How to make your home look expensive on a budget Part 2

Choose a Cohesive and Upscale Color Palette

Paint the walls in shades of gray

Gray is the new beige, haven’t you heard? Choosing a palette of tasteful grays in varying shades will make your space look straight out of a designer catalog. Go for lighter grays like ‘silver lining’ or ‘morning mist’ in open-concept living areas, and deeper charcoals like ‘storm cloud’ or ‘evening dusk’ for cozy dens or bedrooms. For extra flair, consider an accent wall in a bold, dramatic gray like ‘graphite’ or ‘slate’. Your friends will wonder how you afforded such a chic new home decorating scheme. Little do they know it only cost a few cans of paint!

• Stick to a cohesive color scheme of 3 to 5 grays in the same tone and intensity. Don’t mix warm and cool grays in the same space.
• Consider the amount of natural light in each room and choose grays that will enhance it. Lighter grays for well-lit rooms, darker grays for minimal light.
• Use the 60-30-10 rule – 60% light gray, 30% medium gray, 10% dark gray. This creates a stylish gradient effect.
• Add gray accessories like throw pillows, rugs, lamps and artwork to complete the look.

Accent with metallic finishes

Nothing says ‘expensive’ like shiny gold or silver accents. But there’s no need to splurge on pricey decor when metallic spray paint will do the trick. Spray paint inexpensive items like glass vases, candle holders, trays or picture frames in a metallic finish of your choice. Group them together on a tabletop or mantel for a lavish look that won’t break the bank. You can also stencil metallic patterns onto plain accessories or walls for extra glam.

• Gold and rose gold are warm, luxurious accents that pair well with grays.

• Silver is a cooler tone that complements charcoals and navies.

• A little metallic goes a long way. Use it sparingly on small decorative items or in a single accent wall.

• Seal spray-painted accessories with a clear topcoat to prevent tarnishing.

• Consider metallic wall stencils for an opulent feature wall. Geometric or damask patterns work well.

Who knew luxury could be so affordable? With a posh gray color scheme and a few metallic touches, your home will be channeling an upscale vibe in no time. Now, what to do with all the money you saved…

Opt for Open and Airy Spaces

Open Concept is So Hot Right Now

An open floor plan is all the rage these days, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love the light, airy feel of a space where the kitchen flows into the living room, which flows into the dining area? Open concept is ideal for entertaining and fostering that easy, breezy vibe we all crave.

The only downside is that open spaces can feel a bit empty or sparse. But there are a few tricks to make an open concept area appear more luxe without dropping major dough.

Strategically Place Furniture

Group seating areas and anchor open spaces with a large area rug. A rug helps define the space and makes it feel cozier. Don’t be afraid to float furniture in the middle of the room. A pair of facing sofas or lounge chairs creates an intimate seating area in an open space.

Add Height and Greenery

Incorporate vertical elements like floor lamps, tall potted plants or trees to draw the eye up and make high ceilings appear more intimate. Greenery helps soften the hard edges of a room and adds life. Even faux plants can do the trick if you don’t have a green thumb.

Keep it Minimal

Resist the urge to fill every inch of space. A minimalist vibe with clean lines and negative space is the epitome of luxury. Pare down knickknacks and clutter and choose a neutral, minimal color palette. A few statement pieces are more impactful than a room overflowing with stuff.

Hide the Kitchen

If possible, tuck the kitchen away behind a wall or architectural screen. An open kitchen, while convenient, can make a space feel more casual and cluttered. Hiding the kitchen helps create a sense of mystery and polish. If hiding the whole kitchen isn’t possible, conceal small appliances and the trash when not in use.

With a few strategic tweaks, you can make an open concept space appear grand and luxurious without spending a fortune. Open, airy rooms are ideal for cultivating a sense of ease and flow in a home. Follow these tips and your open concept area will go from sparse to splendor in no time.

Add Natural Lighting

Let the Sun Shine In

Natural light is free and the ultimate luxury. Open your blinds and let the sun illuminate your home like a golden halo. Squinting optional but recommended. If the sun isn’t cooperating, try strategically placed mirrors to reflect what little light you have and make your space appear more open and airy.

Skylights: Portals to the Heavens

For a truly celestial experience, install skylights. Gaze up at fluffy clouds and infinite blue sky while enjoying your morning coffee or contemplate the mysteries of the universe at night under a sea of stars. During the day, skylights flood your home with natural light, giving the illusion of spaciousness. At night, they provide a view of the cosmos without the chill.

Windows: Gateways to the Outside World

Large windows, especially floor to ceiling, make a space feel open, airy and luxurious. They provide views of nature, let in ample natural light and give the impression of expanded square footage. For privacy, add sheer curtains. For drama, go with heavy velvet drapes. Pull them back during the day to let the light in and close them at night for coziness.

•Consider bay or bow windows which not only provide panoramic views and lots of light but also create a cozy nook for reading, relaxing or enjoying your morning coffee.

•For small spaces, use reflective or lightly tinted windows which make rooms appear more open and airy. Mirrors placed opposite windows also help reflect natural light and create an illusion of depth.

Letting in natural light through skylights, large windows and open blinds is an affordable way to make your home look and feel luxurious and spacious. Open up your home to the outside world and bask in the warm glow of natural light. Your wallet and mood will thank you.

So there you have it, a few tricks to make your humble abode appear as if money grows on trees in the backyard. Now when guests come over, you can nonchalantly gesture to the faux marble countertops and artfully draped tapestries as if you have a team of highly-paid interior designers on speed dial. Just remember, the secret to pulling off the lavish look is all in the details and a healthy dose of confidence. Act like the fanciest of the fancy and soon enough you’ll start to believe your own delusions of grandeur. Before you know it, your friends will be begging you for decor advice and inviting themselves over to soak in the ambiance of your luxury estate (or apartment/condo). The high life awaits! Now go forth and make your space as swanky as humanly possible without filing for bankruptcy. The results will be trés magnifique!