CHEAP HOME HACKS FOR A PRICEY LOOK
THANKFULLY, there are shortcuts that can bring a dash of opulence to our homes without breaking the bank.
It’s a question of knowing how to make clever choices, through, say, statement features, colour schemes or even an artfully placed item. here are eight hacks to elevate your home on a budget.
1 MIMIC architectural features such as interior wall panelling made of mock plywood. ‘Panelling adds value to your space as it creates depth and interest when looking at plain spaces,’ says elaine Penhaul, interiors expert and director of home staging company Lemon & 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.’
2 A LUXURIOUS rug can bring high- class comfort to your home. Cassandra Leisz, senior creative director at interiors brand Ruggable, says: ‘An oversized rug can create a striking yet inviting atmosphere, making the room feel larger and much more luxurious.’ Dunelm ( dunelm.com) has some good options.
3 CHANGE door handles for something simple and classic such as textured brass or matt black finishing (available for as little as £5 at amazon.co.uk). Darren Watts, showroom design director at Wren Kitchens, said: ‘It’s the finishing touches that count, and they don’t cost a fortune.’
4 IF YOUR budget doesn’t run to a fancy free-standing bath, then tile the bath panel or build a bath surround. ‘either works and it is better than a plain white bath,’ says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
5 LIGHTING can make all the difference. Trawl the sales for one ‘wow’ lighting feature. ‘Focal lighting above tables, reading corners or even to up-lit artworks can create a luxurious mood and intrigue for visitors,’ says interiors expert elaine Penhaul.
6 IF YOU can’t afford to replace your whole kitchen, an island can be a stylish addition. ‘IKeA does moveable kitchen islands and trolleys for less than £200,’ says elaine Penhaul.
7 WHEN we think of luxurious homes and buildings, high ceilings and floods of natural light come to mind. Create the illusion of tall windows by securing your curtain pole close to the ceiling above the window frame and draping curtains all the way down to the floor. Add a gold or brass curtain pole to complete the look.
8 IF YOU don’t like carpet 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 cost- effective options such as vinyl and luxury vinyl,’ says Johanna Constantinou, brand and communications director of flooring company Tapi.