Our homes are a reflection of our identities, and the way we choose to decorate them communicates volumes about our personalities. However, a limited budget should not hinder us from achieving the desired look an opulent décor is not limited to palatial homes or luxurious properties but can be efficiently achieved in an apartment or studio apartment with limited space. By employing these clever ideas and following these tips, you can effortlessly achieve a million-dollar look for the overall décor of the home.
Pay Attention to the Entrance
Designer: Liz Mearns
The entrance foyer holds great significance as it sets the tone for the entire space, and placing fresh flowers on display to welcome guests as they enter instantly uplifts the mood. Not only does it introduce a delightful fragrance, but it also adds a captivating touch of color and natural beauty that cannot be replicated. A highly recommended location to install a lighting fixture is at the entrance, as it sets the tone for the interior of the home. Enhance this area by adding a table or console and suspending a significant chandelier to create a lasting impression.
Consider Statement Furniture
Designer: Amelia (via Audenza
While it may not be feasible to splurge on every item in your home, it’s worth considering investing in statement pieces of furniture that can make an impact. Create a bold look with oversized furniture pieces accentuated with bright cushions or opt for a luxurious leather chair. Make sure to strike a fine balance between functional and statement furniture items. As there can be a space constraint in studio apartments, consider pieces with intricate details that can infuse opulence into the décor. Enhance the elegance of spacious bedrooms by opting for a four-poster bed embellished with sheer fabric.
Wall Treatment
Designer: Forest Home
The walls play a crucial role in setting the overall tone of room decor. Consider using metallic-sheen paints, captivating wallpaper designs, and wall accents to infuse a sense of opulence. Enhance the junction between the wall and ceiling with cornice and crown moldings for a polished look. Additionally, you can decorate the walls with mirrors, textured paint, or wall paneling to add depth and visual interest. Installing wainscoting and other varieties of custom trim work can impart an elegant appearance to your home. The best part is that these enhancements are relatively affordable to install. Decorate the wall with an array of mirrors; they not only add a touch of luxury but also reflect light and create a bright and airy ambiance.
Introduce Luxurious Materials
Designer: Lixra
To create a lavish atmosphere, incorporate opulent materials such as natural stone, marble, and inlaid furniture into your space. Luxurious materials like marble and polished brass can be introduced in smaller quantities via tabletops and home accessories or brass sculptures. The strategic placement of small metallic accessories throughout can elevate any space with just a hint of shimmer or sparkle, following the “less is more” rule.
Use Premium Quality Fabrics
Designer: House of Hackney
Premium-quality fabrics look expensive and infuse an opulent look into the decor. Some of the fabrics to consider include velvet, satin, embroidered, or textured cushions. For a natural look and feel, opt for linen and cotton as they are breathable materials.
Invest in Art
Processed with MOLDIV
Designer: Olga
Artworks can create a luxurious and distinct ambiance, showcasing captivating pieces like eye-catching portraits, sculptures, and paintings often found in opulent spaces. Despite the common misconception that artworks are expensive, they have become more accessible nowadays. Consider exploring unique creations by emerging artists or uncovering hidden gems at flea markets and thrift stores, prioritizing pieces that personally resonate with you. Adding a painting to a space adds color and infuses it with personality, serving as an engaging conversation starter.
Create Artful Spaces
Designer: Yuri Zatarain (The Philips Collection)
Craft artful arrangements within your spaces, taking advantage of the opportunity to be deliberately untidy. Enhance areas like bookshelves and coffee tables by embellishing them with small, luxurious items such as coffee table books, curios, and candles. Through the integration of these artful pieces, you cultivate a cumulative effect that surpasses the impact of any individual design element.
Statement Lighting
Designer: LaLuz
Statement lighting commands immediate attention, making it worth investing in even if it means cutting back on other expenses. Select a fixture that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of the space. For a modern ambiance, consider a contemporary chandelier, while a crystal chandelier would be a fitting choice for a more traditional setting.
Ensure that each light switch is equipped with a dimmer and that there is an abundance of lamps spread throughout the space, as adjusting the lighting in a room has the power to create a cozy, relaxing, and undeniably luxurious atmosphere.
Introduce Vintage Pieces
Designer: Edith & Evelyn
Off late, there has been an increasing demand for vintage items as people seek to incorporate distinctive pieces into their homes. Candelabras, brass statues, and crystal pieces are popular choices that infuse uniqueness and charm into your bedroom or living space.
Layer Rugs
Designer: Rebecca and Genevieve
Introducing a rug into a room infuses vibrant colors and textures, providing an immediate visual uplift. Opt for a soft-textured rug in a contrasting color to the overall room scheme, creating a captivating element. Additionally, utilizing layered rugs offers an affordable way to add both coziness and flair. By placing multiple rugs beneath a furniture arrangement, you can achieve a customized aesthetic that enhances the overall look and feel of the space.
Tall Ceilings
Designer: Sky House Design Centre
If your home has lower ceilings, there are ways to create the illusion of higher ceilings. Simply hang your curtains closer to the ceiling rather than at the window frame as this technique visually enhances the height of the room and imparts the feeling of spaciousness.
Avoid Excess
Excessive elements in a room can diminish its aesthetic appeal. If the space seems cluttered, consider removing some knick-knacks, pillows, or books. Keep in mind that in interior design, less often translates to more. By embracing simplicity, you can create a sophisticated and airy environment rather than a cramped and busy one.
Colorful Cushions
Designer: Kip & Co.
Enhance your sofa by layering it with cushions of various shapes, sizes, and colors, taking inspiration from the multiple cushions seen in luxury hotels. The concept behind this is to introduce color, height, and texture to the furniture, resulting in a visually appealing space. Plush cushions have the ability to elevate even the most modest furniture pieces, giving them an expensive and luxurious appearance.
Faux Fur Throws
Designer: Audenza
Elevate the ambiance of your space and add a touch of luxury by using faux blankets and throws that resemble the appearance of fur. These stylish additions instantly enhance the overall aesthetic and provide a lavish sensation. Consider draping your bed with one of these exquisite pieces as well.
Decorate with Fresh Flowers
Designer: Pauline (Clever Home)
Add a touch of boutique hotel hospitality to your everyday moments by placing a small arrangement of store-bought pink tulips, orchids, roses, or carnations in a decorative glass or small vase. This simple addition to the dining table, console, or side table enhances the ambiance and elevates the overall experience.
Creating a luxurious atmosphere in your home doesn’t necessarily require a hefty budget. With a touch of creativity and these tips, you can achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank.