampas grass for a more organic and natural feel. However, when they’re empty, they’re great for storing things like yoga mats or umbrellas.”