Get the luxe look for less
Ever walked into a swanky hotel or upmarket apartment and just revelled in that indefinable, unreachable sense of opulence? After all, luxury must, by definition, be out of reach for ordinary mortals without income to spare.
Yet giving our homes — especially the main living areas — a luxurious update needn’t break the bank. Claire O’Brien, Head of design at Splashback, says: ‘There are clever ways you can achieve your desired decadence through statement features, furniture and colour, while sticking to a budget.’
What’s more, not only is a deluxe (or pseudodeluxe) makeover something to relish for its own sake. It might also make all the difference when it comes to selling your property.
WALLS AND FLOORS
THE critical first step, says Alysha Alli, head of interiors at building company redrow, is junking the, well, junk.
‘Unburdening your space from clutter will allow it to speak for itself.’ Once you’ve done this, think about mimicking architectural features which could make your home look luxurious such as interior wall panelling made of mock plywood — especially with a moulded beading.
‘Panelling adds an immediate value to your space as it creates depth and interest when looking at plain and square spaces,’ says elaine Penhaul, interiors expert and director of home staging company Lemon and Lime Interiors.
‘For less than £100, accounting for a tin of paint and treatment, you can create a desirable feature wall that gives off an expensive look and feel.’
London-based interior designer Jessica Blair of Jessica’s Interiors, advises opting for a colour scheme that flows seamlessly through the house.
‘For example if you are carpeting all the rooms on one floor use the same one all the way through. Then, when decorating, adopt colours in the same palette or tone. It’s that flow which creates an immediate sense of something smart and luxurious.’
As an alternative to carpet and if you want to upgrade your flooring but don’t want to shell out on real wood or stone tiles go for laminate, vinyl tiles or engineered wood.
‘Herringbone flooring also looks incredibly expensive and comes in costeffective options such as vinyl and luxury vinyl. Stair runners give the feel of an expensive and impactful hallway and can be adapted to suit your budget,’ says Johanna Constantinou, brand and communications director of flooring company Tapi.
WINDOW DRESSING
REFRAMING the way you curtain your windows will enhance the luxury feel of a room. ‘When we think of luxurious homes and buildings, high ceilings and floods of natural light come to mind,’ says Claire O’Brien. ‘And luckily, there is an easy way to add the illusion of tall windows into your home.
‘Securing your curtain pole close to the ceiling above the window frame and draping your curtains all the way down to the floor tricks the eye into thinking the windows and ceilings are taller than they are.
Add a gold or brass curtain pole with crystal finials — the decorative trimming which caps the unfinished end of a curtain pole — to complete the luxury look.’
SIMPLE ACCESSORIES
HAVING chucked the clutter in order to create an impression of deluxe minimal décor, now is the time to add statement pieces, such as a decorated vase or a large piece of artwork.
For cheap options, go to vintage shops or car boot sales. And if you can’t find anything that fits your budget (or taste), add a tall green leafy plant to add a subtle wow factor.
Another way to make a space seem more expensive is to replace any old cushions on your sofa or bed, suggests Johanna Constantinou. ‘Choose neutral colours in linen or velvet fabrics for that luxe look. Lighting candles can also make your space feel richer.’ In fact, it can make all the difference. Trawl the sales of home furnishing stores or lighting companies for one stand- out lighting feature. ‘Oliver Bonas’s Ines Yellow raffia table lamp ( pictured) pairs natural materials with contemporary design and would make a statement on a bedside table (£85, oliverbonas.com)’ Otherwise, small pendant lights are impactful. ‘Focal lighting above tables, reading corners or even to up-light artworks and bookshelves can create a luxurious mood and intrigue for visitors,’ says interiors expert elaine Penhaul. Simple changes to old furnishings such as new door handles and drawer knobs can also enhance a room, swapping modern textured brass or matt black finishing over pewter or stainless steel.
When rearranging your living area, Lou Petersen, DFS head of design innovation, suggests placing furniture in the centre of the room and making a statement by choosing a bold colour and adding scatter cushions. ‘You can create a cohesive and mature look that entices you to relax and unwind,’ she says.
Alysha Alli adds that an oversized feature rug underneath the sofa opens the space and elevates the space. ‘For the most affordable solution, select various smaller rugs and layer them for a deluxe feel.’
Afterwards, just sit back and enjoy both the luxury feel of your home — and the lack of stress to your pocket.