How to make home look expensive
30 Ways to Make Your House Look Expensive on a Budget
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Budget Decorating | Decorating
ByLauren
30 ways for how to make your house look expensive and intentional without costing you the high end designer bucks.
I blame TikTok for this post. (By the way, I feel really old over there, but I digress.)
The other night, the house was feeling all cozy and cute with our lamps turned on and I thought, “Ah. I should take a little video of our foyer and dining room.” (Because they were literally the only two rooms not covered in laundry at the moment, ya know?)
Next thing I knew, TikTokers were commenting on that random video that it looked like “Nancy Meyers core” and “Luxe!” and saying, “It’s giving Pride and Prejudice vibes!”
Who are these people and how do I tell them that basically half of this place is thrifted?
So anyways, that sent me on a tailspin of ideas for this post of ALL the little ways for how to make your house look expensive (and basically fool everyone that you’re a designer worthy of Mr. Darcy, apparently).
How to Make Your House Look Expensive on a Budget
1. Paint Doors a Contrasting Color
Instead of the standard, basic white, paint your doors a different color. Most of ours are painted Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron.
But you could also try a steely gray or a mushroomy taupe. Go bold with a punch of color, if that’s your style. Choosing anything but plain white makes your home feel custom without needing to spend a lot. Here’s how to paint a door.
2. Add Molding, Wall Trim, or Architectural Details
There are so many different ways to DIY molding and wall trim out there. Or you can beef up your existing crown molding with this quick trick.
However you can add millwork or some form of wall treatment to your spaces is a huge plus for adding a layer of luxury.
3. Go Large with Wall Art
It doesn’t have to be expensive at all. We built this large scale art using a shower curtain. Or create this large art with plywood and lattice strips. Visit the thrift store to find large canvases to paint over.
Even though it isn’t actually that expensive to create, large scale art gives the illusion that it cost a couple thousand dollars.
4. Change Out Your Hardware
It’s amazing how taking basic cabinets and adding unique knobs can create major wow factor.
Add some interesting drawer pulls to a plain dresser. Or swap out your doorknobs around the house for ones with a vintage (or ultra modern) vibe. That one small detail makes such a difference.
5. Declutter
If you really want to know how to make your house look expensive for totally free, decluttering doesn’t cost a thing.
You don’t necessarily have to be a minimalist, but the goal should be to make a “home” for every item in a room.
6. Streamline Your Gallery Walls
Creating colorful, eclectic, quirky gallery walls is so much fun, but if your goal is to create the illusion of “high end”, scaling back on the variety of colors, shapes, and textures achieves that look.
Choose art or photos that are within a similar color palette. Incorporate frames that are similar (or identical) in size and shape. Arrange them in a geometric layout like a grid or stair step.
The more uniform and symmetrical the art and layout, the more streamlined your gallery wall will look.
7. Add Flowers or Plants
Every room needs at least a couple of plants or flowers for adding some life to a space. Think spa. Greenery just adds that little bit of zen to a room.
These are some of my favorite faux flowers that look realistic to place in a vase.
8. Use White Bed Linens
When you visit a luxury hotel, the sheets are always white. They feel clean and crisp (and bonus points: they can be bleached).
By using white sheets and duvets in your bedrooms, you’re evoking that same luxury hotel feeling in your home. These are my favorite budget-friendly sheets, and these are my favorite splurge sheets.
9. Use White Towels
Just like with white bedding, use white towels to create a high end spa feeling in your bathrooms.
These are some of my go-to budget bathroom towels.
10. Hang Your Curtains “High and Wide” and Kiss or Lightly Puddle the Floor
It gives the illusion of a more grand room by making ceilings appear taller and windows appear larger. Make sure they’re long enough to hang floor to ceiling so the hem of your curtains barely touch the floor (or slightly puddle for a more relaxed, romantic look).
I love these luxury for less curtains from Amazon.
11. Customize Your Lighting – When In Doubt, Oversize It
If you don’t know how to make your house look expensive at all, start with the lighting.
Swap out the dreaded “boob lights” and builder grade lights for ones that are more expressive of your style. (These shaded chandeliers are the perfect blend of modern and traditional.)
It’s better to choose a light fixture or chandelier that is slightly oversized than one that is too small for the room. You can DIY this sunburst light fixture here. Keep an eye out for chandeliers or fixtures from the thrift store that you can spray paint.
12. Add Built-Ins
Built-in shelving, window seats, or closets can be so expensive, but if you know how to make them yourself using IKEA hacks, they’re a great beginner level carpentry project that can customize a room for way less than the real thing.
See how to build your own custom closet using IKEA shelves. Or you can make these DIY built-in shelves for a living room or playroom.
13. Choose Natural Materials
Whenever possible, incorporate materials that are found in nature. Go with real marble instead of laminate (like this marble coffee table I thrifted) or pick solid wood furnishings rather than veneer (that you can often find secondhand for less).
Leather, antique brass, and crystal feel luxe in comparison to their cheaper alternatives, and you can often score them on Facebook Marketplace or at antique stores. The end result when pulling those materials together creates the feeling that your house is luxurious and expensive too.
14.
Use Appropriately Sized RugsSee this post for more help in choosing the best sized rug for your room. When walking into a space that has a too-small rug, it immediately feels off balance.
If you live in an open concept home, rugs can help define individual living spaces.
Check clearance sections on store websites for rugs (here’s the list where I recommend to buy rugs), or set up notifications on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Many people buy rugs and change their minds but can’t return them, so you can swoop in to get the deal.
15. Layer Your Lighting
Designers often recommend for a room to have 3 types of lighting: ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting.
- Ambient or “general” lighting – canned lights, chandeliers, ceiling-mounted fixtures, buffet lamps, etc.
- Task lighting – lights to help you see tasks better such as under-cabinet lights, desk lamps, reading lamps, etc.
- Accent lighting – lights used to create a feeling of “atmosphere” such as picture lights, candlelight, wall-mounted sconces, etc.
In the living room below, the chandelier is the ambient lighting, the floor lamp and table lamp are the task lighting for reading, and the wall-mounted sconces beside the TV are the accent lighting.
Layering those 3 types of lighting adds depth to a room and helps set the mood.
Bonus points: put them on dimmer switches!
16. Go for Down or Down Alternative Throw Pillows One Size Larger
Ditch the floppy poly-fill throw pillow inserts for down or down alternative ones to make your beds and sofas feel a little more upscale. If possible, choose inserts one size larger than your throw pillow covers.
(Tip: Hit the clearance aisle of TJ Maxx or HomeGoods to find super marked down or damaged down pillows. Toss or donate the cover and use the insert to replace a poly-fill one in a cover you already own. I’ve found down inserts for around $5-8 that way.)
17. Paint Walls and Trim the Same Color
If you’re feeling extra brave, paint the ceiling too! The end result is the illusion of a room with more square footage.
18. Incorporate Heirloom Quality Pieces
You can find high quality furniture pieces at estate sales for a total bargain! And now that grandmillennial style is “in”, that creates even more opportunity to grant vintage furniture a new lease on life.
See how to clean wood furniture here and make it look brand new.
19. Update Your Lamp Shades
Lamps can date a room instantly, but by simply swapping out an old lamp shade for one that’s more modern on the existing base, it creates a whole new look without the need of purchasing an entirely new lamp.
See more inexpensive designer dupe lamps here.
20. Use Neutrals Wisely
When budget is tight, stick to neutrals as your “base” for a level of sophistication- like curtains, furniture, area rug, paint colors. Then, allow pops of color and trends to shine through your home decor accents.
It’s much easier to change those smaller accents later versus changing an entire room of large bold, patterned pieces.
21. Don’t Hold Back on Bold, Rich Hues
On the flipside of #20, don’t be afraid to punch a room with a hit of bold, rich color if your heart says to go for it!
I love using navy blue paint because it’s dramatic and sophisticated but can still act as a neutral when you want it to. If you’re going to go all in, go all in.
The best guideline for creating a luxe looking home in case choosing paint colors scares you: pick the paint colors at the very top or very bottom of the paint color sample strip. There’s a feeling of sophistication when it comes to high contrast spaces.
22. Mat Your Photos
There’s something about adding that thick, white paper mount around a photo that makes it feel special and important.
You can find all kinds of picture frames out there already matted at Target or Walmart, or pick up a mat at the craft store for around $5-10 to fit any frames you already own.
23. Make an Impact with Wallpaper
Nothing says custom in a house quite like wallpaper. If you’re afraid of commitment, go with peel and stick instead of the pasted type.
24. Add a Backsplash
If you want to make your kitchen look more expensive for not a lot of money, add a backsplash to the drywall under your cabinets.
If tile is too pricey or you don’t feel quite skilled enough, this DIY pressed tin backsplash is a fast, tool-free, inexpensive alternative.
One day, we plan to fully remodel this kitchen, but that backsplash helped refresh it a lot.
25. Be Mindful of Your Home’s Scent
Run a diffuser with some of your favorite essential oils, warm wax melts, light a candle, get a plug-in fragrance diffuser. These charcoal bags are great for absorbing old house smells and cooking smells.
Whatever you choose, the smell in our homes creates a sensory experience unlike any other. That one change can do so much.
26. Mismatch Your Furniture
Resist the urge to buy all of your living room furniture or bedroom furniture as one set from the furniture store.
Instead, swap out one of the matching dressers with a dresser in another bedroom to allow variation.
27. Reflect Light in Dark Spaces with Mirrors
One of the best interior design tricks to make a house look expensive is by reflecting light on dark walls opposite from windows with a mirror to help rooms feel bigger and brighter.
I love these antique gold mirrors especially that add a luxe quality.
28. Put Toys In Cabinets and Bins When Not In Use
Utilize bins, closets, and cabinets for keeping toys out of sight after play time. (Bonus: It teaches kiddos the responsibility of clean=up time too.)
29. Thrift for Vintage Items
Use this post for a list of the best items to look out for at the thrift store. By mixing old and new decor, your home feels a bit more steeped in history and adds a layer of sophistication.
30. Be Intentional with Household Items
Decant hand soap into glass soap dispensers, keep cooking utensils in a displayable container, store Q-tips in an apothecary jar, pick a “pretty” toilet brush… it’s the little things you use all the time that add up to a better daily experience.
But it also reduces visual clutter by eliminating plastic packaging. The reduction of clutter makes your space feel more inviting to you and others.
Got any others you’d add in about how to make your house look expensive?
Whew! 30 ways is a long list, but I’m sure there are more out there.
- 14 Big Impact Ways to Redecorate a Room Inexpensively
- How to Decorate a Room from Start to Finish in 13 Steps
- 14 Ways to Decorate Your House for Free
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What makes a home look expensive? 11 tricks designers use |
(Image credit: Future)
There are plenty of ways to make a home look expensive without the high price tag. The secret to achieving an expensive look for your home isn't actually rooted in the amount you spend. In fact, when it comes to making a home look expensive, less is often more.
Why make a home look expensive? It's obviously wonderful to live in a home that feels well-curated, but it's also a great way to increase your home's value if you are thinking of selling up any time soon.
Whether you are looking for luxury living room ideas or luxury bathroom ideas and beyond, these expert interior design tips will help you achieve an expensive aesthetic in every room of your home.
What makes a home look expensive?
Making a home look expensive primarily comes down to the materials you use and how you dress your space. Every interior design project should begin with a declutter – there are plenty of decluttering tips to help you. Decluttering your home will ensure that you are starting with a clean slate – after-all, clutter definitely doesn't say 'expensive'. It is also important to avoid anything that makes your house look cheap.
From here you can redesign your space with these high-end ideas in mind.
1. Pick furniture with character
(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)
Gone are the days of a matching suite of furniture being a marker of great interior design. Today, it's all about texture, interest and character. Decorating with antiques, especially wooden pieces, is a great way to make a house look expensive. You can mix antique and newer finds to curate a space that is truly unique to you.
'When decorating with wood, resist the urge to pick furniture in the same species or tone as this can sometimes make a room feel flat. Instead opt for pieces with slight color variation for a more sophisticated and polished look,' advises Rob Ellis, head of design at Dwell .
2. Add character and texture with paneling
(Image credit: Future)
Originally used in period homes as a method of insulation, today wall paneling ideas are loved for the way they elevate a room – giving the scheme a sense of gravitas that instantly screams 'expensive'.
There are ideas available for paneling any room of your home, from living room paneling ideas through to bathroom paneling ideas. Plus, it's a surprisingly cost-effective way to decorate, often more affordable than wallpaper.
While wall paneling is by far the more traditional option, why not consider ceiling paneling? One of our favorite ceiling ideas, it adds architectural interest to what can be an overlooked part of your interior design and will also emphasize the height of the space, another technique that makes a home look expensive.
(Image credit: Future)
No expensive-looking interior is complete without a chandelier, which, in itself, needn't be costly (you can even buy affordable chandeliers on Amazon , vital if you are decorating a home on a budget). However, they aren't just reserved for houses straight out of a period drama, both modern and traditional homes can both benefit from the instant elegance of a chandelier – and there are plenty of living room chandelier ideas from which to choose.
One of our favorite ways to make a living room look expensive, a bold pendant light will also draw the eye upwards, emphasizing the height of the room which in turn makes the space feel bigger and brighter.
'Statement chandeliers are the jewellery of an interior,’ says Owen Pacey, founder of Renaissance London . ‘A great way to level up your living room is with a grand, statement chandelier, whether that’s an ornate, rococo-style, gilt piece or a contemporary sputnik globe.'
4. Give your staircase an update
(Image credit: Future)
Updating your staircase might seem like an unusual way to make a house look expensive, but new staircase ideas, whether a new or refinished banister or balustrade or smartly painted risers, can transform the way in which people perceive your home.
'A staircase is an integral part to the structure of any home and is the first thing that yourself and guests see when walking inside, so guaranteeing your entryway is impactful is key. A bespoke staircase is the perfect way to transform a space into something that was once ‘tired’ into somewhere that is stylish and welcoming,' says Gareth Betts, Neville Johnson ’s staircase designer. Let yourself be inspired by the latest staircase trends, but always stick to a design that suits the period of your home and your existing interior design.
Even if you don't go for a total change, there are many ways to decorate a staircase that are sure to give your existing flight a new lease of life. Consider ripping up staircase carpets that are worn and replacing them with elegant wood flooring ideas or even wood-look flooring. You can then dress these with pretty stair runner ideas that will help with grip as well as adding aesthetic value.
5. Display cut flowers
(Image credit: Alamy)
'It may seem obvious, but having fresh flowers on the counter is an instant color burst adding endless decorative value,' advises Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design.
Decorating with flowers is a quick and effective way to make a house look expensive. Not only do fresh flowers bring color and texture to a room but they also bring a sense of life and some even imbue the room with their beautiful fragrance.
'Eucalyptus is a favorite among florists for creating fragrant and luxury displays perfect for high-end interiors. Paired with a simple glass vase and beautifully interspersed among fresh flowers such as lilies, carnations, roses and thistles, the stunning shapes of the eucalyptus stems will add height and dimension to any room and add a look of opulence for a more expensive interior,' says Dani Turner, customer experience director at Bunches .
Why not go a step further by planning a cut flower garden so you can harvest fresh blooms from your own flower beds? 'This is a much more sustainable way of growing flowers for arranging in your home and avoids buying ones that have been flown halfway across the world,' explains Amelia Bouquet who trained in garden design at the English Gardening School .
6. Invest in art you love
(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)
Decorating with art can seem like a daunting prospect, from choosing the right colors and textures to size, shape and position. Thankfully, there is lots of advice to help you choose art for your home and plenty of gallery wall ideas that are sure to inspire.
'Bare walls will make a space feel empty and lacking, but enormous prints of a cityscape are certainly not the way to go. Taking time to invest in pieces you genuinely like, that also fit your space will make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of any room, and help to craft something that feels authentic and meaningful. Don't rush this process or put pressure on yourself to have all your art within six months. Building your collection is all part of the fun,' says Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon .
7. Replace carpets with wood flooring
(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)
Timelessly beautiful, wooden flooring is a highly desirable feature. Loved for its authentic, natural appearance, durability and warmth underfoot, it will add an expensive look to any room in which it is installed.
'Flooring is the key element when it comes to setting the tone for any interior. Get this right and all the other details will fall into place,' says Darwyn Ker, Managing Director of Woodpecker Flooring .
There are lots of options from which to choose. Ageing gracefully, natural wood flooring reveals a characterful differentiation of shades between each board – try these wood floor ideas for a bedroom.
A reclaimed wood floor is imbued with history and character which is nearly impossible for newer boards to emulate, however it is poorly suited to a kitchen as there are more durable kitchen flooring ideas from which to choose. If you love the look of wood but want something a little more budget friendly, luxury laminate wood-style flooring will achieve a similar finish at a fraction of the price.
'Lighter boards create an element of freshness all year round and while they might not offer the same drama as their darker counterparts, they still add wonderful character to the home. They are ideal for those who prefer to walk on the fresher, brighter side of interiors,' adds Darwyn.
8. Incorporate luxury materials
(Image credit: Devol/Our Food Stories)
You don't have to go all out when adding luxury materials to your home. Yes, a marble bathroom will look stunning and definitely give off expensive vibes, however, it is not the only way.
First, consider saving in certain areas that don't matter as much to you – perhaps you go for engineered wood flooring over real wood or you opt for a more affordable paint brand – so that you have the budget to invest in the items that really matter to you – maybe a marble sink for your kitchen or grand fireplace for your living room.
You can also accessorize with pieces made from luxury materials, such as a marble tray on a coffee table or a gold candle snuffer; this will help to make your house more look expensive without breaking the bank.
9. Keep wires out of view
(Image credit: Sara Cosgrove )
We live in a technological world and it is likely that there will be wires in every room of your home, from the TV in the living room, appliances in the kitchen to chargers in the bedroom. However, even the most elegant room will be brought down by a tangle of stray cables. In order to achieve an expensive looking home, it is essential that this source of visual clutter is reduced as much as possible.
If you have a wall mounted television or are thinking about TV wall ideas, consider running the cables through the wall to achieve a seamless look. Then hide peripheral devices in sideboards or adjoining cabinetry to continue to wire-free aesthetic.
For device chargers, consider an all-in-one wireless option. The single cable can tuck behind sideboards or bedside tables and the dock will provide an easy, minimalist way to charge all your devices without all the cables.
In the kitchen, the easiest way is to keep appliances out of sight. Store toasters, blenders and other occasional gadgets in a cupboard or pantry until needed. This will not only reduce the wires but will also keep your kitchen countertops clear.
10. Add a vintage rug
(Image credit: Carina Skrobecki/Jessica Nelson Design)
'Luxurious rugs can make a home look and feel more expensive. Choose options that are durable and stain-resistant,' says Jessica Nelson of Jessica Nelson Design . Knowing how to choose a rug can make or break an interior scheme, and the right design is a simple way to elevate your space.
'Rug pads also make a big difference in the design. We usually opt for thicker felt options over the thinner webbed versions. There are some great expensive options out there, but we also love vintage rugs we find on Etsy as a more budget-friendly option,' adds Jessica.
Once you've chosen the perfect design – there are plenty of bedroom rug ideas or living room rug ideas that are sure to inspire – it is also important that you know how to clean an area rug in order to keep it looking its best.
11. Don't overlook the details
(Image credit: Wandsworth Electrical)
Finishing touches are a great way to make your home look expensive. Think door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and sockets. These elements are often overlooked but the right design can pull an entire scheme together.
‘Light switches are the most interactive part of your interior and should be an integral part of the design,’ says Howard Solomons, head of design
at Wandsworth Electrical . ‘Anything handled so frequently must reflect quality, not only in its look but also in its touch.’
While outlets and switches are small details, this is not a place to skimp – opt for the best you can afford. Create a harmonious look by ensuring that door handles and the pulls on drawers and cupboards are in the same material and finish as your sockets and switches.
How to make your house look expensive on a budget?
One of the best ways that you can make your house look expensive on a budget is with your decor. Whether it's vases of flowers, artwork or window treatment ideas, all of these elements can help to make your look more expensive.
'While many of us have been spending so much time at home, it seems like every day we're finding something that we want to change in our space. If you're working with a minimal budget, updating your window treatments can play an integral role in a refresh without going overboard. Think of your window treatments as a canvas for the rest of your space,' says designer Mariko Blakemore of Stoneside Blinds & Shades .
How do you make your house look like it's worth more?
One of the easiest ways to make your house look like it's worth more is by repainting. 'To give a room life and look more expensive, go with the power of paint. A fresh coat of paint in an eye-catching color – either bold or moody – can make all the difference,' says Mary Patton of Mary Patton Design .
Also insure that your home's design is cohesive. 'A home executed with a master plan, where each space ties into the next, elevates the feeling of a home. Colors, textures and furnishings need to be well thought out for each space in how they relate to each other and add to the overall experience. Tasteful application of color and placing of textures creates an atmosphere that hints at luxury. Furnishings should be both functional and beautiful; one should be able to indulge in comfortable yet visually interesting pieces. Pairing luxury and comfort make the home feel expensive,' says Laurie Davis from Eralyn Interiors .
Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature.
25 easy ways to make your home more stylish and cozy
Home Ideas / Home Furnishing Ideas
When decorating a home, it's hard to find the right balance between functionality, comfort and style. No matter how much money we spend on decent furniture, the rooms are always missing something and as a result they don't look anything like the perfect apartments we see in magazines. Sometimes the situation can be solved with the help of small tricks that take only a few minutes of your time and do not require any money at all. Read the following tips to find out how you can make your home more stylish and inviting with minimal effort.
1. Take care of the front door
Don't forget the front door, even if you live in an apartment building, as it is the first impression of your home. Take care of it in the same way as you would take care of interior doors. Put out some flower pots, hang a seasonal wreath or decorations, update your license plate, or paint your door a bright color.
2. Arrange items according to the rule of threes
As in many areas and disciplines, the rule of threes is heavily used in decorating and styling. The trio of items looks visually more appealing and more balanced, especially when it comes to size, height and materials.
Start small and decorate a small corner in your living room or table. For example, put a vase of flowers, a basket of books and a clock. You will see how cute and cozy this composition looks. But do not oversaturate the room with such decorative trifles, otherwise the effect will be misread.
3. Lay carpets in several layers
Lay a small, thick carpet on top of a larger, more neutral rug. This is also a great way to check how you feel about bold experiments in the interior, and such a design move will make the room more comfortable and stylish. Thanks to this tip, you can divide the space into zones or make accents on the necessary places.
4. Arrange books in alternative ways
A vertical or slightly inclined stack of books is the canon for a classic interior. The alternative placement speaks of a bold and contemporary style. Try alternating shelves, arranging books either vertically or horizontally. Horizontal lines will break the pattern of vertical lines and draw attention. You can put additional items on the shelves with books. Just make sure the order is random, as the rigid layout is very conspicuous.
5. Display things that have a story to tell
This advice is a little more difficult than it sounds, because not everyone wants to showcase objects that are dear to their hearts and realize that no one else but themselves is impressed with them .
In order to attract people's attention, your favorite things must stand out from the environment and immediately catch the eye. Don't forget that you don't have to cross the ocean to find an item worth telling others about. As long as you have a precious memory associated with a thing, you can captivate your guest with this topic.
6. Make a cute thing out of an old bottle
The next time you have a beautiful bottle of alcohol, milk or perfume, do not rush to throw it away. Save it and use it as a container for liquid soap or a vase. Alternatively, fill it with beads and tie a bow with twine. But first, soak the bottle in warm, soapy water until all the labels come off easily. The transparent vessel looks very stylish and futuristic.
7. Dust often
Nothing kills style like dust. Maybe you only cleaned yesterday, but the dust will quickly find its way back. Take a closer look and find the surfaces on which it is most visible in daylight, and be sure to wipe these places between “general cleanings”. Thus, you can enjoy clean air and not worry when guests unexpectedly arrive.
8. Arrange flowers randomly
When you receive bouquets, put them somewhere in the corner of the room, and never in a central place. Bonus points if they are field or garden flowers. Random placement creates the feeling that flowers are an integral part of your home, and you are not trying to show off or impress others with them.
9. Move furniture between rooms
We are used to moving things within the same enclosed space and it is not natural to move furniture from room to room. In fact, things may look much better in a new space, or they may serve more functionality. When you don't have the time or budget to buy new home furnishings, the quickest way to freshen up any room in your home is to rearrange the furniture.
10. Keep white towels in the bathroom
This is a personal choice, but the white color of the towel gives a feeling of freshness and cleanliness. Plus, having more than one towel in your bathroom adds a touch of casual hospitality and attention to detail.
11. Always keep a few books on your coffee table
Books add instant style and entertainment to guests. Be sure to put your favorite book and a few works of different genres. You can put only books or mix them with magazines and photos. This is the perfect place to apply the rule of three and combine books with decorative elements and small items.
12. Serve water in a jug
Whether you drink tap or bottled water, store it in a jug. There is nothing cuter than putting it on the table during lunch with the family or dinner with guests. If it is a transparent jug, you can add slices of cucumber or lemon to the water.
Leave the pitcher on your bedside table to humidify the air and add some style points at the same time.
13. Paint some things to match the walls or trim
Most often, things in an apartment do not fit together well because of different styles, colors and finishes. Paint some pieces of furniture the same color as the walls, or match the curtains/carpet/cushions to match. This will create a certain unity of space. Such items should be scattered throughout the room, not too close to each other. There is no need to repaint everything - even a small dose will help create a harmonious composition.
14. Keep napkins on the table even if you don't eat anything
This may seem illogical, but it actually creates the illusion of cleanliness in the house and order in the family (especially if you have children). Doilies are also a great way to add color and pattern to your kitchen decor. They can be inexpensive, plastic, rubber or paper. You can also make your own napkins by cutting the fabric into small squares. The main thing is to take into account the color scheme.
15. Decorate the house with variations of the same element
Choose one product of which you have enough. For example, fruits, and the brighter the color, the better. You can also use some kind of vegetable or simple elements that are found in nature, such as rocks or wood.
Put them in a vase or bowl and place them in a prominent place, but not in the center. The goal is to attract attention, so the vase should be of simple shape and common material.
16. Group candles
Collect all the candles you have and arrange them in small groups throughout the apartment. The living room is the first place. Lighting candles in groups is much more effective than individually, as they provide more light, which is ideal for an evening with guests.
When buying candles, avoid flashy designs and scents. Best of all - white classic candles, which are ideal for grouping.
17. Add houseplants
Plants not only bring freshness and color to a room, but are also an important decorative element. Place them near large pieces of furniture or use them to fill in empty corners. Small plants can be mixed in the composition, guided by the rule of three.
18. Remove some accessories
If you are a fan of small knick-knacks, decorative objects, art, carpets, pillows, your home most likely resembles a folk art museum. Minimalism in a home interior looks much better than an abundance of unnecessary things. Try removing some accessories, replacing them, adding something else until you are happy with the result. It is best to decorate the house with one kind of decorative items. It looks stylish and cozy.
19. Keep a small throw on the sofa
Not only does a light blanket create coziness, but it also allows you to add texture and color to a fairly flat or neutral room. If you only want to add one bright touch, make sure that the blanket is not neatly folded, but casually thrown over the back.
20. Arrange baskets around the house
The basket is a lifeline when you need to clean up the mess before guests arrive or move things from room to room. They seem much more expensive and exotic than they really are. Baskets can come in different sizes and shapes, but they should be made from the same material or have a common color so as not to create too much chaos. They can become a completely unique and loud spot in your room's neutral space. If the interior of your house is made in light colors, pick up baskets in darker shades, and vice versa.
21. Store food in containers
This is the best way to organize your kitchen space and add style to your interior. Store cereals, spices, cookies, and other foods in containers. Glass containers look nice, but they can be expensive. Use inexpensive options. The point is not to have the whole set. The key is to keep the containers in the same material and color to create a clean and organized look in your kitchen or pantry.
22. Hang things on the walls
Many people avoid decorating walls because they don't have enough money for expensive art. But you don't need fancy pictures because anything can be art as long as it makes you feel. Hang magazine pages, photos, and your own drawings in random order to add dynamics to the wall. From time to time, change the images to update the interior a bit.
23. Show off your hobby
Feel free to show your hobby openly. First, it will be a topic for interesting discussions. Secondly, you can hang the results of your work on the walls, or randomly place them on shelves or just leave them on the floor. It is guaranteed to add uniqueness to your home.
24. Use unnecessary things in an unexpected way
Whether it's a fireplace, an old piano, large furniture, appliances, empty corners. .. Put books, vases, plants, and unnecessary items there will instantly turn into stylish interior elements.
25. Let your home reflect who you are
Most stylish houses are decorated with photographs of their occupants. But real life houses, in which interesting personalities live, are filled with things that the owners like. Musical instruments, books, old cassettes... After all, the easiest and most reliable way to make your home more stylish is to add more information about who you are and what you like.
Take the time to make your home not only stylish, but also the most beloved place on earth!
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6 non-obvious ways to create an "expensive" interior - INMYROOM
Interior decor
Let's talk about the rules of good form when choosing finishing materials, choosing decor and furniture and how to create a "delicious" interior on your own
Stylish interiors are made not by expensive, but by tasteful and harmoniously selected things. We tell you what techniques designers use to create an “interior from the cover” if the budget is limited.
1. Walls
Light or beige colors are a safe solution. But pretty boring.
What to do? Bet on deep dark and rich colors. The same applies to the choice between cold and warm shades - designers prefer cold ones. If you are not sure that you like a bright interior, you can make only one wall accent with one or two rolls of expensive wallpaper.
Design: UD Base
An alternative to wallpaper is paint. The undoubted advantages are a wide palette of shades and the ability to choose exactly your color. Of the minuses - the walls must be well prepared. But even here you can cheat - on imperfectly even walls, you can use textured paint. It will hide the roughness, and at the same time create a relief, enliven the walls.
Design: Enjoy Home
2. Ceilings
Stretch, especially glossy ceilings look cheap.
What to do? A painted ceiling, even if imperfectly aligned, always looks more expensive than a stretch one. And it is environmentally friendly, unlike the latter, which is important.
Design: Shperling Design
And in high-quality repairs, foam ceiling plinth is not used. But its counterparts made of gypsum or even polyurethane foam are much more expensive. So, if you cannot do without this element, take a wide border, at least 9see, be sure to carefully putty the joints and only then paint.
Design: Daria Denisova
3. Floor
A wide range of modern floor coverings allows you to make a floor not only of high quality, but also within a reasonable budget. Budget and non-environmentally friendly linoleum does not count - it is not suitable for a residential apartment and looks cheap.
What to do? An alternative to more expensive laminate and quartz vinyl tiles can be HDPE - a moisture-resistant board. The material is practical in operation, diverse in colors and textures. If you are ready to make efforts in caring for the coating, you can consider a massive floorboard, for example, from larch. Competently laid and properly processed material can compete with parquet.
Design: Buro 19.23
4. Bathroom
It is customary in Russia to lay tiles on all walls and up to the ceiling in bathrooms. It is customary, and also, according to popular belief, hygienic and practical. But alas, the solution has long been morally obsolete.
What to do? Wet room paint cleans just as well as tiles, but tiles can only be used in wet areas. This option is much more budgetary, looks more modern and makes it possible to change the color and mood of the interior with little money and effort.
Design: Nadya Zotova
5. Plastic corners and plinth
Installation of plastic corners and plinth can negate the good quality and quality of work and materials.
What to do? If you need to close the corner of a window slope or arched opening, it is better to do it with wooden trim.