We all want our homes to look like a million bucks, right? But unfortunately for most of us, we don’t necessarily have a million bucks at our disposal to do so. But instead of pining after Pinterest posts, there are a few handy hacks you can do to your home to give it a more elevated, luxurious and, yes, expensive look - without having to fork out your life savings.
From tricks of the eye and strategic lighting to pallet choices and how to pick the right furniture for the space you have, I’ve been chatting to interior design experts to find out exactly how to do it. They make spaces look chic for a living and are crafty when it comes to making their clients' budgets go the distance, so just a few handy hacks from them could help you achieve that millionaire makeover and leave houseguests green with envy.
Interior designer and founder of Maison Cataldo, Jennifer Cataldo puts it best, ‘Great design isn’t about spending more, it’s about getting the fundamentals right.’ Here are interior designers top tips for giving your living room that expensive look.
Get the scale right
‘Scale is perhaps the most overlooked design principle,’ Jennifer told me. And it makes so much sense, though sometimes it’s not always so obvious. ‘Whether it’s artwork that’s too small for a wall, petite nightstands flanking a substantial bed, or an undersized chandelier in a large room, getting the proportions wrong can make a space feel unfinished.’
Try to look at your living room with fresh eyes, put aside your feelings and attachments to your decor items and start scrutinising what actually suits the space, and what simply ended up there out of necessity.
Keep it consistent
‘There are numerous factors that will reduce the perceived price of a room but, by far, the largest is the inconsistency,’ that’s according to Kur Win Lau of MyRenoService. He believes mixing too many textures, materials and colours is a surefire way to cheapen up a space.
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‘Having too many different materials, colors that don't agree, and random fittings that don't match each other make a space seem cheap, regardless of how pricey some of the elements might be. Expensive spaces tend to have more restrained designs, using less materials and fewer colours but still managing to create a coordinated look.’
Avoid quick fixes
While we’ve all been tempted to fix a reno job in somewhat of hasty fashion, Kur Win says this scream budget job. ‘Things that cheapen a space without the homeowner being aware are always quick and easy fixes,’ says Kur Win.
Things likes builder-grade plastic switch plates and vent covers, flimsy curtain rods, shiny and cheap looking hardware, and limiting overhead lighting can detract from the luxurious feel of your living room. ‘These fixes don't come at a steep price and yet are some of the first giveaways that the room had been done on the cheap,’ says Kur Win. As the old adage says, if a job's worth doing, it’s worth doing well. So if you are planning some odd jobs, make sure to take your time with them, and look out for sloppy handiwork.
Pick the right rug
You don’t always have to think big like painting or huge furniture when it comes to classing up your living room, sometimes the secret to a luxurious space can be right under your nose- or rather- your feet. ‘One of the quickest ways to make a room feel less polished is choosing a rug that’s too small,’ warns Jennifer. ‘A rug should anchor the furniture, not float beneath a coffee table. When at least the front legs of your seating pieces sit on the rug, the entire room feels more intentional and cohesive.’
Use materials wisely
‘What can be said to create an expensive vibe while remaining fairly inexpensive is generous use of materials and great finishing work,’ says Kur Win. ‘Install floor-to-ceiling curtains to add height to the room, these curtains are fairly inexpensive to install and can make a big difference.’ Installing curtains are easily done yourself, so no-need to fork out the cash for a pro. And the longer the curtain, the grander the effect - plus, floor to ceiling curtains are a great way to prevent drafts and conserve energy in colder months.
Spend money on the things that matter
If you’ve decided you do want to spend some money sorting out your living room, Kur Win has some tips. He says, ‘The main advice I give homeowners is to spend their money on the things they touch and see every day.’. Think items like handles, door hardware, lighting, coffee tables, throw pillows and blankets. It’s the little touches that guests notice first and they really do make all the difference.
Layer your lighting
‘Lighting is another detail that can make or break a space,’ says Jennifer. And I have to agree, after all, no one looks expensive with stark overhead lighting.
‘Relying solely on overhead fixtures often creates a flat, uninviting feeling. I always encourage layering lighting through table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces to add warmth, depth, and atmosphere,’ says Jennifer.
