Do you have top-shelf mixed drink tastes on a microbrew budget? How about top design tastes on a simple updates budget? If so, there’s good news. There are ways to make your home interior look elegant and expensive, without spending next month’s mortgage payment!
By making some smart design choices and investing in a few home accent updates, you can create an impressive space that’s looks like it would fit right in with the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, but is actually affordable and easy to achieve.
Refreshing your entire home is neither an easy or cheap task. That’s why it can be beneficial to take it room by room, as your time and wallet allow. Start by making a big impact in a room that sees some of the most action: your living room. As a staple of casual lounging and entertaining, the living room is the perfect place to update your space so you and your guests can enjoy the chic ambiance you’ve created, as well as some personalized touches.
Here are six steps to making your living room look high end:
Layer on rich fabrics: You can create a look of elegance and a touch of extravagance by incorporating opulent fabrics into your living room décor. Think extra texture and the softest fabrics. However, it doesn’t need to be major pieces to make a big statement in your room. Simply (and affordably) update your sofa by adding a pair of faux fur throw pillows and draping a matching throw blanket along one side. You can also update a tired, neutral rug by positioning a smaller, sumptuously soft wool rug on top.
Hang a focal piece of wall art: New wall art is perhaps the easiest and most effective way of making a change in your living room design, and there are many options that can create an elevated look without costing high-end gallery prices. Black and white photo prints have timeless appeal, and modern wall art is perfect for a streamlined and sophisticated room. Create a polished look in your room by hanging a large, statement piece of artwork above your sofa or in anther prime spot in your living space, and complement it by picking out a few of the main colors and repeating those throughout your living room décor.
Mix in metallics: A little bit of glam is never a bad thing when you’re trying to create an expensive looking living room. Metallic accent furniture, such as an accent table with metal legs, or a piece of metallic décor, such as a lamp, clock or mirror, can add some shimmer to your space. It also plays well with the rich fabrics you’ve incorporated, adding variety to your room and a balanced looking design that’s found in the most elegant and high-end living rooms.
Add a fresh element: Fresh flowers can add an upscale feel to your living room, and a beautiful vase will amplify the effect. Simply pick up a small bouquet at your local market for an instant upgrade and welcoming vibe that’s important for any event that you’re hosting, as well as enjoying them yourself with family and close friends.
Update your lighting: Once you’ve decluttered your space and added a few elegant accessories, it’s time to make sure you can see your carefully curated room. The right lighting can make your room feel brighter. Accent your natural lighting with the right mixture of hanging lights and floor or table lamps that can highlight certain areas and pieces in your room. There are a wide range of sophisticated lighting options that will also help elevate your design. Simple metallic lamps can suit modern living room styles, while Tiffany-style lamps can bring classic appeal to your traditional living rooms.
These easy and affordable updates will help lift up your living room décor, and are sure to create an impressive environment. However, it’s also important that your living room still feels like you. Make sure to incorporate a few personalized touches, whether it’s a few framed family portraits, a select number of souvenirs from your travels or a couple of coffee table books on your favorite topics. These elegant looking updates and personalized touches will create an ideal living space that’s perfect for entertaining and everyday living.