You want your home to look luxe, but your bank account has other ideas. Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make it look like you did. With a little ingenuity and these tips, you can transform your home into a posh palace:
Splurge on Focal Pieces. You may not be able to break the bank on every item in your home, but consider splurging on attention-grabbing pieces. For example, a high-quality leather chair and fancy wallpaper on a prominent wall are good ways to spend money strategically. With these elements in place, you can be more budget-conscious with other purchases.
Layer Rugs. Rugs are a cost-effective way to add warmth and style to a room. To create a custom look, layer rugs beneath a furniture grouping. For example, use a large, rectangular sisal rug in a neutral color as the anchor. On top, place an animal print rug or use a series of brightly colored rugs in geometric patterns to create interest.
Employ Wainscoting and Trim. There’s no way around it. Wainscoting, crown moldings and other types of custom trimwork make a home look elegant. Fortunately, they’re not terribly expensive to install, especially if you have the tools and know-how to do it yourself.
Use Paint to Your Advantage. Paint is not only affordable, but also transformative. Simply painting walls a sophisticated color will achieve the high-end look you desire. Paint can also transform thrift-store furniture and decor. Use chalk paint to distress a vintage table or a metallic spray paint to refresh picture frames or decorative elements.
Opt for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. Love the look of hardwood, but can’t afford the price tag? Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an affordable alternative. The best part? You can probably install it yourself, which means you don’t have to pay labor costs.
Copy a Look You Love. During your window shopping trips, you’ve probably discovered furniture, light fixtures or other design elements that are way out of your price range. That’s fine! Snap a photo so you can recreate the look for less. A quick search on social media sites may reveal similar ideas. Or hit the thrift stores and flea markets to find raw materials for your design hack.
Fake It ’til You Make It. Expensive homes often have soaring ceilings. Your home’s ceilings may be decidedly lower, but you can make them look higher. Just hang your curtains closer to the ceiling than the window frame. This creates an optical illusion that makes the room seem taller.
Don’t Overdo It. Adding too many elements to a room will cheapen the look. If a room appears too cluttered, remove some knick-knacks, pillows or books. Remember, less is usually more when it comes to interior design. You’ll end up with a more sophisticated space that feels light and airy instead of cramped and busy.
Making your home look like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can achieve a high-end look for less using some creativity and these tips.
Source: Alexanian
