5 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive

This article originally appeared as a contributed article to our friend The Chriselle Factor.

All day long, we drool over the expensive home designs we see in magazines and on Instagram. And of course you want  your home to look like what you see, but everything you see isn’t always in the design budget. We understand, but getting these luxurious and inspirational looks don’t have to include breaking the bank. Today, we’re sharing the best way to allocate your spending to elevate your space (without elevating the bill too much).

source: The Chriselle Factor

1. Splurge on ONE item

Our first tip may seem counterintuitive—splurge a little. But here’s the deal: You don’t need to replace every item in your home to give it that luxe, expensive feeling you love. You just need to make a statement with a focal point item your friends and guests will remember. Our suggestion? Choose a big and bold art piece (like a Gray Malin print) for above a sideboard, or put up a statement chandelier to get people talking.

For a subtler nod to luxury, save your pennies for an Hermes throw gracefully tossed over the sofa (an interior design staple). These items are not cheap, but they’ll create a lavish atmosphere that’ll allow you to save on the rest of your accessorial items.

source: The Chriselle Factor

2. Find the Perfect Rug

Nothing makes your home feel more comfortable and lush than a rug you can truly sink your feet into. Rugs add warmth, texture, and color to your space. We love a soft and cozy sheepskin for next to the bed or your favorite armchair. Or, cover the room in a hand-knotted Tibetan wool rug to really elevate your style with plush mulberry silk. Typically, the larger the rug, the more of your furniture you are able to include on it, so the more custom and luxurious it will look. For extra help, feel free to read our rug guide.

source: superfront.com

3. Upgrade your Hardware

Outdated hardware can really be an eyesore, but you don’t need to redo your cabinetry to get an updated, expensive look. Just swap out the hardware! We love the cabinet pulls and knobs you can find at big box retailers like Anthropologie, or head to a local flea market for some unique finds! You can also give big box retailers like IKEA an upgrade by tricking out the front panels, handles, legs, and sides of cabinets. If you’re not the DIY type, there’s a company we love called Superfront that will do it for you in a variety of colors and finishes!

source: Sophie Paterson Interiors

4. Add Dimension

Take your room to another level by adding narrow strips of molding to plain white walls for a sophisticated paneled look (or fake it with paint for faux paneling). This technique helps guide the eye to specific places in the room you want to draw attention too. You can also add dimension by varying the textures you use in your home. Fur, marble, linen, and reclaimed woods are some personal favorites, but velvet is also a surprise trend that’s happening right now in interiors.

source: kathykuohome.com

5. Stick with the Classics

One of the best ways to ensure your home is always chic and timeless is to spend money on high quality furniture and decor that never go out of style: the Chesterfield sofa, the statement mirror, a leather armchair, etc. The trick is to bring something new to these classic pieces, like an acrylic base or a stylish fabric, that’ll give your home modern, expensive appeal. Gold accessories (like this hand) or fresh florals are also a KKH go-to.

source: kathykuohome.com

Kathy Kuo Home Design Services