How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive – on the Cheap!

January 21, 2021 0 By EngineerMommy

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Styling my home is one of my favorite things, but I certainly don’t want to invest thousands of dollars into pieces when I can get the same – or similar – look for much less. Here’s how I create an elevated, sophisticated vibe in my home without breaking the bank. 

1. Add some fresh flowers.

There’s something about a bouquet of fresh flowers that simply screams luxury. Oh, and you definitely don’t need to dole out a lot of cash for a boutique arrangement either. A simple grocery store set will go a long way in freshening up your space!

2. Stick to a muted color palette.

I like a pop of bold color as much as the next gal, but there’s something about neutral colors that is simple, elegant and pleasing to the eye. Especially when designing specific areas of the home, try to stick with a color palette of one or two colors for a sophisticated touch. This corner of my living room is just white & aqua blue, allowing the eye to focus on all the interesting shapes. 

3. Throw pillows are key.

Don’t skimp on throw pillows. A well-curated set on the living room couch and master bedroom will help bring the space to life. This is where you can get a bit more creative with pattern or color; however, I still think less is more. Our living room throw pillows are beige & gray, but I use various textures (faux fur, tassels, braiding, etc.) on the pillows to add some dimension and depth.

4. Statement pieces will impress.

When it comes to tabletop decor, think big! A larger vase or larger potted plant will command more attention than a group of smaller ones. The larger ones tend to also look more expensive in general. Keep this simple tip in mind when purchasing decor for the home. I talked about our new console table here in this post, but I love the simple look with just a few larger items on top. 

5. Use paint to brighten a space.

A bright, uncluttered space will always look more refined than a dark, messy one. Choose lighter colors for the wall and furniture. When it comes to design styles, you don’t have to go with minimalism but definitely avoid too much stuff on the counters and tables. 

6. Use rugs to ground different spaces in the home.

Whether you own or rent, a rug is a must-have. It helps to define various spaces in the home and helps to differentiate the living room from the dining room, for example. 

7. Use trays throughout the home.

A tray is an easy way to give smaller items a place to land and live in. On side tables, dining room tables, console tables, etc., trays offer a convenient solution to keep things corralled nicely. This round flat tray was found at Target; it was originally a wood tone, but I have since painted it white because the wood was getting too dirty. 

Do you follow any of these tips in your home? What’s your best home decor styling tip?


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