Jeremiah Brent Reveals The Only High-End Items Your Home Really Needs

Many times, high-end items are often thought of as better compared to their less expensive counterparts. While there may be some differences in quality and design, that doesn't mean you have to splurge on every item in your home. The fact is, you often can find a moderately, or even low-priced, item that will last for years without showing wear and tear. As for those high-end items, though, interior designer and co-host of HGTV's "The Nate & Jeremiah Home Project," Jeremiah Brent, says there are really only two such pieces you need to invest in: a sofa and/or a light fixture.

In an interview with digital home site MyDomine, Brent (along with Nate Berkus) was asked, "If you only buy one high-end item for your house, what should it be and why?" His response and advice? "A great sofa or an amazing light. Both items can transition seamlessly with you through the many chapters of your life." Given how the sofa is one of the most-used pieces of furniture in the house, it makes sense to invest in a quality piece. A more expensive sofa is often more durable and offers more support, so it'll be comfortable when lounging or watching a movie — even years after you buy it. Lighting, meanwhile, helps create ambiance and mood for a room, so investing in a stylishly functional or artistic light fixture can effortlessly change the look of a space.

Since a high-end sofa is an investment, think of it as a long-term one. As said, Jeremiah Brent believes a sofa is one of the only high-end pieces (along with a light fixture), a home needs, and his husband and fellow interior designer Nate Berkus agrees that this piece is where a room's design decisions begin. In an interview with Domino, Berkus said, "We always advise buying a solid sofa in a standard hue."

Combining this advice with Brent's, who said that a high-end sofa "can transition seamlessly with you through the many chapters of your life," it becomes clear that a sofa investment is one meant to last for years. With this said, beyond consideration of size and color, you also want to keep in mind a sofa's materials. Choose durable options that will stand up to wear and tear, such as microfibers, linen, and polyester, which are easier to clean. You also should consider what the cushions are filled with. Foam is common but on the firmer side, while feather-filled cushions offer a plush and cushy experience.

As for light fixtures, finding high-end stylish statement lighting isn't as technical. Splurging on an artistic one or a fixture with a unique design can help pull a room together and create a focal point that draws the eye. Consider looking for a fixture that mixes materials and finishes for a visually interesting look, as well as playing around with shape.