In times gone by, it was so easy to get lost in the enticing pictures of the outrageously grand homes featured inside Interior Design Magazines. Nowadays, it’s all about Instagram. There are so many different home accounts posting great content as well as countless inspo pages and brand accounts for you to feel inspired by. No matter what your budget, interior tastes or home style, there’s an account for you. Of course there are some huge, stunning houses with big rooms and plenty of space which are always interesting to have a neb at but it’s the homes that are more like my own with interior styles that are more within my budget that I find the most appealing as they’re more realistic to me. Still, I love to look at higher end homes to see what luxurious touches I can recreate in my own place, on a tight budget.
By thinking outside the box and following these helpful hints and tricks, you can bring a touch of luxury to your home whatever your budget.
WHERE TO START
So, you’ve spent hours on the internet looking at celebrities kitchens and royal bathrooms, and you think you’ve decided that you want something like that in your own home. But where do you start? First of all, you need to be realistic. Evaluate how much money you have to spend on this new venture, and what would actually be feasible to install or design inside your chosen space. Once you start to develop a feel for what might really work, approach a project manager at a respected establishment such as thestableworkshop.co.uk so they can put life into your ideas and help you turn them into reality. If you’re planning to revamp your entire house, take it one step at a time and never renovate more than one room at once as this will be sure to make the experience less enjoyable with increased stress levels and less attention to detail. Just remember to try and keep your focus on one area and ensure its completed to the best standard before moving onto the next.
BEDROOM
Possibly one of the more inexpensive and simpler rooms to make over, there are many different styles you can choose from when it comes to designing your new boudoir. Develop a basic colour scheme to stick to throughout, opting for a subtle nude base tone like Wild Mushroom or Mocha, or add a touch of decadence with a rose gold shimmer. By keeping the colours neutral, you allow for a more relaxed environment whilst still retaining that all important luxurious feeling. Consider what furniture you require, and stick to 3 main centerpieces to avoid overpowering the atmosphere. Ideally this should be the master bed, a statement light fitting, and either a vanity table or a grand free standing mirror. By adding smaller finishing touches like faux fur throws draped across your bed or some beautifully crafted decorations like a sculpture or vase, you have the opportunity to add your individual flare and style. Always question what impact each decision will have on the mood of your room before you start the work or make a purchase, as the bedroom is a place of sleep and serenity.
BATHROOM
What you can achieve with your bathroom is influenced heavily by the size of the room itself, but it is still possible the maximise the space inside a smaller area in a luxurious, design-led way. Bathrooms are great places to get creative, as the fittings and fixtures can exude class and beauty if chosen correctly. The easiest way to achieve that perfect regal feel is by opting for a free standing bath, perhaps a white sleeper with some opposing gold or silver feet to really go all out. It’s better not to have too much going on as it’s not a space that’s associated with loudness or clutter, and you still need to retain the clean and light feeling. Other simple yet effective features could include some antique taps, or large statement candles to replace the main light for a relaxing soak.
KITCHEN
The kitchen may be the most difficult room to renovate especially on a budget, as it’s hard to mix design with functionality. However, keeping it simple is the best way to go as minimalism is always aesthetically pleasing and can be built upon in the future if you so choose. The simplest step in making your kitchen more luxurious is to ensure all of your appliances match in style or colour. Having different equipment dotted around your surfaces will bring about an air of disorder and chaos, and making an easy switch to one set can really help to organise the room. The same goes with any other smaller details like serving plates and cutlery, as investing in new ones will not only improve the look but also the experience of dining too.
LOUNGE
Your living room is probably the most used space in the house, especially when it comes to entertaining any guests or spending time with your family. There are many ways you can add glamour to your lounge, but the best place to begin is with the sofa. As its the main piece of furniture in the room, this should be the largest investment and you should take some time to shop around and find one that reaches your standards and requirements. For the utmost feeling of luxury, consider a classic Rococo style French vintage suite to feel like royalty in the comfort of your own home. You should also think about updating your flooring, as this can have a huge impact on the overall design. Go for something comforting and warm, like a thick cream carpet paired with a statement rug, possibly of the Persian variety. Bold features should counteract basic backgrounds, so continue is the same fashion by keeping the walls neutral in a gentle champagne tone but contrasted by a piece of hanging art. Remember it still has to be comfortable especially if you have children in the home, so don’t forget about functionality if this is the case.
With any luck, these tips should assist you in transforming your home into a more luxurious place, and put an end to the terrible jealousy of those in the magazines. With a little hard work and planning, you can design the most beautiful house room by room to create an amazing property you will treasure for years to come. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as this is where the magic happens.
