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1. A stylish (and comfortable!) sofa
"The first investment piece for first-time homebuyers or younger people should always be the sofa," says interior designer Rhobin DelaCruz. You spend so much time in the living room, whether you're entertaining or just watching TV, and it's easy for wear and tear to build up quickly. An inexpensive sofa may only last for five years — a more expensive (and better-built) sofa could last for decades. "Besides that, the sofa is the most successful first choice to begin a design foundation. The sofa truly is an anchoring point. Its style, color, and shape can help dictate the decisions that bring a space to life," DelaCruz says.
2. Unique artwork
Investing in artwork you love can be very expensive. But it's a worthwhile investment, especially as you build your art collection over the years. Instead of living in a ho-hum, art-less apartment, find artists you love and begin investing in smaller pieces — sites like Etsy are a great place to get started, as are your local galleries. And while larger artwork may feel like a splurge, they have the unique ability to tie together a formerly-disparate room.
3. A sturdy kitchen table
Are you an entertainer? Do you like hosting dinner parties? If the answer to either of these questions is "yes" — and honestly, even if it's not — you should consider upgrading your kitchen table to a quality piece that can survive years of abuse. Like a couch, a kitchen table is in use nearly every day, and better to invest in one you love now rather than purchase table after broken table.
4. A comfy mattress
It may not be the sexiest of upgrades, but it's the change that you'll feel most presently. So many of us are sleeping on terrible mattresses that do nothing to support our spines. Taking the time to research mattresses, find one thats right for you, and investing in it can make a huge difference in your sleep quality: You'll sleep soundly and wake up feeling more refreshed. That alone is worth the price.
5. A versatile rug
A good rug will stay with you forever. You can place it in your living room now, and when you need a change, move it to your bedroom — until someday passing it down to your children. Why not invest in one that won't tatter and tear within a few years? Whether you prefer Persian or geometric, investing in quality will pay off for years to come.
NEXT: The Best Ways to Makea New House Feel Like Home »
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Photo: Tom Merton/Getty Images
