How to Create a Luxury Home on a Budget
Are you wondering how to make your house look modern on a budget? Though having a luxurious looking home is far from a necessity, it is nice to add a splash of elegance in the places where it will stand out the most. The good news is that even with a tight budget, you can create a home that looks straight out of an HGTV show.
The worlds most brilliant interior designers have leaked their secrets over the years which means even the least design-savvy homeowner can make their home look elegant without breaking the bank. From adding new throw pillows and a pop of color to hanging up art and adding a few DIY “built-in” structures to rooms, these 7 simple design solutions will help you create a luxurious looking home on a budget.
Treat Each Room As A Blank Canvas
One of the first things every homeowner should do when designing the layout of their home is to identify key preexisting features to highlight. Architectural features such as slanted ceilings, crown molding, wooden beams, and fireplaces add character to a room when accentuated properly. It is important to keep them clean, clutter-free, and the focal point of the room. By making them as prominent as possible, there will be less of a need to add other laborious design elements into that room. Clean and simple is always a good recipe. For example, if you have a show stopper fireplace don’t clutter it up with a mantle to hold pictures or by placing decorative pieces on the hearth.
A Splash Of Color goes A Long Way
In the grand scheme of home design, paint is one of the least expensive elements you can add to your home. A gallon of paint typically cost between $15-$30 and you’ll need 2-3 gallons to paint a standard bedroom. That $30-$90 can make all the difference when it comes to bringing a room to life. In fact, painting your home this color can make your house sell for $5,000 more.
Brighten Up Your Living Room With New Throw Pillows
Out with the old and in with the new. If you have dated throw pillows sitting on your couch then it is time to up your couch game with a new set. Throw pillows are an easy way to add color to a room. You can buy brand new ones, make your own, or simply add new covers to the pillows you already have. It is important to have bright colors and to incorporate fluffy/fuller pillows that will really stand out and not sink into your couch. Remember that less is more and you should probably keep your pillow limit to 4. Just don’t go overboard.
Get Artsy And Fill Up Those Walls
Photos are what make a house feel like home. Try playing around with different layouts adding framed family photos, or your favorite masterpiece. Just remember that before you do any actual mounting you should figure out where everything should be placed and the proper way to hang it. Invite a friend over who has a good eye for design and have them help you select the right size and scale for the walls your decorating. If you don’t have much art right now, you may find that local thrift shops and boutique stores have framed art that you would love to hang at home. If you have a creative artsy side, then a great way to get inexpensive artwork is to make it yourself. Head down to the local craft store where you will be able to find everything you need to create a beautiful canvas or custom work of art. Just remember that when it comes time to hang you want to avoid these common mistakes.
Build Your Own DIY Structures
DIY projects can be a lot of fun and will add a personalized character to your home. One way to make any piece look custom whether it be a kitchen cabinet or bookshelf is to have it fit into your home perfectly. The easiest way to achieve this is to have them extend from floor to ceiling. A bookshelf that takes up an entire wall will almost always look grander than a standalone one. The good news is that with a little bit of planning and enthusiasm, projects that seem massive can actually be tackled in one or two weekends. If you want some inspiration for the types of home improvement projects you can do yourself to add a little luxury to your home then check out these “11 Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Yourself Instead of Hiring a Professional”.
Give It A Backsplash
A backsplash can be a game changer in bringing your new kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room to life without costing a fortune. Home Depot usually has a wide selection of luxurious looking wall tile that you can install yourself with a little research and the right tools. But, if the idea of installing your own backsplash sounds a little too intimidating, then adding an accent wall with bright color paint can be a great alternative!
Give Your Hallways A New Dimension With A Few Mirrors
Mirrors have a way of tricking the mind which you can use to your advantage in your home. Strategically placing a mirror will trick your guests (and your own) eyes into thinking a room is bigger than it actually is. Large mirrors add a new dimension to a room by reflecting the room back, giving the illusions of being more spacious. Mirrors can also make a small bathroom appear larger or any room for that matter.
What other design tips have you found useful?
Let us know in the comments below how you plan to make your house look modern on a budget and we may add them to this list. At KDA Homes we work with our homebuyers to ensure that the design of their home is exactly the way they imagined when the move-in day rolls around.
