When homeowners hear the words ‘renovation’ or ‘refresh’, their first thought is usually - ‘how much will it cost?’ But what if there was a way to upgrade your home to look luxurious and modern, without taking out a new mortgage? It’s all about choosing the right accessories, and channeling what the luxury look actually means in terms of home design.
Check out these 6 top tips on how to achieve a champagne look on a beer budget.
1. Layer up
A home that radiates the feeling of luxury is usually one that has a lot of layers when it comes to decor. From plush floor rugs to an array of scatter cushions and throws, there is no doubt that the words ‘comfortable’ and ‘luxurious’ go hand-in-hand. So invest in new key pieces that help you layer up, as well as items that invite you to relax and put your feet up.
Read more: Top 6 real estate myths - debunked
2. Go 'matchy matchy'
There’s no doubt that a luxurious home is one that is cohesive, with carefully selected items placed in just the right place. So when you do decide to update your home, make sure it is with a certain colour palette in mind (no more than 3 or 4), and if you are keen on making it look elegant and expensive - stick with lighter shades like pastels and creams.
Carry the theme throughout your house to allow an overall experience of luxe - from fluffy towels in the bathroom, to matching storage containers in the kitchen.
3. Focus on textures
Just as important as layers is the texture of items. And natural is typically best - think soft cottons, leather and wool. These all are materials that we simply like to reach out and feel right? Which is why having them in your home can hit the nail on the head when it comes to appealing to our sense of touch.
4. Dress your windows
Windows let in light, keep out the cold, and when open, offer a cool reprieve from the heat. But they can actually help you accentuate the luxury in your home too, as long as you dress them correctly.
Did you know that by hanging your curtains slightly higher you can actually make your room feel bigger? In a room without trim - try around 15cm above the window, and with trim - 10cm. It is also a good idea to have the curtain track extended out further than the windows, so the drapes can be opened completely, letting in more light and creating the illusion of more space. Make sure the curtains are also long enough to drape slightly on the ground, this is another luxurious statement you can easily make.
And don’t forget about sheers because here where you can use the multi-layer feature again - think billowy, soft, floating fabric.
5. Turn the lights down low
Lighting is certainly key in a modern home, but it can be tricky to achieve the right look, while also focusing on practicality. So make sure you have all the bases covered as to where you need lighting, but then you can always dress it up with a classy floor lamp, or chic hanging pendant.
Bright and white isn’t so luxurious - more so office space - so choose bulbs and shades that cast a warm, soft light. And have plenty of candles on hand too - they certainly have the ability to create the right ambiance in a room.
6. Fake it till you make it
It’s important to note that all the key items mentioned above don’t have to be expensive in order to achieve the luxe look. Faux leather, a marble-look finish, polished fixtures and fittings can all be found without the designer price tag. So fake it where you can, and it’s highly likely no one will know the difference.
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A couple of additional thoughts if you want to upgrade your home on a budget - never underestimate the power of a new paint job. This also goes for cleanliness and ensuring your home clutter-free. Of course we still have to live a busy life in our houses, but that doesn’t mean things can’t be stored away and out of sight in stylish wicker baskets, or fabric boxes.
The luxe look is about appealing to our sense of sight, touch and smell - so make sure you have all the bases covered and you’ll be able to create a home that is bathed in elegance, without the expense.
If you've created the right look in your home, it is likely you have increased it's value potential too! Check out our free guide on how to get your property ready for sale.
