Spend your money wisely.
Every room deserves a piece or two that feels special, whether it’s a gem of an antique find or a piece of furniture you discovered on a trip abroad. For this dining room, designer Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors focused on the seating. “We made beautiful custom chairs for the head of the table and skimped on the side chairs,” says Engelberg. “It’s all about balance, and having a few really beautiful things in a room enhances the items around them.”
RELATED: Amazon is offering spooky replicas of CB2’s popular dining chair for hundreds less
Create a focal point.
Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors vividly remembers a tip from her mother, who worked as a florist for luxury weddings in Boston: “She always said that it was better not to scatter the roses around the seating area, but to concentrate them further down the aisle towards the altar, where the guests’ eyes would be drawn, rather than sprinkling them with roses.
The same goes for a house – invest in the focal point and the rest will fade into the background. For example, the focal point in this girl’s room we designed was the arched window, so we focused resources there – with a blue accent blanket, custom curtains, and a love seat made from a bench. Elsewhere in the room, we used cheaper off-the-shelf furniture, but these custom accents focused on the focal point make the entire room feel more expensive.”
Highlight expressive green.
You don’t have to spend all your money to create a luxurious environment. Sometimes just bringing nature inside is enough, says designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs.
“Things like a tree in a beautiful pot, real or artificial, can take any room to a new level, because a large plant can add height and improve the line of sight and interest in a room.”
RELATED: Tall houseplants that make a statement
Hang expressive lighting.
From modern floor lamps to eye-catching chandeliers, you can’t go wrong with statement lighting in any room. “It can dramatically enhance the look of a home and make it seem more expensive and sophisticated,” says Sarah Waldo from Washashore Home.
“These lights serve as focal points, drawing attention and adding a touch of luxury to any room. A well-chosen chandelier can serve as a dazzling focal point, while a stylish floor lamp can provide both functional lighting and a chic design element. By incorporating high-quality, eye-catching lighting, you not only enhance the overall ambience, but also create an impression of opulence and sophistication.”
Psst: Wayfair has some great options for under $250!
RELATED: Table lamps that make your room shine
Showcase meaningful art.
Express your style with art you’ve collected over time. It’s also worth thinking outside the box!
“A well-curated art collection is a great way to add luxury to a home,” says Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. “The most important thing to consider is significance: a page from a book, a framed piece of jewelry, and a commissioned watercolor painting by a sought-after artist are all equally valuable as long as they are popular and have special meaning. The biggest trick I’ve learned is that framing your art properly automatically enhances it, no matter what you actually frame.”
Treat yourself to rich textures.
Designer Lorna Gross has a rule: “Rich textures are just that – rich! They add so much depth and character to a room. Don’t be afraid to layer them for even more excitement. A leather sofa against a red brick wall next to a lacquered wood coffee table – each element adds space but still stands on its own.”
Integrate custom window treatments.
Whether your space is large or small, there’s no denying the impact custom window treatments can have, adding a sense of elegance – and privacy. A living room design is a great place to start.
“Spend money on it. End of story,” says Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors. “Custom window treatments are expensive, but worth every penny. They need to be tall and wide – high above the window covering to give the room a spacious feel, and wide enough to highlight the window. The folds and draping of the fabric add instant elegance. The fabric itself doesn’t have to be overly expensive. A mid-priced linen fabric adds texture and luxury to a room.”
Play with patterns and textures.
A tried and tested interior design tip? Play with patterns and textures, says designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate Interiors: “This is the easiest way to make a room look more interesting and high-quality. Don’t be afraid to combine new with vintage to create a little more character and a luxurious living feel.”
Pay attention to the size.
Having the right size furniture is crucial for any interior. What’s the secret to the perfect size? Karen Wolf of K+Co. Living suggests: “The size of furniture creates balance and harmony in a room, ensuring that each piece complements the proportions of the space rather than overwhelming or oppressing it.”
Choosing furniture that is too large can make a room feel cramped, while furniture that is too small can create an awkward, disjointed feel. Thoughtful sizing allows for a cohesive flow and makes a room feel well-appointed yet inviting.”
Choose additional hardware.
Small design details like hardware can enhance a room, but stick to complementary styles, advises Antonio Matres of Antonio Matrēs Design.
“Connecting hardware throughout your space is a simple yet elegant way to create a sense of cohesion and luxury. In this case, we focused on using copper and rose gold tones and worked them throughout the space, in the light fixtures, the bar stools, the dining chairs, and even decorative accents like the artwork. Weaving in tonal elements is interesting to the eye, but still provides consistency throughout.”
Hang elegant curtains.
Add a quiet elegance to any room by hanging curtains, says Connie Vernich of Vernich Interiors.
“They soften curves and give a large room a more intimate feel. We love a beautiful curtain wall that not only adds privacy to your suite but also becomes a central focal point that accentuates your headboard,” says Vernich.
Monique Valeris is Home Design Director for Good housekeepingwhere she oversees the brand’s home decor coverage in print and digital. Before joining GH in 2020, she was digital editor at Elle DecorIn her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations and writes her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart?”, among other things.
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