The Sunday Mail
HAVING a high-end looking home can be difficult, especially if you have a tight decorating budget. Fortunately, there are ways – even on a budget – that you can get the high-end look you dream of.
Interior designers have shared a few secrets over the years that have given homeowners some insight on how they can make their home look elegant without breaking the bank. From adding pillows and a fresh coat of paint to window treatments and hardwood floors, these are simple solutions you need to know about.
Crown moulding
It is all in the details. When it comes to decorating your home to look high-end and custom-made, details are key. In this instance, the detail is crown molding.
Crown moulding has a way of making a room look complete or finished; it brings the ceiling and the walls together, giving them an elegant appearance.
Without this finishing touch, rooms tend to look cheap or unfinished. Fortunately, crown molding is relatively inexpensive (especially the plastic, paintable versions), making it affordable on almost any budget.
There are many widths to choose from, but if you want a greater impact, choose the widest trim that your budget will allow. For the ultimate in glamour, try adding all types on molding to your home, that is, crown, high baseboard, ceiling beams, columns, ceiling medallions, chair rails, etcetera
Paint
Paint colour is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions to make when decorating a room, especially when the remaining decor will be based off the colour palette.
However, if elegance is what you are after, there are certain colours that add instant glamour to your home. Choose one of these two colour options – bold and dramatic or soft, understated hues. These hues allow you to add instant elegance to your home. It simply depends on your colour personality in terms of which option you choose.
Painting interior doors black is another great idea. It automatically creates an expensive feeling, without causing much damage to your wallet. If you choose this option, however, be sure to add some black accessories to the space to tie the overall design together.
Pillows
Pillows throughout your home serve two purposes. One, if they are chosen correctly, they can really punch-up the elegance factor. Two, they provide your guests with a little extra comfort on the couch and offer a cozy, layered feeling to your rooms.
The comfort aspect speaks for itself, that is, if you choose pillows that are large enough to rest on, and soft. Large, overstuffed pillows create a very plush, elegant appearance and do not skimp on the pillow inserts; down-filled is the only way to go.
Windows
It is simple – a home without window treatments will look unfinished and cheap. Fortunately, window treatments are one of the most budget-friendly ways to add some elegance to your home, as well as much-needed privacy.
When selecting window treatments you want to make smart choices.
For instance, choosing unlined flimsy materials look terribly cheap, even if they are the least expensive option. It is recommended that you avoid see-through materials. This does not mean that you cannot buy off-the-rack curtains.
A lot of chain stores offer lined draperies that appear elegant and expensive – even though the price is right.
When it comes to window treatments stick with elegant materials such as natural silk, linen and cotton (polyester or man-made fabrics usually look cheap). If draperies are not for you, then try woven bamboo shades or wood blinds. Just be sure to dress your windows – they ensure your home looks elegant and well-designed.
Accessories
Most average homes lack the necessary accessories to really bring that elegant touch to the space. While many may use the excuse that accessorising would over-extend their budget, the exact opposite is true.
There are many affordable ways to accessorise your home while staying within your budget, especially if you think gold.
Gold is associated with wealth and riches, and can instantly create an elegant feeling, as long as there is not too much gold in one space.
Accessorise with gold picture frames, gold mirrors, or one of the new, modern gold-legged tables that are appearing in designer showrooms. -freshome.com
