Are you ready to upgrade your home’s look but not sure where to start? Or maybe the cost of updating feels prohibitive.
But trust us – getting that “expensive,” luxe look at home doesn’t have to break the bank.
Before doing any simple DIY projects, you must have the budget for important home items like the lateral file cabinet. With these inexpensive purchases, you can create a space of luxurious decor.
We’ve rounded up our eight best tips for making your space feel more luxurious at a reasonable cost. Let’s get started!
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Update Your Lighting
If you had to pick just one strategy to make your home look more expensive, lighting is the one to choose.
Changing the lighting or light fixtures in a room can significantly impact the space without a remodel or massive project.
Here are three different ways to make a statement with your lights:
- Get new lampshades – Fresh shades on table lamps or floor lamps make all the difference in the look and feel of your room.
- Add a chandelier or hanging light fixture – Most homes have a standard overhead light preinstalled. You can easily switch these lights out for fixtures with more elegance or personality.
- Add dimmer switches – Nothing says luxury like a little romantic mood lighting!
Swap Out Hardware
Another relatively simple fix that can instantly upgrade your space is the hardware. We’re talking about cabinet handles, door handles, dresser knobs, towel hooks, the works.
You can swap out the hardware in your home with just a few simple tools. In less than an hour’s work, you’ll have a completely different aesthetic in the room.
Swapping out hardware is so much cheaper than buying new furniture or cabinets – but it can make the same impact.
If you’re going for an expensive, luxurious feel, we recommend considering some metallics for your hardware. Brushed gold or vintage silver handles create a beautiful antique vibe.
Hang Statement Art
Nothing says luxury like a stunning piece of art on your wall. Large statement pieces look incredibly expensive but don’t have to come at a high price. Search the web for good deals, or visit local flea markets and thrift stores to find discounts on incredible pieces.
You can hang oversized art above your couch or bed or arrange a room around the art itself. Not only will you have something beautiful in your home, but you’ll have a great conversation starter whenever guests visit.
Another trend for luxurious decor is to light your art. You can mount a relatively inexpensive light above your art piece and let the artwork do the rest.
Create Vignettes
Instead of stacking books or knick-knacks on shelves purely for storage, use them to create small, Instagram-worthy vignettes. Without spending a penny, you can arrange your books, plants, or knick-knacks to make a statement.
You can start with a piece you enjoy, like a vase, candle, or lamp, and simply build around them. Use a small collection of meaningful items to tell a story or simply elevate a space.
Bookshelves are a great place to create vignettes with books stacked in various ways and artistic bookends or trinkets. Other places to add vignettes are on top of tables, dressers, or floating shelves.
The intentional look of a vignette says luxurious decor all over it.
Add Antiques
A few well-placed antiques can bring your home design to the next level and give your room a sense of weight and history. Even the most expert designers can’t fully recreate the unique texture and patina of a genuine antique.
While some antiques are very pricey, you can find plenty at a reasonable bargain. Look for things like a mirror, a table, a piece of artwork, or a small piece of furniture. If you want to find an even better deal, consider a smaller antique like a jewelry box, frame, or sconce.
You can find many beautiful antiques at local flea markets, antique stores, thrift stores, or online.
Repaint or Use Wallpaper
Wallpaper may sound old-fashioned, but papering your walls can make a statement like no other. Home design lines have endless wallpaper styles, colors, and themes – you’re bound to find something you love.
Go for a subtle, neutral wallpaper for a luxe look throughout a room. The wallpaper will add texture and interest without taking over. If you prefer a more vibrant wallpaper, consider applying it on a statement wall.
A fresh coat of paint can be just as striking as wallpaper. Sometimes your space just needs a little refresh coat – often, we don’t realize how dingy our walls can become! But you can also consider something striking like a jewel-toned accent wall or a brightly colored bathroom.
Hang Floor-to-ceiling Window Treatments
Ready to go for the truly dramatic luxury? Try a floor-to-ceiling window treatment. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, consider custom window treatments to elevate your space with your particular style.
Even on a tighter budget, you can find gorgeous drapes and curtains that make a beautiful statement. If you’re going floor-to-ceiling, buy a panel that’s longer than what you need.
You can cut it from there and easily hem it at home. We advise a sheer or lighter fabric to allow for light to move through the space.
You can go literally from the ceiling to the floor or simply hang the drapes around four to six inches above your window frame and then let them fall to the floor.
Consider the Climate
Home design is not just about looks. Your apartment might look luxe but feel like a hot, sweaty sauna!
If you don’t have central heat and air, but want a luxe feel, consider installing something that can cool your rooms.
An excellent solution for the home is a PTAC A/C unit (the kind often found in hotels). These in-room A/C units cool a room efficiently without spending on cooling the entire house.
They look much more sophisticated than a window unit and allow you to make use of your whole window.
Sum It Up
With just these eight simple steps, you can elevate your space to feel elegant, expensive, and luxurious.
