Are you looking to update your home without having to spend a lot of money? Achieving a new, elegant interior doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Whether you're looking to redecorate your living room, kitchen, or bedroom, here are twelve affordable designer tips to make your home look more expensive.
No expensive-looking interior is complete without a light fixture. It creates a focal point in any room, especially in the living room or dining room, and will instantly add a sophisticated vibe to your space. The right light fixture will elevate your space and is always a worthy investment, according to the award-winning designer, Rushda Hakim.
Using mirrors is an inexpensive way to change and uplift the look of your home. Large mirrors will make your room feel bigger and brighter. The size and type of mirrors you use will depend on the size of your space. Consider a “mirror wall” for more of a statement, or hang a large mirror near a window to bounce as much light as possible
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to give your space a chic, expensive look. Opt for neutral tones such as gray, bone, white, or taupe. With more neutral walls, you can add color through artwork. Alternatively, you can create an eye-catching accent wall with a darker shade of paint. Or for a more dramatic change in your space, paint the ceiling!
Don’t overlook the power of adding a vintage rug. It’s an instant upgrade to the look and feel of your home and doesn’t have to be expensive. A stain-resistant and durable rug will go a long way, and once you find the design you love, it’s worth every penny.
New faucets can really make a difference in the kitchen and bathroom. But simple changes can do the trick. You’ll be amazed at what adding unique knobs and handles will do to your cabinets or dressers. Or change the doorknobs, light plates, plug covers, or curtain rods for a refreshing look and feel.
Fresh flowers have power. “It may seem obvious, but having fresh flowers on the counter is an instant color burst adding endless decorative value,” advises Kristina Phillips. Break up a bouquet into smaller arrangements throughout your home. You want a natural look and feel, and not a bouquet for an occasion. And bring life to your home by adding plants to empty corners. The greenery will add a touch of nature and serenity to any room.
This is a simple yet often overlooked tip. There’s nothing expensive looking about a messy, cluttered home. Decluttering doesn’t cost a thing. Start by getting rid of things you don’t need, and then organize what’s left. And don’t forget your kitchen counter. A counter buried in appliances is far from “expensive,” no matter how expensive the appliances may be. Put away items that you don’t use often, and keep them out of sight.
Art doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can look it. It can be as simple as adding one over-sized statement piece, and it will immediately add personality to your home. Find an eye-catching art piece that you love and fits well with the rest of your décor.
Decorating with vintage furniture is one great way to make your home look expensive. Antiques, especially wooden pieces, will add tons of character to your living room and bedroom. And you don’t have to go out and invest in new furniture, consider reupholstering old furniture with affordable quality fabrics.
Torn and stained linens will give your bedroom a timeworn, neglected look that is the opposite of luxury. But this is easily mendable with crisp white bed linen and a high thread count. Clean white linens will give you that luxury hotel feeling in your home.
Full-length curtains will make your space more luxurious. They give the illusion of a more grand room by making the ceilings appear taller. Floor-to-ceiling curtains can instantly enhance the look of your room. You can even add an extra length for a little “pooling” at the bottom.
You can go beyond the look and feel of your home by creating a sensory experience unlike any other. Light a candle, run a diffuser with some of your favorite essential oils, or burn incense. Whatever you do, be mindful of your home’s scents. Old house smells and kitchen odors are exactly what you want to avoid.