7 Simple Design Tips to Make Your House Look Like a Million Bucks
Browse Pinterest or turn on HGTV and you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of luxury design and million-dollar architecture. But don’t fool yourself. You don’t have to live in an expensive home to enjoy luxury design. Whether you’re in a tiny studio apartment or a mature split-level house on the outskirts of town, you can take your interior design to the next level with a few simple tricks. Here are some ideas:
- Ditch the Clutter
Nothing drags the design of a space down quite like clutter. We all have it and it’s on full display for the world to see. By eliminating clutter, you create a much clearer and more sophisticated look that draws attention and focus to the design elements that truly matter.
When decluttering, you should only keep things that serve a functional purpose or make you happy. As design expert Marie Kondo suggests, “Keep only those things that bring you joy.” Everything else should be sold, donated, or discarded. Another option is to put them in a storage facility in case you are not yet ready to get rid the, of just yet.
- Use Cool, Neutral Colors
Modern home design is all about keeping things simple and making rooms feel light and airy. One of the best and most cost-effective ways to do this is by using cool, neutral wall colors.
When painting, stick with whites, greys, beiges, and soft pastels. These colors will make your spaces feel bigger and happier. Having said that, you don’t want your living spaces to become too dull. While the overarching design scheme may be neutral, pops of color can help liven up a space. This can be achieved through throw pillows, artwork, and other small design elements.
- Spend on Light Fixtures
When someone walks into a space, there are a few things they notice above all else. Light fixtures are one of them. If you have cheap looking light fixtures, the rest of your design will look cheap.
“If you’re going to spend some money on something, make it nice light fixtures,” Houston-based Green Residential suggests. “If you look around, you can find some nice fixtures at fairly friendly prices. Don’t be afraid to make a statement. Unique textures and color can give a tired space a fresh look.”
Speaking of lighting, you’ll get best results if you create a layered lighting concept. There are three main types of lighting: ambient/general lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting. Establishing the proper balance will make your home’s design look more cohesive.
- Incorporate Textures
You can enhance your home’s design even further by incorporating a variety of textures into your living spaces. Woods, glass, metals, and fabrics should all be woven together.
“The tactile feel of a wool sofa, the soft hand of a silk velvet pillow, or the supple texture of a quality leather are unmistakable luxury that you not only see but any guest can feel,” Chicago-based designer Summer Thornton says.
Avoid being too matchy-matchy with your design. Luxurious spaces often use an eclectic mix of materials. You should as well.
- Upgrade Hardware
Kitchen and bathroom hardware might seem like a small detail, but it can have a major impact on the appearance of a space. By swapping out things like drawer pulls and faucets, and getting kitchen countertop and bathroom tiles changed, you might achieve an entirely new look. While these may seem like small upgrades, they can have the capacity to improve the overall appearance of your house.
- Add Area Rugs
Whether you have carpet, hardwood, vinyl, or some other type of flooring, area rugs have a way of making any space instantly seem more exciting and beautiful. Rugs not only add texture, but they also break up the monotony of a plain floor and establish a comfortable look.
- Hide the TV
Flip through any home design magazine and you know what you won’t see in the pictures? Big TVs.
There’s nothing wrong with having a TV in your bedroom or living room, but don’t make it the focal point. Find creative ways to hide it or make it blend in.
Explore Your Creative Side
Don’t let a moderate budget hold you back from having a luxurious home. Even though you don’t have a five- or six-figure design budget, there are plenty of opportunities to upgrade your house’s look and breathe fresh creativity into your living spaces.
Take some time to brainstorm ideas and then look for creative ways to implement a few of them. A couple of small changes can make a world of difference.
