Luxe Looks for Less pt 3
When I thought about writing this blog, I thought it would only be one post, but there were so many ideas that came to mind, it’s become three!
I’m away on a Chris Botti cruise right now with my daughter Chloe and could not be happier! We’ve set sail and on our way to Aruba and Curacao! Any time spent with one of my children solo is a gift.
So, back to Luxe Looks for Less, take three! Here are some more ideas to up your decor game for less cash than you think.
Switch Out Your Hardware
Switching out your cabinet and drawer pulls in the kitchen, on furniture pieces is an easy and incredibly affordable way to make a noticeable update for short change. I’ve found many items on Amazon that are affordable, unique and rival high-end hardware you’d find at specialty stores. Don’t be afraid to mix metals. I would not go beyond three if used strategically in a kitchen, but two is incredibly safe and I’m loving polished nickel and champagne gold together. Oil rubbed bronze and champagne gold or bronze are also a great combo. The champagne gold or worn antique fixtures can really add warmth and depth to your cabinets, bureaus, etc.
These updates can happen in your bathroom as well. Replacing a towel bar, or toilet paper holder can instantly update the space and are not costly investments.
Replace Tired Home Accessories
Updating kitchen dish towels, pot holders and cutting boards are an inexpensive way to update your kitchen. I like corralling all of my kitchen cleaning products on a nice plate, or marble tray to leave on the countertop. They look good and are easy to use when you need them. Toss old sponges and washcloths as well.
Ditch the sad skinny cushions with fuller and firmer ones. Although feather pillows and cushions may be the best they can poke through fabric and become uncomfortable. If you’re vegan there are plenty of firm options as well. When purchasing inserts to pillow covers, go up one size (if the cover is 22” get a 24” insert) for a fuller look. Ikea and Amazon have great inserts at a low cost.
Throws are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to add a touch of luxury to your home, whether that is in your living room or bedroom. Here’s one I love at a great price.
Update Your Furniture
Be sure your furniture has a timeless design and invest in the fabrication as well. Be sure chairs and sofas are comfortable and finished with cushions and throws. It’s always nice to have a place to put your glass down and glass stands are becoming more practical in smaller spaces and popular. Here’s one I’ve admired for a while from West Elm.
https://www.westelm.com/products/faceted-brass-drink-table-h2571/?sku=8027409&cm_ven=PLA&cm_ite=8027409_14635428912&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Local&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt5euBhB9EiwAdkXWO2Zm6PZ5Ls1d3fW0wSgqQ7Qua6edOYx6TBE4swg5Zx0z279FO0uFxxoCuqcQAvD_BwE#
Replace worn or damaged furniture – like sofas, coffee tables, television stands and mattresses for a nicer look and feel. When these items look and feel great, your home takes on a more luxurious aurora and is more welcoming to you and anyone visiting you.
Improve Windows and Doors
Oftentimes, buying new windows and replacing interior or exterior doors are cost prohibitive. Thankfully painting them gives an immediate change and is something you can do yourself. A professional can also come to your home and spray them for you which will give you a smoother look. I love changing the hardware on doors as well. It gives an immediate current look (even if you choose a retro fixture like glass door knobs, as I did in my recent renovation). They’re not too expensive and make an impact.
Create a Walk-In Wardrobe
This is on my list of “want to’s” for 2024. I have a small third bedroom in my Boston condo and although I could fit a daybed in there, rarely would it be used. I have a guest bedroom with twin beds, so converting that room into a walk in closet would be a dream. I’m only beginning to research options and although I love the Elfa system at The Container, I may opt for the Ikea system and hire someone from TaskRabbit to put the pieces together. There are many options but for me, because I love symmetry, I’d like some drawers in the middle with a place to hang shorter items. The other two sides I’m hoping will consist of places to store shoes, longer items (coats, evening wear, etc.) and hanging space for shorter items. Nothing says luxury like having your own dressing room – at least for me!
Look for Natural Items in Decor
Homegoods has some great stoneware like travertine, petrified wood and marble at a fraction of the price of other retailers. I recently purchased an olive jar that I’ve seen at other retailers like Pottery Barn – for under $30. I’m going to fill it with some faux magnolia stems from Afloral that are just beautiful.
https://www.afloral.com/products/artificial-magnolia-leaf-spray-in-dark-green-psm245?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt5euBhB9EiwAdkXWO755OTUV5nMrNLt1Hr9eJIB5A-YgRfe2gvzGa4MQRmltIlM_ArnpFRoCGX0QAvD_BwE
I love a rustic pitcher that can double as a vase, and I have a piece of petrified wood in my entryway that I have a small lamp nearby and a candle on top of the wood. Things look better in threes!
Add Some Blue & White Porcelain
Blue and white are classic colors – especially in pottery items like ginger jars and planters. I love the look of faux orchids in a large blue and white pot. You can get some great faux orchids (l love real ones that are easily found and affordable at Trader Joes) at Ikea here
https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/fejka-artificial-potted-plant-orchid-white-80285909/
Using these to style bookcases, on each side of a mantel, on a kitchen counter or a centerpiece adds a simple elegance to a room.
So, there you have it from the pool deck of the ship. I did it! I’m off to enjoy the remainder of my birthday cruise with Chloe and will be back next week to share more decor tips and tricks.
Bon Voyage!
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.
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