Pretty sure "there is a rare item" only refers to rare or better furniture/clothing. Just got lucky with two promo (3 of 6) spins. The first, she pointed out "there is a rare item", and I picked a duplicate "romantic corner" (bedroom item). I also got a memento (painting kit), and I didn't pick a different item of furniture.
The second spin, she did NOT say "there is a rare item", and I got ANOTHER memento, the Origami Book, and I didn't pick two items of furniture (one of which, "second sidewall" is a STARTER item- not sure why it isn't just lust dust, since everyone has it...