Classic Makes Perfect

CLASSIC MAKES PERFECT

CLASSIC MAKES

PERFECT

THE BEST INVESTMENT FURNITURE

BY LISETTE RUCH

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH BUY GOOD FURNITURE.

The stock market may be a risky roller-coaster ride, but some design experts advise that now could be the time to invest in high-end quality furniture and art; they argue that fine furniture and art tend to hold their value despite what is happening in the broader economy. Forgo inexpensive pieces and hold out for that one, high quality, high dollar item—a design classic.

Beth Martin of Elizabeth Martin Design and one of Elle Décor’s “Five Designers to Watch” suggests: “In today’s economy, avoid trendy when furnishing your home. You should be scouting items that are timeless and lasting. Period antiques are always a solid investment. Not only are they rare, but they also bring character and warmth while serving as grounding pieces. With just one quality piece, you can elevate an entire room.“

Add flair to period pieces with a zebra rug and bright window treatments.

FOUR PIECES TO BUY NOW

1. A DINING ROOM TABLE:

Not just a place to eat, a great dining room table can also be used for projects, homework or even as a desk (careful not to make marks!) Invest in a table with removable leaves so that you can add space for more diners. An added bonus: the table can move with you, when you get a larger or smaller home. Stick with simple period pieces because they can adapt to any “décor moment” you may have over the course of a lifetime.

2. CHEST OF DRAWERS

A chest of drawers is one of the home’s most functional pieces. It can be used for storage in almost every room—hallway, living room as a television stand, bedside table, you name it. Invest in one that is well made of high-quality materials. Age and decorative aspects are important. You want to select a piece that is well shaped: focus on curves, feet and the delicateness of the overall shape. Sought after pieces don’t have that boxy look. Small pieces will always retain their value better, since there is always space for them.

3. LIGHTING

Lighting makes a room. A quality overhead light fixture is a great thing to splurge on as it’s not something you’ll need or want to change often. Buy a piece that lasts. Table lamps, too, are worth the money. Every room needs them, and they can be moved from house to house. Believe it or not, you can generally get antique lamps for about the same cost as new ones, and they may be made better.

4. SOFA

When selecting a sofa, buy a frame that you are drawn to. Don’t worry too much about the upholstery fabric or how comfortable it is to sit on, as it can always be changed. For a piece that will last a lifetime—and a sofa should last a lifetime—focus on the details: clean lines and quality craftsmanship are the most important aspects. For slipcovers, use a neutral, classic fabric (splurge on stain resistant fabric) so updating the look of the piece is as easy as adding some colorful throw pillows.

AND IF YOU HAVE SOME EXTRA MONEY TO SPEND:

SIGNATURE PIECES

These pieces make your space uniquely yours. For unique, long-term investments consider: carousel animals, painted furniture, trade signs and other collectibles that have a passionate collector following. These objects are timeless and can inject character to your interior.