Believe it or not, you can decorate and design your home to make it look incredibly luxurious without spending a fortune. When it comes to achieving the luxe lifestyle look there are many ways to obtain this look without emptying your bank account. Here are a few ideas to help you get started!
Think “Luxury Hotel”
Have you ever stayed at a super chic hotel and thought about how cool and unique, yet simple and elegant their rooms look? If you haven’t that’s ok too- you can look up many rooms online and see what I mean. If you try to duplicate some of the looks of the rooms and bathrooms, you’re one step closer to being super luxe.
· Use white or light colors. Luxury hotel beds are white, the sheets are white, the duvet is white. It’s all so pristine and appealing! White may not be your thing, but a lighter or neutral color will provide the same feel. Think light blue, barely pink, pale stone, light gray, taupe, or beige.
· Make your bed a focal point. (And always make your bed!) Invest in super, high thread-count sheets, a natural blanket, extra pillows, and a fluffy throw. The bed should beckon you when you enter the room. That is luxury!
· Your bathrooms should be spotlessly clean. This is a luxury that only requires investing a little time and effort, but it’s so worth it!
· Minimize containers. Display as few bathroom products as possible inside your shower or on the countertops. Clean and uncluttered is the way to go.
· Towels and washcloths should be plentiful, and on display, so they are easy to find and use.
Eliminate Clutter
Creating an orderly and simple environment is one of the easiest ways to make your home appear more luxurious. That costs nothing but time!
· Remove any pieces of furniture that you don’t use or don’t love. Too many chairs, tables, shelves, etc. jammed into a room looks claustrophobic.
· Keep all surfaces as clear as possible. When displaying items, select carefully. Single pieces or groupings of three look best.
· Hide your television. In sumptuous rooms, it’s never the center of attention. This is a toughie for me!
Textures Versus Colors
Luxurious homes avoid using bright colors or limit them to select accent items. Emphasize a mixture of engaging surfaces within a tight color scheme.
· Find beautifully textured pillows in colors that complement your sofa—or as large floor pillows. No, they don’t have to match. In fact, they probably shouldn’t be identical. Create a collection of textures!
· Consider adding a beautifully textured throw to your favorite chair.
· Update your window treatments. This can be quite an investment, but you may be able to find creative and budget-friendly ways to add “I just want to touch it” textures.
The Power of Lighting
Light fixtures can be expensive, but there are many budget-friendly ways to decorate with light.
· Inexpensive canister lights placed behind a real or artificial plant or some other focal point can make a once-dark corner become an attention-grabbing feature.
· Add dimmers to your wall switches to fine tune the intensity of your home’s lighting. You can also install plug-in dimmers to control table or floor lamps.
· Consider going all out and dressing up your room with one statement lighting fixture. You may be able to find your perfect feature at a thrift store or an architectural salvage warehouse. Also, search for treasures on Craigslist and Facebook’s marketplace too. Don’t forget Home Goods!
Go Big with Art and Floral Arrangements
To make a grand statement, choose a single, sumptuous, noteworthy piece instead of many smaller items.
· A substantial work of art can set the tone for an entire room and grab the interest of anyone entering the space. It can be a photograph, a painting, a tapestry, or anything else. Just go big.
· Trim back the green thumb. Limit plants to one or two large, impressive specimens and replace any plastic or cheap-looking pots. If you love cut flowers, create an abundant arrangement in any given room.
· Select a sculptural element. This will add texture and substance to your decorating scheme as well as visual interest. Scour antique shops, second-hand stores, and architectural salvage outlets to find something interesting.
With a little work, some creative treasure-hunting, and a couple of investments in quality items, you can have a home steeped in luxury, even on a shoestring budget!
Credit: National Association of Realtors