How to Create a Luxury Home Atmosphere on a Budget

General Tips 

Luxury doesn’t usually mesh with clutter. Be sure to keep your floors and surfaces free of unnecessary items. Make it a point to spend fifteen minutes each day putting away items lying on the floor or your counters and side tables.

 Also, consider upgrading your hardware if it’s worn out or doesn’t match your style. There’s no reason you need to keep the default furniture hardware if you can change it out for a reasonably priced set of copper, iron, gemstone, or crystal knobs and handles.

Bathroom 

Imagine walking into your bathroom every day and feeling like you’re stepping into a spa. Upscale salons and spas make the same basic design choices to evoke feelings of relaxation. You don’t need marble countertops and a clawfoot tub to create that same elegant atmosphere, just make these few changes and stay on top of your regular bathroom cleaning.

Light walls

Your bathroom walls should be a light, relaxing color, such as sky blue, seafoam green, or warm beige. Keep the colors simple, limiting the paint to two colors if you desire an accent wall—too many colors can make this space look busy. Faux stone is also a moderately affordable and elegant option to use on a vanity wall if you’re willing to spend the weekend installing it.

White towels 

Soft white towels are a timeless bathroom staple. Colorful towels can be fun, but they don’t come close to the same luxury look as crisp white towels. Purchase a set of at least two white towels per household member, so you always have a few to fold and display on a bathroom shelf. While you’re at it, invest in a high-quality bathrobe to complete your upscale home spa experience.

Textured touches 

Colors are a key part of home design, but textures are too. You can add more depth and sophistication to your bathroom by including several textures in your decor. For example: swap your solid-colored shower curtain for a knit curtain, use matte countertop soap dispensers and toothbrush holders, and add a metallic tray on top of your windowsill or toilet to hold an air freshener or other odds and ends.

Rain showerhead 

Did you know, on average, people spend the equivalent of six months of their lives showering? Make your shower experience more enjoyable by installing a new showerhead. Recently, rain showerheads have been all the rage. Ask your plumber if an overhead shower hookup is possible, and, if it’s not, upgrade your showerhead to one that has a hose attachment. Having the option to switch your showerhead to two flow options is a worthwhile luxury.

Greenery

Plants are the perfect accent to any bathroom. If you’re planning on having real plants, be sure they can withstand humidity. Popular choices are ferns or snake plants. Be intentional about your plant placement so it can grow comfortably without being bumped or knocked over. A windowsill or plant stand are good options.

Bedroom 

Your bedroom is the best place to decompress after a long day. By making your bedroom feel luxurious, you might get better sleep and decrease your stress level. Studies show that a well-cleaned and intentionally decorated bedroom has several mental and physical benefits.

Plenty of pillows 

Don’t be afraid to purchase a few more pillows than necessary for sleeping. When arranged and fluffed on your bed, accent pillows can take the style of your sleeping space to a new level. Alternate between solid accent pillows in the back, layer with patterned or textured pillows, and then top it off with a graphic print pillow in the front. When choosing pillows, keep the size of your bed in mind. A full-sized and queen-sized bed can comfortably hold three to four accent pillows, and a king-sized bed can hold around four to five accent pillows.

Statement curtains 

Curtains are a double-duty piece of household decor, and they can make a room feel taller and add a layer of privacy. Luxury homes often have tall ceilings and large windows. However, you can easily create the illusion of that without remodeling. Buy printed or textured curtains that extend above your window, and install the curtain rod about a foot below the top of the wall. You’ll need to measure beforehand to ensure you purchase the correct size curtains. Standard wall height is about eight feet tall; if this is the case for you, use 84-inch curtain panels.

Plush accent rug 

Faux fur or plush accent rugs can give any room an upscale aesthetic. These rugs can be a great addition when placed under your bed—with some of the rug sticking out on the sides and foot of the bed. When your feet hit the floor in the morning, they’ll be greeted by a soft and cozy rug below. White is the most expensive-looking color, but it can become dirty quickly. Whatever rug you choose, make sure it’s machine washable.

Framed art 

Display your favorite art or photos in large, matted frames. Choose frame colors that match your room’s color scheme or that will add a pop of color or shine. Hang one piece of oversized statement art and a few smaller pieces around the room. Typically, statement art pieces look best over a headboard or between two large windows.

Kitchen 

Your kitchen is the heart of your home and it should feel just as refined as your cooking. Since you likely spend a lot of time in this space, make it a room you’re proud to show off.

Backsplashes 

A new backsplash can add a high-end look, and it doesn’t need to be expensive. Adhesive backsplashes look like the real deal at a fraction of the cost of a professional job (around $8 to $25 per square foot, depending on the material). If a real backsplash isn’t in your budget now, consider a peel and stick one in a vinyl, glass, metal, stone, or gel material.

Under-cabinet lighting 

Under-cabinet lighting is both decorative and practical. Use adhesive strips or puck lights spaced evenly to illuminate your countertops while you cook and to highlight your kitchen decor. Look for motion-activated or timed lights to reduce power or battery usage.

Barstools 

Barstools elevate the look of your kitchen by making it appear larger and offer additional seating options. If you have adequate countertop space, set up two to four barstools that match your kitchen’s design. If you have an industrial-style kitchen, go for metal stools. If you have a farmhouse-style kitchen, use wood stools.

Hanging kitchen tools 

If you need new kitchen tools, this is your sign to purchase a new set. Look for matching pieces—when your cooking utensils match, they look sleeker and add a cohesive design element to your kitchen. Hang your kitchenware on the wall with stainless steel or copper hooks, and consider doing the same with your pots and pans by installing a pot rack. A pot rack can be helpful to free up precious kitchen storage space while displaying your finest cookware.

 Giving your home a luxurious look doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. By applying these tips, you can elevate the look of your home without breaking the bank.