When you’re trying to make your home look expensive, it’s tempting to go crazy with accessories, furniture, and even art. But it’s a lot more cost-effective and space-efficient to find ways to use what you already have.
When it comes to decorating, think like a hotel designer—they’re paid to create something beautiful and comfortable without breaking the bank. It’s not just about finding inexpensive things; it’s also about arranging them in ways that make them look more expensive than they are. In this way, you’ll be able to create a home that feels as if it has an expensive touch to it without actually spending any more money on anything. Here are some of our favorite tips:
Use lots of different textures
This is the easiest way to fool people into thinking your house is worth more than it is. There are so many options for this: throw rugs, area rugs, area runners, seat cushions, stand alone pillows, blankets, etc. You can even use things like books stacked on top of each other or magazines. Just make sure whatever texture you choose doesn’t clash with the rest of your decor.
Add mood lighting
Light from lamps and overhead lighting tends to be harsh and makes everything look one-dimensional. Use candle light or string lights to create a more romantic feel for your home. If you are afraid of using real candles or have young kids around, there are plenty of fake ones available at most craft stores – just make sure they’re not tacky.
Paint your furniture
Painting your furniture is a great way to change the look of your room without spending (almost) any money. You may think this is an obvious tip, but research has shown that many people (and even interior designers) often overlook this little trick in their attempts to redecorate their homes for less than the price tag would suggest.
Refreshing your existing furniture pieces with paint will not only make it look more custom, but will also give you the option of creating an accent piece in your home. For example, painting a simple Ikea cabinet dark blue will make it stand out, and if you go a step further with changing the hardware, your guests will have a hard time realizing it’s an Ikea product.
Use greenery and flowers
One of the biggest reasons many people feel their homes are lacking the elegance and grandeur of those with a higher price tag is that the spaces feel cold, stale, and bare. The key to luxury is to create an inviting atmosphere with warmth, and greenery is one of the easiest ways to do that.
Trees, shrubs, hedges, and flowers all contribute to this effect; but in a space as small as an apartment, you’re likely only able to do one of these things. Flowers can be expensive, so if you want something cheaper that still gives you the same impact, look for dried flowers or faux plants instead. While this option may not look quite as glamorous, it’s still a very effective way to subtly make your home look more expensive than it is.
Use dried cut flowers in vases throughout your home—in the bathroom on a countertop or vanity, in a kitchen on the island or large windowsill, or in any other space where they’ll be visible from several different perspectives. A beautiful bouquet on a large dining room table is sure to impress guests who see it before they sit down for dinner.
Buy full-length curtains
One way to make a room look bigger is to use a longer length of curtains. This will give the illusion that the windows are larger than they actually are. You can find some great deals on curtains by shopping at stores like Ikea.
In addition, curtains with a textured pattern or a solid color that varies in depth will add visual interest to the room, which will draw the eyes upward and make the ceiling appear higher. Using neutral-colored curtains will create a cohesive atmosphere, and you won’t have to worry about trying to coordinate colors even when you decide to switch or paint the furniture!
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