Creating an interior that makes you feel relaxed, even pampered, will turn your house into a retreat from the outside world. A luxurious interior is made up of quality pieces, finishes that look expensive and a design that reflect your personal style. However, when you don’t have a large budget to work with, how can you make your home feel like a luxurious experience? Here are three ways you can transform your home without spending a fortune.
Go Big and Go Home
You don’t have to own one of the most luxurious homes in Ohio to create a luxury feel. Instead, look to your photos and art. Hanging a plain photo in a cheap frame looks chintzy and emphasizes the rest of the blank wall space. A wall full of such photos can look cluttered or like a hallway from the 1970s. On the other hand, even a small photo can look professional when you add good matting and a nice frame. For an 8×10, consider going as large as 16×20 for the frame. Framing can be expensive but if you check your local thrift stores you can find amazing framing and mats for pennies on the dollar.
On the same note, small paintings are fun, but if you really want to balance a space, invest in a couple of large pieces of wall art. If you want something unique and natural, a wall water fountain, a wall garden or a fireplace would be great options.
Little Touches Make a Big Difference
Look for luxurious materials to add to your home in small ways. Real leather, marble and solid wood furniture all have gravitas that speaks to luxury, but they also last forever. Buying luxury will cost you either time or money. Consider saving up for the pieces you really want or you can invest the time in searching for the second-hand pieces you want. Your home will come together slowly, but each quality piece you add will add a little touch of luxury.
It’s important to think about what feels luxurious to you, too. If you don’t want gilt mirrors and marble top tables, investing in those pieces isn’t what’s going to make you comfortable at home. If you’re more of an Arts and Crafts stylist, look for heavy, solid wood furniture and stained glass accessories. If you love a mid-century modern look, hold out for that original Eames chair and teak furniture.
Look To Contrast To Add Dramatic Flair
Finally, besides quality pieces and gallery-worthy art, luxury is about drama. You don’t have to invest in brightly colored furniture, instead, add bright colors and contrast with accessories like cushions and rugs, and through your paint choices. Dark, bold wall colors pop when doorways and window frames are a bright white. Try a boldly contrasting wall of patterned wallpaper like the popular patterns offered by Liberty. If that’s not your price range, look to Etsy for independent manufacturers making amazing patterns at affordable prices.
When you take into account your personal taste, combined with the underlying elements of luxury, you’ll create a home that feels like a million bucks.
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