Luxe Looks for Less
There are plenty of ‘affordable’ finishing touches which can make your home look and feel more luxurious – some of which can actually be free or cost a lot less than you think!
Declutter
Declutter. Declutter. You get my point. Think about every item you choose to bring into your home. Ask yourself do you really need this particular item? Start to keep the items you use or love. Anything that’s a duplicate, unnecessary or not used should be donated or given away. Or tossed if in bad shape. There are great affordable organizational tools you can use to have a place for everything and everything in its place. A decluttered space looks luxurious and costs nothing (but sweat equity) to achieve.
Invest in Artwork
The word invest may scare you, but rest assured I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Original artwork can add up, but doesn’t always have to be expensive. Artwork on a wall, bookcase, shelf or table work to tie a room together and give it an upscale look for less. I purchased this piece at Walmart and it’s completely not “me” in a sense that it’s abstract, very bold . . . but a necessary contrast to a very classic wallpaper in my entryway. I had a Homegoods piece of art there and it almost mimicked the wallpaper and needed to be removed. This piece has a big impact for under $150 including shipping and tax.
Look for reasonable artwork at your local thrift or charity shop, consignment store and art colleges. Companies like Minted.com can also bring great art into your home for a fraction of the price of an original.
Paint or Repaint
There’s nothing more affordable that makes a bigger impact than paint. It can completely transform the look and feel of your living space. If you’re in doubt, go with a neutral color throughout your home. It doesn’t have to be white (although I wouldn’t argue with you if that was your choice), but something softer like Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist, White Dove, Dove White, etc. The benefit of painting every room the same color is that it allows your eye to move easily from one room to the next and is an easier way to repaint or touch up when you’ve only used one color. You can do this yourself (if you’re good with prep work) or hire a professional. Your choice.
You can keep the wall color and trim the same or bring in colors from a wallpaper in the entryway (as I did), and I love the look of window panes and doors that are painted black. #Sherwin Williams, Tricorn Black!
Use Color, Texture and Patterns Strategically
Bringing color into a room is a must – even though I’m suggesting a more neutral wall color. You can do that in your flooring (I tend to favor a darker floor because it adds a solid base to a room and despite what most people think, does not show dirt as much as a lighter floor). There’s a richness in dark flooring that I love.
Texture can be brought into a room in a variety of ways including wallpaper (like grasscloth), or throws, toss pillow and even furniture pieces.
When incorporating patterns, I love the magic of three. A solid color along with one that’s rich in texture and a patterned print is nearly foolproof if you’re in a complimentary color scheme. So if your solid pattern is green, and your textured pattern is primarily beige, then a plaid or striped pattern should incorporate both green and beige. Patterns like stripes, plaids and florals never go out of style and can be used to pull a color scheme in a room together making it more cohesive and luxurious.
Decorate with Mirrors and Candles
Paying attention to details is key when wanting to create a luxurious home environment. Mirrors reflect light and can help to improve the feeling of luxury within the home. Mirrors always look great and they also help light flow through the room and can ultimately turn a darker, dull room into a beautiful, bright, and inviting space. Candles make everything smell and look beautiful. Diffusers can also work to create elegance, style and class to a space.
Bring Nature Inside with House Plants and Flowers
Flowers and plants in the room provide it with an instant facelift. Studies show that plants actually make you feel better and an added benefit is that they can bring a boring space to life. If you’re partial to a color, then bring in flowers from your local grocery store or flower shop to display in areas you’ll see and enjoy them. If you don’t have a green thumb, no worries. There are plenty of “faux” arrangements and plants that can bring life to your home. Look for the most authentic looking faux plants and invest in unique vases or pots to house your flowers and plants.
Use Monograms
My decorating mentor, Joan, shared with me the importance of monograms on anything from hand towels for the kitchen, to bedding and bath towels, shower curtains, etc. Monogramming dates back to ancient Greece, circa 350 B.C. and often used the first two initials of the cities name. Today, it can be the first initials of a couple with the last name in the center, one initial (last name) only, etc. They give a high end look to any space and are often used on clothing, cuffs and handkerchiefs for individual identification. We see them all around us with designer labels like Yves St. Laurent, Chanel, etc. Although I prefer to have no designer labels on my clothing or accessory items, monograms are often seen as a mark of authenticity and an elevated brand or value.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s blog and have come up with some ideas you can incorporate into your own home.
Part 2 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.
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