“I would buy an American antique—probably a very versatile carved, bow-front chest of drawers that could be used in the living room, foyer, dining room, or bedroom. And with the remainder, I’d have a fabulous floral arrangement made, and I’d buy a mirror to place above the chest. All three pieces are so versatile and could be used together in many different places.”—Beth Long, interior design manager, Valley Furniture

“I’d spend the $10,000 on a comfortable dining area. When you have company over, people sit at the table all night, and you almost don’t need living-room furniture at first.”—Bette Kahn, spokesperson, Crate & Barrel

“I would concentrate on a public space such as the living room and get the most fabulous piece that $10,000 could buy to be the focal point, whether practical or just decorative. For example, a great high-quality sofa, club chair, china cabinet, secretary/desk, or even an antique grandfather clock. Then, if any money was left over, I’d buy art and accessories that make me smile.”—Susan Greenbaum Gross, president, Greenbaum Interiors

“I’d buy something that you’d have forever, such as your bed, bedroom set, or living-room furniture.”—Jill Fante, interior designer, Barbara Ostrom Associates

“I would invest in a bar—in an armoire of some sort or other interesting piece of furniture that I’d convert into a bar.”—Jeff Silverman, president, Lloyd’s Furniture

“I’d blow it on a spectacular sleigh bed. Then perhaps a set of 464-thread-count sheets. If there’s room, a super-comfy sectional sofa for the living room. And the rest I’d put into a
classic cherry entertainment armoire and two bedroom armoires.”—Dave Glassman, director of marketing, Restoration Hardware