I remove ice from our beverage station about five times a day, which I realize is a lot of ice. That’s because it’s packed with nugget ice – the kind of solid you only get from the best drives. Between the five of us, that machine is restless. It has its own waterway, so it fills itself, and we have endless snow. It sounds like a luxury because it is.
There is information circulating on Instagram and TikTok about splurges that were really worth it, and writing my own has taught me something about myself: We have never once regretted the money spent every day. None of the shows on this list. Sheets. Soap. Snow. A kitchen knife. Paint. Things we use every day. All day. And theyto hearunusual.
Ten of our favorite investments, in no particular order:
If we spend a third of our lives in bed, we should be on our best behavior. And these sheets? Like a 5-star retreat in your home. I can’t say enough good things about them. We gave them as a gift to our whole team for Christmas. I gave them to my parents. They make me look forward to bedtime (more than I already do). There’s a reason they’re first on the list.
When I was pregnant with all three girls, I had to drink Sonic ice nonstop. I was addicted to that cold stone ice. Now, I “drive” the built-in nugget ice maker in our beverage station several times a day. It is VERY suitable for built-in appliances. This was not donated or sponsored. We bought it with our own money. And if it’s broken, we’ll buy it again.
Most of the lighting in our home is Visually Comforting – partly because of the quality, but also because it is one of the products that make things in large sizes that the room really needs. Scale is important to me, and I will never skimp on light.
4. High Quality Paint
Paint Color: Farrow & BallLondon Clay
The best type of paint is the best you can afford. Advantage: better coverage (few coats), even and strong finish, strong color, and holds up to cleaning and time. My go-tos are Farrow & Ball and Sherwin-Williams’ Emerald line, while Valspar Signature and Benjamin Moore Aura are other popular high-end options.
The Kohler Intelligent Toilet changes the game: heated seat, night light, automatic opening and closing when you walk in the room… self-driving… Sleek and tankless with a back-to-wall design that hides all connections for a sleek look. I know what you’re thinking: At that price, it cleans itself better. It happens.
6. Hiring a professional tile installer
You CAN do it yourself (and we have), but I’ve started renting it and haven’t looked back. I once spent weeks painting 1,500 square feet of grout on my knees to fix a bad fitting. Careless work costs twice, so hire a real professional and you will pay only once.
Every time someone walks out of our powder room, they ask, “What’s that hand soap!?” I love that compliment 🙂 There are many fragrances, but my pick is Miami: bright citrus, with soft white flowers and warm cashmere. Yes, it’s a splurge – but grab a refill and washing your hands turns into a boutique hotel experience right at home.
Frontgate is my go-to place for outdoor furniture because it sticks to the traditional sweet spot and wraps it in a super functional Sunbrella fabric. Ours has survived four years in the North Carolina humidity, and with one power wash cleaning a year, it’s back to light.
According to Chris (our in-house chef), Made In’s Japanese Damascus gyuto knife is almost perfect. Forged steel, rolled hard, with a high carbon edge that lasts forever. It cuts like a dream; just treat it well (no dishwasher!), and it will be a kitchen friend for life.
Framebridge has been our custom organizer for 10 years because they have an excellent selection of heirloom quality frames. Whether I’m creating art or portraits or memorabilia, it’s always Framebridge. I love that their gallery wall selection comes with a hanging guide and nails. It’s a very simple project with a high happiness ratio, which is why I’ve chosen my six “quick” gallery walls for the Chris Loves Julia x Framebridge collection – just upload your pictures or photos, and you’re on your way.
What are your favorite favorites?
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