Affordable Luxury on a Budget: 8 Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home Interior
Luxury Improvements can be Budget-Friendly
Revamping your home's interior doesn't have to be a wallet-draining endeavour. In fact, with a little creativity and some savvy shopping, you can transform your living space into something even 'that couple' from across the street would envy. Here are our favourite ways to craft an environment that exudes comfort, elegance, and a touch of opulence for a luxurious feel...
1. Get the Furniture Right
Nothing whispers 'luxury' more than a spacious home. If you are looking around your living room right now, thinking 'I could barely swing a cat in here,' we have good news. Space is relative. Rooms can be manipulated so they visually seem bigger than they actually are.
One of the most important ways to create the illusion of spaciousness is by keeping your home clutter-free. We're not talking miniature figurines on the fireplace, either. We're talking about selecting the right furniture for your room.
- Don't 'over-fill' a small room with huge furniture pieces.
- Invest in high-quality, well-made furniture pieces. Even one or two more premium pieces in a room can elevate the entire space.
- Choose materials that are synonymous with luxury, such as leather, velvet, silk, and natural wood.
- Instead of buying new furniture, consider giving your current pieces a facelift. Re-upholstering a chair, painting a dresser, or changing the hardware on cabinets can make old furniture look new again.
2. Pay Close Attention to Detail
Have you ever heard the phrase: 'Money talks, wealth whispers'? This is music to our budget-friendly ears! It means we can focus on the little and inexpensive touches to transform our home.
- Opt for high-end finishes like marble countertops or hardwood floors, such as details like crown mouldings or wainscoting.
- Never underestimate the power of high-quality hardware, like door handles. Nothing ruins the illusion of an expensive-looking door with a cheap and flimsy handle. Modern and low-profile window handles are affordable ways to update old windows.
- 'Convenience' might not be your first thought when it comes to 'luxury' but it should be. I remember being invited into someone's house and they had a section in the porch for guest's coats and shoes, and another hidden away for themselves. There was a little basket with inexpensive slippers, too. I remember admiring how these well-considered touches made the house 'flow'.
- Custom-built elements like shelving, cabinetry, or even unique artworks add a personal and luxurious touch, as well as being 'practical for your specific needs. Clutter can make even the most beautiful rooms look unappealing. Invest in smart storage solutions like floating shelves, decorative baskets, or multi-functional furniture. Not only will this help keep your space tidy, but it can also be a stylish addition to your home.
3. Light the Way
Why do we seem to mention lighting in every blog post? Because it's so versatile and fundamental in achieving your desired vibe!
- Use lighting to show off particular finishes, items and décor you're proud of... and an absence of lighting to hide where the kids marked the wall, once.
- Layer your lighting using a mix of ambient, task and accent.
- Use ambient Lighting (soft, indirect lighting) to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Use task lighting (focused lighting) for work areas
- Use accent lighting to highlight art or architectural features.
4. Think: Luxury Colour Scheme and Textile Palette
- Luxurious homes often feature a neutral base palette, accented with rich colours like navy, emerald green, or deep burgundy. Whatever colours you choose, keep a consistent colour palette throughout to create a sense of harmony and luxury.
- Incorporate a variety of textures through fabrics, rugs, cushions, and window treatments to add depth and interest.
- Choose high quality materials like Egyptian cotton, pure wool, or cashmere for a touch of luxury.
5. Use Technology, Art and Decoration
- A few well-chosen pieces of statement art can serve as focal points and conversation starters.
- Decorative accents like vases, candles, and books should complement the overall design and add a personal touch.
- If you're a tech-lover, you might be happy to stretch the budget to smart home features like automated systems for lighting, heating, and entertainment.
6. Maintenance... in and out of doors
- Don't neglect any outside space. Keep the weeds away, jet-wash the slabs, provide comfortable seating that isn't an old rust-bucket.
- If you wanted to splash out on some DIY, you could opt for a fire pit for those outdoors-summer-nights or even an outdoor kitchen.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure that the home always looks its best, which is key to a luxurious feel. This may include re-painting or sewing some upholstery back together!
Final Thoughts on Affordable Luxury
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog as much as we enjoyed writing it! Hopefully, you found some inspiration and have realised that you can achieve luxury on a budget.
If you want to read more home interior tips, head over to our Home Interior Blog Posts.
Other websites that cover this topic well include: My Domaine and Decor Pot.