Most people think that luxury interior design is reserved only for the uber-wealthy. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, a scaled-up design is one of the best ways to modernize your home, make it more inviting, and feel more luxurious. With the right interior design, you’ll feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury, even if you’re on a budget.
The key to upscale design is all about choosing the right elements and knowing how to combine them. Whether you’re getting your home ready for sale or just want to give it a fresh new look, here is a step-by-step guide to making your home more luxurious:
1. Assessing Your Space
The first step to upscale design is to take a good look at your space and assess what can be improved. If you’re an interior designer working with a client, your first step will be to find their current address and have a walk-through to get a feel for the layout and current decor. If you’re a homeowner, take the time to map out your space and make a list of any areas with potential and what the current limitations of your space are. Common limitations include:
- Room size
- Availability of natural light
- Location of windows and doors
- Storage requirements
- Functionality needs
- Floor plan
In general, smaller layouts look best with a minimalistic design, while larger rooms can accommodate bolder looks.
2. Setting Your Budget
When it comes to redesigning your house, setting a realistic budget is essential. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend and end up with a design that’s outside of your financial comfort zone. Here are some tips for setting a budget for your interior design project:
- Determine your overall budget: Look at your finances and determine how much you’re willing to spend on your interior design project.
- Prioritize your spending: Decide which areas of your home are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. For example, you may want to prioritize spending on high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen.
- Find deals and discounts: There are plenty of ways to find high-end pieces at discount prices. Consider shopping at outlet stores, checking online marketplaces, or waiting for seasonal sales.
- Embrace DIY: DIY projects can be a great way to save money while adding a personal touch to your home. Consider repurposing old furniture or creating your own decor pieces.
3. Choosing Your Design Style
There are many different styles to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and elements. Here’s an overview of some popular design styles to consider:
- Contemporary: Clean lines, neutral color palettes, natural light, and open spaces are the best ways to modernize your home.
- Traditional: Ornate details, warm colors, and mixed patterns and textures work well for anyone who wants a classic and timeless aesthetic.
- Mid-Century Modern: Geometric shapes, bold colors, and a focus on functionality best suit those who prefer a retro and vintage aesthetic.
- Industrial/Utilitarian: Raw materials, exposed brick and piping, and neutral tones are perfect for minimalistic urban spaces.
- Bohemian: Bright colors, eclectic patterns, and natural and handmade materials, give Bohemian-style homes a free-spirited and relaxed vibe.
When it comes to interior design, it’s common for homeowners and designers to mix and match elements from different design styles to create a unique and personalized look. For example, a traditional home may incorporate contemporary elements such as clean-lined furniture and modern lighting fixtures to create a more updated and eclectic look. Or a contemporary home may incorporate bohemian elements such as vibrant textiles and natural materials to add warmth and character.
4. Selecting Your Color Palette
The colors you choose can evoke a feeling of calmness, coziness, or energy, and set the tone for your entire space. Here are some popular color palettes to consider:
- Neutral: Shades of white, beige, and gray are the backbone of a modern, minimalist look and provide a neutral background for bolder accent colors.
- Monochromatic: Shades and tints of a single color make your space cohesive and feel larger.
- Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel result in a bold and dynamic look, adding energy and excitement to your space.
- Analogous: Colors adjacent to each other on the color wheel make for a harmonious and cohesive look and help create a sense of depth and dimension.
- Warm: Shades of red, orange, and yellow create a cozy and inviting look and add warmth and energy to your space.
- Cool: Shades of blue, green, and purple are great for creating a calming and soothing look, as well as adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space.
5. Furniture and Decor Selection
The scale and proportions of your space will determine the size style of furniture you’ll need. Opt for pieces that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Try to mix textures, colors, and materials such as wood, metal, and glass to create an interesting space.
Don’t forget about the smaller details, such as rugs, curtains, wall art, and throw pillows which can help tie the entire room together. These pieces are also a great way to add pops of color, texture, and pattern without breaking your budget or overcrowding the space. Choosing materials and finishes on these elements that are in line with your overall design style can help create a more cohesive look.
Most importantly, remember that the best interiors don’t always follow trends and fads, they reflect the personality of their owners. Have fun experimenting with different elements to create a space that is unique and special to you. Decor and added features like artwork, decorative books, and plants are meant to bring your space to life, exactly how you want it.
6. Lighting and Accessories
Lighting and accessories can play a crucial role in interior design, helping to create ambiance, highlight focal points, and add personality to your space. Here are some tips for selecting the right lighting fixtures and accessories for your space:
- Different spaces require different types of lighting. For example, a kitchen may require bright task lighting, while a living room may benefit from ambient lighting.
- Layering different lighting types, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, creates depth and dimension in your space.
- Maximizing natural light is a great way to create a bright and airy feel in your space. Consider using sheer curtains or shades that can be easily opened to let in natural light.
- When selecting accessories, make sure to keep a balance of colors, textures, and patterns. Too many competing elements can create a cluttered and chaotic look.
Endnote
Transforming your home into an upscale and sophisticated space doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. From selecting a color palette to picking out furnishings and accessories, there are many things to consider when creating the perfect space. With these tips, you can create a luxurious and inviting home that reflects your own unique style and personality.
