Ballard + Mensua Architecture was featured in Homes & Gardens in the article “The 7 Most Expensive Decorating Decisions You Can Make in Your Home That Designers Say Are Always Worth the Cost.”
Principal architect Seth Ballard shared expert insights on why thoughtful upgrades can transform daily living and significantly boost a home’s long-term value. “Part of what we do is help our clients understand features they can add to their homes that will improve their everyday lives, make them feel like they have gone on vacation in their own homes, and improve the value of resale in the future because they have a house that everyone wants,” Ballard explained.
Among his top recommendations:
- Built-Ins: From window seats and TV walls to libraries and exercise rooms, built-in elements elevate every view.
- Feature Walls: Textures and finishes like Venetian plaster or specialty wood create instant focal points.
- Spa Bathrooms: Saunas, steam showers, and light therapy tubs make bathrooms feel like luxury retreats.
- Dream Kitchens: High-end appliances, chef-level performance, and natural light transform everyday cooking.
- Fireplaces: Thoughtfully designed fireplaces bring warmth, ambiance, and architectural interest.
- Soundproof Offices: Smart sound insulation and solid doors make working from home more enjoyable.
- Exercise Rooms: Dedicated fitness spaces with soft flooring, good lighting, and storage keep workouts convenient.
- Outdoor Oasis Spaces: From pizza ovens and built-in kitchens to pools, saunas, and landscape design that evolves with the seasons.
- Mudrooms: A must-have for organized entries, complete with cubbies, hooks, and even dog wash stations.
Ballard emphasized that these investments are about more than aesthetics—they create homes that feel personal, functional, and enduring.*
Read the full article on Homes & Gardens:
https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/expensive-decorating-decisions-designers-say-are-worth-it