Having a high-end looking home can be difficult, especially if you have a tight decorating budget. Fortunately, there are ways – even on a budget – that you can get the high-end look you dream of.
Interior designers have shared a few of their interior design secrets over the years that have given homeowners some insight on how they can make their home look elegant without breaking the bank. From adding pillows and a fresh coat of paint to window treatments and hardwood floors, these are simple solutions you need to know about.
Here, you will discover 4 of the simplest and least expensive interior design options to make your home look elegant. Take the time to keep reading – you just might be surprised at these simple tricks to fooling your guests into thinking you live a high-end life.
Paint color is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions to make when decorating a room, especially when the remaining décor will be based off the color palette. However, if elegance is what you are after, there are certain colors that add instant glamour to your home.
Choose one of these two color options—bold and dramatic OR soft, understated hues. These hues allow you to add instant elegance to your home. It simply depends on your color personality in terms of which option you choose.
Painting interior doors black is another great idea. It automatically creates an expensive feeling, without causing much damage to your wallet. If you choose this option, however, be sure to add some black accessories to the space to tie the overall design together.
Most contractors will choose standard lighting fixtures, which are probably the same they have used over and over again in all the homes they have built. However, designer light fixtures will add more elegance to your home than the standard chandelier.
Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to get the high-end look without the high-end price. Start by looking at flea markets and second-hand stores. You will get a unique piece at a budget-friendly price. Or try this bloggers trick of adding a drum shade around an old chandelier to get the custom look everyone is craving right now.
Some pieces may require a little buffing or a new paint job, but can look like a million dollars for just a few bucks. In addition, be sure to have several different light sources, including table lamps and floor lamps throughout the home to increase the elegant feeling.
It is true that wall-to-wall carpeting in a home is warm and soft, but it does not equal the same elegance factor as solid, gleaming hardwood floors. Hardwood provides a classic, elegant appearance and can be found at an affordable price.
Purchasing hardwood for your home will be an investment, but it is definitely a wise one. Hardwood lasts a long time, and provides a nice return on investment, especially if you ever resell your home. Laminate is another option, but be sure to buy the best laminate on the market to ensure a lasting quality. In fact, if it is a choice between laminate or plush carpeting, we say choose the plush carpet.
To get the most for your money, you will want to look at different types of wood, as some are more expensive than others. For example, birch and oak are usually less expensive than cherry. Also, consider choosing a dark color for a more luxurious appearance, but be sure to add a few area rugs to tie the overall design of the room together from floor to ceiling.
While many people feel that investing in expensive couches is not within their budget, buying cheaper furniture could cost you more in the end. They tend to look cheap and be put together poorly, which means they fall apart quicker.
If you want to have an elegant piece of furniture in your home, check out secondhand stores, estate sales, and consignment shops for quality pieces at a more affordable price. You may want to have the furniture reupholstered to match your décor.
The savings on the furniture still allows you room in the budget to get the items reupholstered, giving you a high-end designer look at a fraction of the cost.
As you have discovered, there are several ways you can make your home look elegant on a budget. Choosing the right paint colors, avoiding cheap, poor quality items, and shopping wisely are the best tricks interior designers use to create high-end designs.
Take the time to create a budget for each section of your home, thinking about the savings you can find by shopping at smaller stores, such as secondhand shops, consignment shops, and even flea markets.
You may be surprised at what you will find, and how easily it is for you to create an elegant looking and feeling home even on a tight budget.
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