We totally understand that at one point in our lives, there was a time and place for hand-me-down furniture, mismatched home accessories, and trips to Target and IKEA—for literally everything. But now that we’re a little bit older and a liiittle bit wiser, our spaces are growing up with us and we’re taking the official step into adulthood. First on the agenda? Facing the fact that it’s time to make a real-life investment on some things we would have cringed at spending on in the past. But let us tell you now, they’re called investments for a reason! Whether you’re 25 or 45, these are the 10 quality purchases you should add to your shopping list for a mature (and style savvy) living space…
1. An art piece you’re head-over-heels for.
Our Pick: Pink Balloons I, $299+
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: there’s nothing more satisfying than scoring a piece of artwork that you’d totally die for (oh, did we mention free framing is still happening?), and it’s truly an investment that will stand the test of time. From move to move, room to room, and frame to frame, your artwork will take on new life each time and keep surprising you for years to come.
2. Beautiful books that interest you.
Our Pick: ESCAPE Signed Collectors Edition, $145
Whether your cup of tea is a library full of novels or stacks and stacks of photography books accenting your space, there’s no time like the present to start a collection of books you’re crazy about. Not only do books add character and personality to your home, but they also double as beautiful décor whether layed out on a coffee table or lined up on a bookshelf. (And they’ll leave your guests with the notion that you’re well read, too!)
3. A proper table setting for guests.
Our Pick: Juliska Classic Bamboo 5-Piece Place Setting, $137
By the time you enter your thirties, gone will be the days when mismatched dishware, worn out silverware, and ratty placemats are acceptable for guests. If you want to curate a more mature home, make sure to stock up on at least one collection of beautiful dishes, table linens and accessories in the case you have a dinner party with friends or family down the line. If you need more tips on how to actually set a formal dining table with said linens and dishes, click here.
4. High performance textiles.
Our Pick: Serena & Lily Perennials Cabana Stripe Fabric, $178 per yard
Especially when it comes to upholstered furniture like your everyday couch and outdoor furniture, it’s time to take a hard look at the fabrics you’re buying. If you want to truly make that pricey couch you love an “investment,” make sure it’s upholstered in a fabric that will resist stains, mold, mildew, and UV radiation. Quality fabric doesn’t come cheap, but keep in mind that it’s often the best way to protect the investment you’re making for your home.
5. A hand-knotted area rug.
Our Pick: Seacliff Hand-Knotted Rug, $1,298-$3,898
There’s a reason why décor pieces like rugs easily enter the expensive “antique” category after several decades. If you make the investment to get a well-made, hand-knotted rug, it’s sure to last you a lifetime—in fact, it may even become a family heirloom you if care for it correctly. A rug is something that can be passed down or sold from buyer to buyer for generations, and still look incredible 100 years later.
6. A comfy, quality mattress.
Our Pick: Beautyrest Platinum Bryant Mountain Luxury Firm Mattress, $1,049+
Yep, if you’re anywhere past your early twenties then it’s officially that time in your life when couch surfing and passing out on lumpy old mattresses just won’t cut it for your health. Not only will a quality mattress keep you feeling rested after a long day of work, but improved sleep will also help you avoid signs of premature aging, both on the outside and on the inside.
7. Thoughtful and sturdy storage.
Our Pick: Lacquered Carre Armoire, $2,998
And by this we mean one NOT made of plastic that you shove under your bed. While those big plastic bins are useful in the right situations (a.k.a. in the garage), it’s time to consider some serious storage in the spaces out in the open. Invest in some custom built-ins in the living room, beautiful open shelving in the kitchen, or a real show-stopping credenza, cabinet, or armoire like this one.
8. A recognizable scent that helps you escape.
Our Pick: The Sand Candle, $49
Believe it or not, lighting a candle or spritzing the room with a scent you love does much more than just freshen the air. Picking out a signature scent will make your house feel like home, and help you escape the stresses of daily life. Plus, the scent will tie everything in your home together in a truly intangible way, and any guests that enter your home will recognize that welcoming aroma every time they visit.
9. A set of matching dining chairs.
Our Pick: Balboa Side Chairs, $558 and Armchairs, $658
Now that you’ve invested in a proper table setting (see #3), it’s important to have cohesive and beautiful seating that you’ll love day in and day out. Make sure you choose a set of dining chairs that are easy to clean, as well as neutral enough to stick around even as your taste evolves.
10. A high-quality, matching towel set. 
Our Pick: Parachute Home The Starter Bathroom Set, $135
During your younger years, towels may seem like a ridiculous thing to shell out real cash for. But to transition your home to a truly mature and stylish oasis, a matching towel set that is well made is key. If you want to truly test their longevity, choose pure white towels so they can be bleached if they get stained.
What things would you add to this list? Are you going to take us up on any of these recommendations?
We hope you do! They’re tried and true, and we know they’ll help elevate your home in the best way. To get a jump on #1, head to the GM shop right here… ;)
Xx Team GM
Photos: 1.-4. Gray Malin, 5. Serena & Lily, 6. Lauren Nelson, 7. Anthropologie, 8. Gray Malin, 9. Serena & Lily, 10. Parachute Home
Header Image by McCann Design Group