Luxe Looks for Less pt 2
The second part of Luxe for Less is here. There have been so many ideas I’ve come up with that this might be a three-part series.
Here goes:
Update Glass and Tableware
This is easy to look over because it’s not a huge portion of your home's contents, however, having an updated set of dishes and glasses can make you feel better. This is the case whether or not you’re showing them on open shelving or simply pulling them out of a cabinet. The same goes for coffee mugs as well. I’m a lover of white dinnerware and purchased mine years ago at Crate & Barrel, and I find great glassware at Homegoods most of the time. I like a basic mug, but these from Anthropologie are a little bit extra and I like that.
Serving platters and bowls are also great to have and again, I love white because they never go out of style, are reasonable and can be found in any of the places mentioned above, or even thrifted.
Napkins, tablecloths and placemats are great to update for a nicer look as well. I’d stick to a color scheme that can work any time of year, so you’re not always changing out linens – unless of course if you want to.
Uplevel Your Windows
I love window dressings and they can make a big impact on the overall look of a room. Although you could invest a small fortune on custom treatments, you can also make a big impact and get a luxurious look by purchasing drapery from Homegoods, Amazon or Ikea. I found these blackout options on Amazon and they’re a great price. Amazon.com: HPD Half Price Drapes Faux Linen Room Darkening Curtains - 108 Inches Long Luxury Linen Curtains for Bedroom & Living Room (1 Panel), 50W X 108L, Birch
You could order one panel to check them out because returns are so easy on Amazon. If you like them, you can order more.
Regardless of what you chose, the key is to hang your curtain pole high up on the ceiling to make the room look taller. I love a pinch pleat that you can do yourself as opposed to a grommet that lends itself to a more casual style.
Replace Bedding and Towels
I remember as a child loving my grandparents' sheets and towels. The sheets were so soft and the towels seemed so thick and luxurious. It doesn’t cost a fortune to have an upleveled bedspread, comforter or duvet cover. You can get great quality sheets for not a lot of cash as well. Towels can be an investment, but we don’t need 20 towels. Less is more in these situations. I love a gray towel and sheets because they show less stains but you can always bleach white as well.
Rugs & Layering
Using the correct size of a rug can make a room look so much more pulled together than having a smaller rug where the legs of the sofa don’t sit on the rug. The front legs need to be at a minimum and if you have chairs, it’s always best if their front legs land on an area rug. The same is true for a dining room table and tall sideboard.
I like a layered look to a rug if you’ve got a plain rug underneath (sisal) and want to use a faux cowhide rug above. I also like layering my smaller rugs in my bathrooms for a more comfortable and luxurious look.
Upgrade Lighting
Lighting is one of the most cost-effective ways to elevate a home. It makes a huge difference and not all light fixtures cost a fortune. I’ve lucked out by searching Facebook Marketplace, Habitat for Humanity Stores, etc. Good lighting can make a huge impact in a room. Part of it is a necessity and can really make a difference to the look and mood of a home. I just purchased these two smaller lamps at Homegoods that were unique and I thought would look great in my dining room that has a ceiling birdcage light (that I love) but wasn’t enough light to make a big impact. Here’s what it looks like now. Table lamps and floor lamps allow you to bring in metals, texture and more depth to a room. I love a warm light, as opposed to a white brighter light which gives off a colder vibe. Check to make sure the light bulbs you choose are soft white or warm white.
Show What You Have . . . Your Love
There are some pieces of furniture (or even clothing) that we love, but also need some love – or to be placed in the right spot. You can easily make a home feel more luxurious by taking care or repairing what you currently own. Some pieces may be an heirloom that you want to save because of the sentimental value it has. It may or may not fit your current decor, but you don’t want to let it go. These mirrors are on both sides of my fireplace and I love the symmetry. Although the cabinets were not heirlooms of mine, I purchased them from Facebook Marketplace and they belonged to someone else’s grandmother.
Refinishing wood pieces and switching out the fabric are ways to instantly update something, but look at the cost of doing so. If you decide to move forward, you can showcase it in a corner with a floor lamp, side table and plant. I love using three items in spaces too. A small plant, candle and piece of sculpture could really enhance an older settee or chair.
Bring on Some Bling
I love a little glitz and glam in a room, but I’m careful to not overdo it. Metallic touches in light fixtures, lamps, coffee tables, fireplace tools, picture frames, etc.
Used strategically, a little bling can offer an elevated look to a room. I love mixing metals in most cases, but sometimes a gallery wall looks great with consistent gilded frames. The same can be said for vases, candlesticks, etc. Oftentimes it’s as simple as buying Rub and Buff or a can of gold spray paint to make items have the same finish and look more cohesive in a room. I love champagne bronze or brushed gold (looks more aged, in a good way) for light fixtures, cabinet pulls and hardware.
There’s so much to cover and not enough time, but I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s blog and have come up with some ideas you can incorporate into your own home.
Part 3 (I said this might happen) of Luxe for Less will be coming up next week! Stay tuned.
If you’d like more information on how to bring more luxury into your home, feel free to set up a time to chat with me at nmichaels@nancymichaelsinteriors.com. In the meantime, please share this blog post with a friend and encourage them to sign up for my emails and follow me on social media. I am on all platforms at @nancymichaelsinteriors.