If you’re craving a higher-end look in your home, but your budget says otherwise, don’t abandon your vision of a more luxurious design. With some creative additions and adjustments you can create an upscale feel in no time. Try one or two of the following:
Update your lighting. If you can’t swing a full interior design update, focus just on your lighting. You can instantly add a high-end feel by investing in new light fixtures, such as contemporary hanging pendants, a dramatic floor lamp, or an abstract chandelier. Recessed lights are another option for adding a luxury look. No matter what you choose, remember that lighting draws a lot of attention and affects the entire atmosphere of a room.
Create an optical illusion. This trick won’t cost you anything at all: raise your curtain rods above your windows so that your curtains hang from ceiling to floor. This instantly makes your ceilings seem higher, not to mention the luxurious feel of full-length drapes. If your current window treatments aren’t up to par for this look, invest in a new set made from a luxe fabric, such as velvet or satin.
Molding. Make any room more sophisticated by installing molding on blank walls. Use chair rail in the dining room, crown molding in the living room, or create a box pattern to add depth and interest to an entry area or hallway. Paint it a contrasting or complementary color for a creative design flair.
Go neutral. While you may have experimented with a variety of colors in your home, consider using a neutral palette instead. While bold hues and pastels can be fun, neutrals will give your home a more elegant look. Crisp, white linens in the bedroom and white, fluffy towels in the bathrooms will continue this sophisticated look throughout your home.
Think big. Want to instantly up the luxe factor in any room? Hang a large piece of artwork. The painting itself doesn’t need to be expensive (just tasteful!) because the sheer scale of the art will create a dramatic, upscale look.
You can get more inspiration by flipping through luxury lifestyle magazines or perusing Pinterest boards. Notice that it’s often the details that make a design feel high-end—details that can often be recreated without breaking the bank.
