Life, Styled
We all have an idea of what our dream home would look like, after all, that is what places like Houzz and Pinterest are for, right? You wish you could have those little personalized spaces and upscale feel in your home that makes it stand out from the ordinary. Sometimes we believe that the home we envision is far too luxurious for our budget, but that is not true. But with a little creative thinking, anything is possible! There are many ways to stretch a budget through good planning and a few helpful tricks that can give you the luxury you desire without breaking the bank. Let’s explore the various ways to achieve designing a luxury home on a budget and bring your dreams to life.
It’s in the Details
Often, it is the small things that have the greatest impact on the overall look and feel of the home. Together, these modest items can combine to give any space a sense of luxury and elegance when appropriately planned. Some of them include:
- Window treatments
- Backsplash
- Fixtures
- Rugs
- Hardware
Implementing these design styles can make a significant difference in your home. Window treatments are meant to enhance your windows, giving a luxurious feel. A bare window can make a room look empty and unfinished. There are various options, including floor-length curtains, layers, and even simple valances. Each is intended to accent the window and add depth to the area. A backsplash is another excellent way to add character and charm to your kitchen without hurting your budget, plus it provides texture and protection from grease splatters and other messes. It can also be turned into a nice focal point when a contrasting color or pattern is selected. Both lighting and plumbing fixtures are wonderful ways to instantly add a little luxury to the kitchen or bathroom. Warm metals like brass and gold have become increasingly popular as they add a unique touch to the design. They work well with multiple color choices, such as white, gray, and blue, and integrate seamlessly with various styles, whether farmhouse or traditional. Luxury is not just about looks, but also how it makes you feel, which is why rugs are a great choice for your home. The texture and layering it brings to your living space are important and also add comfort. Size is important when selecting a rug, and a good rule of thumb is to ensure it never takes up the whole room, but rather provides sufficient coverage that extends under a portion of the furniture. Jewelry and luxury often go hand in hand, so when we talk about hardware, we usually emphasize what it can do for your cabinets. Coming in a wide range of colors and materials, the choices are endless, and the cost is not bank-breaking. Be sure to discuss with your designer the details to include in your home renovation or refresh.
Luxury Style
Often, luxury is not just found in certain things but in how they make us feel; the overall style of a room matters and should be given careful consideration. It is essential to know what style makes us feel comfortable, as well as one that conveys a sense of elegance. Take inventory of the images saved in your Pinterest boards. Are there specific colors that stand out to you? What about materials such as glass, leather, or even wood? What type of finish do you prefer? Gold, brass, bronze, copper, brushed nickel, silver? Are there specific places you have stayed at, like a vacation home or resort, where you loved everything about it? Try to remember specific details that you could implement into your own home. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you and your designer formulate a renovation plan to give you those luxurious vibes on budget. Luxury and comfort often go hand in hand, especially at family gatherings.
Additional Interior Design Tips
When it comes to designing a luxury home, much of the work lies in the overall interior design plan. Here are a few more tips that can help you create and maintain a luxury feel.
- No clutter
- Furniture
- Color
- Art
Clutter will always be your number one enemy in quenching the feeling of luxury. A crowded and cluttered space never feels upscale, so be sure to have a plan in place to deal with the clutter before it becomes a problem. Don’t yield to the temptation of forming a junk pile of mail, papers, and magazines that you never intend to read. Either throw it away as soon as you bring it in or put it, like magazines, where you will read them, such as your nightstand or coffee table. Designate a specific area for shoes, coats, and backpacks in a closet near the door or a mudroom. This eliminates a mess in the entryway and speeds up your routine, as you will spend less time looking for the things you need. We know that time is also a luxury. Furniture plays a big part in the design of your room, but you don’t have to buy the biggest piece to make it feel fabulous. Pairing a couch with a lovely textured pillow over a plain one can make a big difference. Add a nice lamp stand and coffee table, and you are on your way to chic. Color can also have an impact on luxury, and sometimes dark palettes can feel more luxurious than the classic neutrals, such as gray and white. A black accent wall or even ceiling can transform your home into a luxury suitable for any palace. You can even go dark with accent pieces and furniture with a few pops of warm metal or glass. A final touch is artwork. A large piece on the wall can be not only a focal point but also a sense of elegance that demands attention. It does not have to be a specific picture; it can be a fun, abstract piece that speaks directly to you. A little of these will always go a long way.
Will kitchen islands go out of style? The answer is no. The kitchen island is often the focal point in the kitchen and one of the most sought-after features in a kitchen renovation; in fact, it is one of the most versatile areas in the kitchen. Need a place to do some homework? How about a family dinner or brunch? Looking for a surface where you can spread out when cooking? Some extra storage for large pots and mixers would be nice, too. All of this and more can be accomplished with a kitchen island; some might even call it a mini kitchen within the kitchen. This flexible workstation can be created to reflect any style, accommodate any size, and suit any need. Today, we want to answer some common questions about the kitchen island, explore the benefits, and explain why it will never go out of style.
As the COVID-19 pandemic slowly comes to an end, you may be ready to update your home and make a few changes. Perhaps being stuck inside during lockdowns gave you time to identify areas that needed cleaning, upgrading, or other home improvements. If you want to start rebuilding your house but aren’t sure how to get started, see how these tips can help, brought to you courtesy of Greenbrook Design.
Walker Woodworking When space is limited, it is valuable and greater thought is invested in creating a design that maximizes square footage to provide a functional space for the homeowner. Both manufacturers and designers alike are continuously thinking of new ways to give their clients the things they need, but using less space. One such item is the Murphy bed, yes, the one used in multiple comedy routines, but it has evolved into a stylish piece, yet remains as functional as ever. It is also comparable in price point to a traditional bed. Could the Murphy bed be the solution to your limited space problem? Let’s unpack exactly what it is and how it can help give you additional room in your home.
Walker Woodworking What to do when you don’t have the luxury of square footage? How can you create storage when there is not a lot of room, to begin with? Can you make small spaces work for you? These are good questions that we have helped our clients answer numerous times. While it may present more challenges than a larger home, it is possible to have the necessary storage for you to keep everything you need on hand. Small is not bad; in fact, it comes with multiple benefits, and a good design can help you maximize the space you do have to build a home that is exactly right for you. Let’s talk about some creative storage solutions for small spaces.
Walker Woodworking We always say details matter, and that goes beyond a project. Your home is filled with details that tell your guests who you are and what matters to you. Artwork, pottery pieces, and furniture are just a few things that give homeowners a chance to show off their style. Another area is hosting, and tablescapes have become a beautiful, fun way to share your own unique design choices with family and friends. Whether it is for a small gathering to enjoy time with those you love or to celebrate a special occasion, there are many ways to create the perfect look. By combining different colors, patterns, or materials, you can create a tablescape that will dazzle your guests, whether you prefer an elaborate or simple design.
Greenbrook Design
Greenbrook Design