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Do you ever catch yourself browsing through luxury magazines, wishing your home looked a little more stylish too? Or that you could make your home look more expensive without spending a fortune? Truth is, we've all been there. And there's no shame in experimenting with a few clever tricks to upgrade the look of your home.
Here's how to get a huge bang for your buck on a budget.
1. Wallpapers or treatments
The largest visible space is usually the floor or the walls. The latter, in fact, doubles up as a background for everything around and in tall spaces encourage you to look up. Add some architectural interest to this space with bright, maybe even tinsel wallpaper that immediately lifts the mood and environment of the home. If wallpapers aren't your thing, consider mouldings, wooden slats, or even large-scale fabrics hug on the wall.
2. Texture
Textures add layering to a home and makes the home look richer and more robust. Toss a faux-fur blanket or sheepskin throw on your couch, add a brushed brass accent piece on a reclaimed wooden coffee table, or even woven cushions on your leather sofa.
3. Metallics
The magic of metallics lies in their inherent, reflective, shimmering look. A gold-tined tray, sequin cushions, a tall brass lamp, silver photo frames and so on add to the glam quotient, and up the ante of a space.
4. Mirrors
Not only are mirrors available in several styles, shapes and designs—they bring with them, a rare ability to make a space look larger than it is. Mirrors bounce light around and can make a room seem more well-lit. In a narrow passageway, a long mirror can create an illusion of larger space. And, of course, who doesn't like to look at themselves? If you have a standing mirror, you can string fairy lights around it and make it look more fun.
5. Rugs
Rented apartments usually come with uninspiring flooring, that are not much to look at. Cover the drab with a long rug. You don't need to splurge on one—simply visit a flea market and look for the bright, vintage kinds. Once you cover the floor with a nice carpet, you’ll notice the mood of space changing.
6. Greenery
The thing about plants is that they not only freshen up the interior, they also help add colour. Choose the more artistic-looking ones like spider plant, bamboo, money plant, or the cascading varieties. Even a vertical garden or a plant wall can do the trick. If you don't have green fingers, you can opt for the artificial kind.
7. Paint
It’s tempting to veer towards pale shades in the house but a darker paint can make things feel more high end. Dark paints also help hide the inconsistencies of the space around. Think dark blue or charcoal. Experiment with contrasting accessories for a chic and thoughtful look.
Note: If using a dark colour is giving you anxiety, maybe just try it on a feature wall. This should be enough to give a designer feel.
8. Curtains
You'll be surprised at how hardworking our curtains are. They basically help decide how welcoming, warm and even stylish a room can be. Long, sheer curtains look elegant as they allow light to filter in, don’t block the line of sight, and when tied together, they give the room a decorated look. Similarly, in close-knit housing societies where privacy is integral, a velvet curtain can help block views of prying neighbours while still giving the room a smart look.
9. Chandeliers
No, we are not suggesting you invest in an indulgent chandelier from an expensive Italian store. Flea markets, thrift stores and budget sites are the best place to snoop around. Don’t worry too much about the actual lighting effect of the chandeliers, as you just need them to panache to your space.
10. Aroma
Aromas are almost like accent pieces for a home—they create a tone for the interiors. Use candles and essential oil diffusers to create an ambiance to your home. These take no more effort than the flick of a wrist.
Photo: Shutterstock