I’m an interior designer – 9 hacks to make people think you’re super rich… and one of them is free
HAVE you ever looked around your home and wondered how you could give it a luxurious makeover… but without the hefty price tag?
According to some property pros, it’s not as hard as you might think – and you certainly don’t have to break the bank when giving your surroundings a much-needed nip and tuck.
Instead, there’s a checklist of nine easy upgrades and swaps you can make that cost next to nothing, but will transform your space and make it look instantly more expensive when guests come to visit.
And some of them are so tiny that you might not even think they could make a real difference.
So now’s the time to start examining your door handles and your choice of curtains and following the advice of the experts.
Raf Michalowski, an interior design expert from Meble Furniture, reveals how to achieve the VIP look on a 9-5 price tag.
REARRANGE YOUR FURNITURE
It might sound simple, but just by moving around your furniture and finessing the layout, a room can look totally different – and in some cases give it a grandeur feel.
Raf explains: “Rearrange your furniture by moving sofas or chairs away from the walls.
“Use artwork as a focal point, as this can create a more captivating and expensive-looking space without any additional cost.”
ADD A RUG
They’re often an overlooked item in a room, but a rug – which also provides comfort – can also give it a more luxurious look.
The home expert reveals: “Rugs add texture and dimension, and can instantly elevate the appearance of your home, creating a more expensive look.
“Opt for oversized rugs that create a sense of grandeur. Additionally, choose materials that are durable and stain-resistant.”
UPGRADE DOOR HANDLES
Raf also maintains that every door – or even drawer – in your home needs to be looked at.
He points out: “Upgrade your interior doors from being solid and mundane. Choose door handles that complement your interior theme.
“For a modern look, copper or silver handles can bring vibrancy to the room. Opting for real metal door handles adds genuine value to the overall interior.”
CHOOSE STATEMENT LIGHTING
In another lightbulb moment, Raf says that the lighting in your room should be given some TLC.
He recommends: “To achieve an expensive look in a living room, a grand chandelier is a great choice.
“Not only does it add style, but it also directs attention upward, accentuating the room’s height and creating an illusion of more space and brightness.”
SWAP YOUR CURTAINS OR BLINDS
Never mind getting a new sofa or expensive armchair – there’s something much cheaper that can divert everyone’s eyes.
Raf reveals: “Curtains and blinds have a substantial impact on any space.
“Choose full-length curtains to create a custom and luxurious feel in your space.
“Opt for wide curtain panels with ample fabric to create elegant folds, adding a luxurious touch to your window treatments.”
ADD GRANITE OR MARBLE
One of the biggest jobs that Raf recommends is to replace surfaces and invest in something upmarket and high-end.
But there are also other ways to achieve the same look.
He says: “Enhance the luxurious feel of your home by incorporating accessories made from premium materials.
“For example, placing a marble tray on your coffee table or using a gold candle snuffer can add an expensive touch to your house.”
MIX YOUR MATERIALS
One way to make it look like your home should be in the pages of an interiors magazine is to focus on the textiles and fabrics in each room.
Raf explains, “Create a sophisticated look for your home by mixing various textiles, such as leather, linen, velvet, cotton, and wool.
“For example, velvet and bouclé are excellent fabric choices that can elevate the premium feel of your home.”
CHOOSE FURNITURE WISELY
On a similar note, it’s also good to mix and match your furniture and ensure that it’s all not following one, dull theme.
Raf advises: “Resist the urge to choose furniture made of the same wood or tone when decorating with wood, as this can result in a visually flat room.
“Instead, opt for pieces that feature subtle colour variations to achieve a more refined and polished appearance.”
DECLUTTER
The final point on Raf’s checklist doesn’t cost a penny – but can seriously add the pounds.
He concludes: “To elevate the appearance of your home and give it a more luxurious feel, a significant change you can make is eliminating clutter.
“Simplifying your living room, kitchen, or bedroom by removing clutter can enhance the expensive look of your home, and the best part is that it comes at no cost.”
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