4 Ways Designers Makes Homes Look More Expensive on a Budget
We asked top experts about how to make our homes look more expensive. These are interior designers' best-kept secrets to an elevated home
Well-designed homes exude a certain je ne sais quoi - an elusive quality that sets them apart from the rest. Identifying this characteristic might pose a challenge for the average person, as these powerful rules of interior design are often kept under wraps.
Fortunately, we've uncovered some of the secrets that most designers guard closely. Scouring the best home decor stores carefully, there are some easy ways to imbue your home with an expensive appearance. From a quick refresh of the bedding to a flick of a new window dressing, favorite leaders in the realm of interiors share how they give homes an artfully lavish look.
Here are the indoor plants that make a room look more expensive.
How to elevate your home on a budget
Livingetc knows design.
Window Treatments
According to Eva Bradley and Alicia Cheung at Studio Heimat, "window treatments have the effect of waving a magic wand." Disguising anything unsightly, "you can hide an oddly placed window or make the ceiling height feel better by taking the curtains all the way to the ceiling."
Price: $199
These silk dupioni curtains have an elegant sheen. We love the camel brown variety for their warmth, but they're offered in other wonderful hues like smoky mauve, deep blue, and bright white.
Color
Nearly all the experts we consulted emphasized the pivotal role of color in creating a luxurious home ambiance. Interior designer Tom Stringer suggests that one of the best ways to infuse drama and opulent detail is with a dark wall color.
Price: $70
This gorgeous brown color invites you to wake up and smell the coffee. Pair with pops of yellow or cream decor for enhanced contrast.
Wood Paneling
Wood paneling, often underestimated, holds significant potential. DIY expert James Bryant at Cut My explains, "Adding wooden paneling is a great way to make your home look more expensive. Traditional paneling can add a lot of character to a basic room, providing a cozy Victorian vibe, or try a more modern and chic slat wall." For those with limited space, James recommends, "half-height paneling is perfect for making rooms, entryways, and hallways appear longer than they are."
Price: $93.99
The light color of these shiplap panels lend themselves to a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling approach, without making the space feel dark or cramped.
Bedding
Sometimes it's best to return to basics. When it comes to the bedroom, that’s one of the best bedding sets. Eva and Alicia recommend investing in a nice duvet, euro shams, and throw pillows: “They are the top layer of a bed and can really make it feel elevated,” explains the design duo. Mia Jung, Director of Interiors at Kligerman Architecture & Design elaborates, it’s “the layers and the textures that make the bedroom look rich.”
Price: $209 - $244
Was: $299 - $349
The intricate stitch work on this soft-velvet quilt offers so much visual depth. This is a great option if you want to increase the dimension of a neutral color scheme.
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Formerly covering fashion at L’Officiel USA, style maven Julia Demer brings her love of design to Livingetc’s world of interiors. As the title’s New York-based Style Editor, Julia's work reflects a sharp eye for detail and an innate passion for aesthetics. Her journey began with a strong foundation in design, honing her craft at renowned establishments like The Row and even establishing her own eponymous fashion brand. Julia’s design background is evident in the way she thoughtfully curates shopping edits, always maintaining a focus on emerging trends while preserving timeless sensibilities. For Julia, fashion and interiors go hand in hand, reflecting her lifelong commitment to perfecting the art of style.
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