The Look of Lux (for Less)
I've been itching to share this topic with you for a while now.
Funny enough, as I sit here and put these words on the screen, my own living space is far from Instagram-worthy, much less the picture of luxury.
My desk is drowning in clutter, moving boxes seem to have multiplied overnight, and there's a relentless onslaught of black dog hair tumbleweeds rolling around the wood floor.
My once-cozy home has taken on an aura of chaos- and boy, can I feel it messing with my mood!
You see, I'm in the midst of a move, preparing for a girls-getaway weekend trip with my sister, amongst many other things. And frankly, my life is feeling more topsy-turvy than I'd like.
But amid this temporary disarray, my thoughts keep drifting to my new home.
It's a bit of a fixer-upper, and the budget isn't exactly limitless right now. So, I've been brainstorming small, budget-friendly, changes that I can tackle myself to give my new place that elevated "lux" look. Maybe you’ve been searching for ways to upgrade your space too.
So how can you make your home feel luxurious and upscale without burning through your savings?
Well, here are some of my favorite ways to help you transform your space into a retreat that feels like (but doesn’t cost) a million bucks.
1.Tactile Textiles
One of the easiest ways to add an instant touch of luxury to your home is through textiles. Imagine sinking into a plush sofa adorned with velvety cushions after a long day, wrapping yourself in a cozy, sumptuous throw blanket as you unwind, or drawing beautiful curtains closed to create an intimate, inviting atmosphere.
Opt for materials like linen, faux fur, and high-quality knits to create a sensory experience that's both tactile and visually appealing. These simple yet impactful elements transform your living space from ordinary to extraordinary.
2. Pillow Swap
Forrest Glover Design
Elevating your space can be as simple as swapping out pillow inserts. Those generic, lumpy ones that came with your decorative pillows? Replace them with plush, high-quality inserts.
Even if you don’t like the “karate chop” look, these plump inserts instantly make your pillows look fuller and more inviting for getting cozy in your living area or bedroom. The softness and structure they provide not only enhance comfort but also give your space that high-end, magazine-worthy appearance.
It's a cost-effective trick that adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. And if you’re vegan like me, rest assured- you don't have to compromise your values for luxury. There are excellent down-alternative inserts available that mimic the softness and coziness of traditional down so you can stay true to your ethical choices. Try inserts from Avocado Mattress or Woven Nook
3.Raise Up
Your window treatments, that is. By installing curtain rods closer to the ceiling rather than right above the window frame, you create an illusion of higher ceilings.
This simple adjustment draws the eye upward and gives your room an airier, more spacious feel, instantly making it feel more lux. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a significant visual impact.
4. So Fresh, So Clean
Whittney Parkinson Design
I won’t harp on this too long, but…
Nothing screams luxury like a clean and clutter-free space.
Seriously, have you ever walked into someone’s home that was a total mess and disorganized and thought to yourself, “This is fabulous” ?
Probably not.
A clean and well-organized space just exudes an air of luxury.
Look, I live in the real world and know that it’s hard to keep your place clean all of the time (see intro paragraph). But for me, there is nothing that makes my space feel elevated like a good tidy up.
So, put on a podcast or a long YouTube video and take some time to freshen things up, declutter, and organize your home. It doesn’t have to be an all day thing. And you’ll be amazed at how much a little “elbow grease” can up your space’s lux value!
5. Get Horizontal
With rugs. Adding a rug to your living space can be… sorry, I have to say it… a game-changer. Not only do rugs provide comfort underfoot, but they also make a room look more put together, elevated, and luxurious.
They also serve as a unifying element, harmonizing different elements in the room for a cohesive look. While it's one of the pricier upgrades on the list, buying a new rug is still considerably more affordable than a large remodeling project.
Whether you prefer a plush, shaggy rug for a cozy ambiance or a sleek, patterned one for sophistication- the right rug can instantly transform your space. However, it’s important to consider certain factors like size and scale before you buy.
So how do you get the look right? A common mistake that I see is choosing a rug that's too small for the room. To achieve that high-end look, opt for a generously sized rug that accommodates your furniture comfortably. Ideally, all furniture legs should rest on the rug, but if that’s not possible, at the very least, ensure the front legs do. Or else your rug runs the risk of looking like a weird postage stamp just floating in your space.
6. Handle It
Serdaneli.fr
The power of a hardware upgrade should not be underestimated when it comes to transforming your space.
Swapping out those knobs, handles, or pulls can work wonders, instantly setting the tone for your room's decor.
Whether you're aiming for a modern and minimalist vibe or something more intricate and decorative, the choices are virtually endless. The cost of this upgrade will naturally depend on your selection and the number of pieces you need to replace.
However, regardless of the budget, this relatively small change can breathe new life into your space, giving it a fresh and high-end appearance with minimal effort.
7. Smell the Magic
Scent plays a BIG role in setting the atmosphere of your home- and it's often the first thing folks notice when they step inside.
To make your place smell amazing, you've got options like scented candles, essential oil diffusers, room sprays, or incense. Go with scents that make you feel like a million bucks to make your space feel luxurious. Just be mindful that some scents can be a bit much for sensitive noses.
For a more subtle and natural approach, you can bring in the fresh goodness of flowers or potted herbs. And lastly, I hate to bring it up again, but maintaining a clean space is hands down one of the best ways to keep things smelling tip-top and inviting.
8. Paint it Black
Black has a unique ability to anchor a space and add a touch of sophistication. You can start by incorporating black accents through items like throw pillows, decorative vases, picture frames, or even a stylish black lampshade.
For a bolder statement, consider black furniture pieces, such as a sleek coffee table or chic dining chairs. Black-and-white artwork or photography can also create a striking focal point in your space. Or go balls-to-the-wall and paint your walls black!
The contrast provided by black elements not only adds depth but also highlights other colors and textures in the room. So, whether you go all-in with black or just dabble in accents, this versatile color can undoubtedly elevate your home's overall aesthetic.
Adding these small yet impactful changes to your home can work wonders in achieving that luxurious atmosphere in your home. From comfy textiles to creating the perfect scent for your home, it's all about the details. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and transform your space into the elegant retreat you deserve.
I'd love to hear from you! Share in the comments what small changes you've made in your home to give it that luxurious and elevated feel. What personal touches and details resonate with your style and create that special vibe?
Don’t be shy- share! Your insights might just inspire others looking to transform their space.
