Let’s be honest here – everyone wants their home to give the impression of being expensive without actually needing to put in the money to make it happen. The economy isn’t what it used to be and homes are now harder than ever to decorate in a way that won’t have you burning through your wallet. But it turns out, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have your home look exquisite.
If you’re smart and know what you’re doing, even an old dusty house can look like a modern, elegant mansion. While a glass Juliet balcony is on its own a symbol of elegance, that doesn’t mean that a regular old balcony can’t appear luxurious. We’re here to show you exactly what you should be doing to make that happen. Follow our seven tips and see for yourself how much of a difference you can make with very little effort and financial input.
1. Update your lights
While replacing an entire electrical installation to add flashy lighting effects such as under-cabinet lighting, stair lighting, or floor lighting will definitely cost you a pretty penny, there’s no denying the fact that your lighting will determine how high-profile your home looks. Luckily, there’s a cheaper way to update that – try some new fixtures. They come in many interesting shapes and are quite inexpensive – don’t be afraid to take risks and try out something new.
2. Neutral color tones will help you
While bold colors might seem like the way to go, what with many modern, artsy designs using hard color accents to make interiors seem really fancy, it’s by going in the opposite direction that you can make your home look more expensive than it actually is. Not only are these colors cheaper in both paint and fabrics, they’re actually quite trendy and easy to combine with each other, so that the end result looks effortlessly tasteful.
3. Just because something isn’t there doesn’t mean it can’t look like it is
One of the most expensive-looking things are those tall bookcases or shelves that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. And it’s true, they cost a lot, but they also do a good job looking elegant. However, you can achieve the same result using modular shelves, such as those available at IKEA, in order to make your own built-in bookcase that isn’t actually built in.
4. Strategic plant placement
Some plants can look very impressive while costing very little. Just adding a couple more splashes of color that contrasts with the rest and your garden will already look much more pricy. The same goes for flowers and plants inside the room – a simple planter with a vivid potted plant will definitely add an air of elegance into any room.
5. New hardware can make all the difference
The problem with bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, etc. that makes them look bland and cheap is often the fact that they’re simply empty. With just a couple dollars spend on a new towel rack, hanger, or new cabinet doors can refresh your interior and make it look like it cost a lot more.
6. Keep things minimalistic
Clutter is the enemy of elegance, so make sure that you only display the things that are necessary. If you don’t have enough room to store them, be merciless and don’t be afraid to throw them out or give them away.
7. Let your walls speak
Empty walls can kill any interior, so make sure that you use them to their full potential. Add artwork – a lot of it can be purchased really cheap – display old certificates and diplomas, add some moldings, make a photo gallery, etc. There are myriad things you can do with your wall – don’t be afraid to try new things and go wild.
