How to make your house look luxurious without breaking the bank
When it comes to home decorating, high style doesn’t always have to be defined by a high price tag.
With some simple planning and strategic placement, any homeowner can get their space looking absolutely fab without spending a boatload of Benjamin. Here are five savvy ideas for getting that luxe look:
- Find a theme, and stick to it
A luxurious look is always defined by cohesion and intentionality. When outfitting your space, decide on a color palette or visual theme[1], and make sure all new additions blend and augment that existing theme. Mix and match materials from different merchants, like IKEA, Pier 1 or Target, and add affordable coordinating pieces that look coordinated and chic.
- Less is more
If you love the look of high-end materials, like marble, live-edge wood or polished brass, but can’t afford an all-marble kitchen countertop, think a little smaller. Finding a smaller accent piece[2], like a table lamp with a marble base or a polished brass desk lamp, can add a refined and subtle layer of luxury to any room. Embracing minimalism is also a great way to highlight one or two standout pieces of furniture you own and can help to let go of what’s less essential (like that bookcase you’ve been carting around since college).
- Go faux
Fake it ‘til you make it! If you want the sumptuous look of a fur blanket but don’t want to shell out to pay for it, use a little creativity to create your own. Find and purchase two or three faux fur throws, then have them sewn together by your local seamstress. Boom—luxurious (and animal-free) high fashion.
- Splash on some color
Paint is an inexpensive and simple way to brighten a dull room and draw in the viewer’s eye. Choose a bold color to liven up a drab kitchen, or opt for a warm, welcoming tone for a living or dining room. Keep your design palette in mind as you compare swatches, and select colors that complement existing furniture or accent pieces you want to highlight.
- Frame it
Framed art makes any space feel more intentioned and cultivated. Mix and match purchased art with DIY projects and family photos to create a curated and personal atmosphere. When hanging pieces, make sure each frame is the right size and scale for the wall you’re decorating.[3] And again, minimalism can be your friend—not every wall needs to be decorated.
[1] https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/6-fail-proof-ways-to-make-your-home-look-more-expensive-235047
[2] https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/make-your-home-look-like-a-million-bucks-pictures
[3] https://www.rd.com/home/decorating/expensive-looking-home/