HOUSE THAT
I’m an interiors expert, my nine mega cheap ways to make your home more posh, and some won’t cost you a penny
You don't have to be a millionaire to have a sophisticated home
CREATING a luxurious look at home doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank.
With some creativity, attention to detail, and smart shopping, you can transform your space to look sophisticated, chic, and expensive—all while sticking to a high street budget.
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Liv Conlon - who runs multi-award-winning , which stages 400 properties a year across the UK has revealed her secrets to making a home look posh.
“When it comes to interior design mistakes, or what potential buyers are looking for, I’ve seen it all,” she says.
“One of the biggest things - whether you’re selling your home or not - is to create space that’s aspirational and luxurious.
“But don’t worry, you won’t need to take out a second mortgage! Here, I’ll share my eight top tips to making your house look like a five-star hotel - without the hefty price tag.”
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Embrace minimalism
A luxurious home often exudes a sense of calm and order. Achieving this can be as simple as embracing minimalism and carefully curating the furniture in each room.
Instead of filling your space with too many pieces, opt for a few high-quality, functional items that serve a purpose. Stick to neutral tones like white, grey, or beige for a sleek and timeless appeal.
Tip: Buy second-hand or upcycled furniture pieces from high street stores or online marketplaces. A quick coat of paint or new hardware can transform a dated piece into something that looks designer-worthy.
Use mirrors to expand the space
Mirrors are a trick interior designers swear by to instantly elevate a room.
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They reflect light, making a space feel bigger and more open, while also adding a touch of elegance.
Opt for large mirrors with interesting frames, such as gold, black, or wooden finishes that complement your home’s overall design.
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Tip: High street shops like IKEA and H&M Home offer affordable mirrors that mimic the high-end versions. Place them strategically in entryways, above fireplaces, or as part of a gallery wall to give the illusion of a larger, more open space.
Layer lighting for ambience
One of the hallmarks of a luxurious home is excellent lighting. Proper lighting can completely transform the mood and feel of your space. The key is layering different types of lighting—ambient, task, and accent lighting.
Ambient lighting creates the overall light for a room (e.g., ceiling fixtures or recessed lights).
Task lighting is for specific areas where work or activities occur (e.g., reading lamps, kitchen under-cabinet lights).
Accent lighting highlights a feature, such as artwork or architectural details.
Tip: Look for stylish, affordable table lamps, pendant lights, or sconces at high street retailers.
Swap out any basic light fixtures with something that feels more luxurious, like a chandelier or a metallic-finished piece.
Upgrade hardware and fixtures
One of the quickest ways to make your home look more expensive is to upgrade the small details like door handles, cabinet knobs, and faucets. These subtle touches often go unnoticed, but they can make a significant impact on how polished and refined your home feels.
Tip: Search for high-end-looking hardware in brushed gold, matte black, or polished nickel finishes.
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Stores like Zara Home, B&Q, and Habitat carry affordable yet stylish options that can transform your kitchen cabinets or bathroom fixtures.
Incorporate luxurious textures and fabrics
Luxury is not just about how things look but also how they feel. Invest in plush fabrics and rich textures to elevate your home’s interior.
Think velvet throw pillows, silk curtains, faux fur rugs, and cozy wool blankets.
Tip: You can find affordable, high-quality textiles at shops like H&;M Home, Primark, and Dunelm.
Look for throws, pillows, and curtains in neutral shades or deep jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or rich burgundy to add a sophisticated touch.
Add statement art and decor
Art plays a significant role in creating a luxurious atmosphere. Large, impactful pieces of artwork can serve as a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and elevating the overall aesthetic.
But you don’t need to invest in pricey original art to achieve this. High street retailers offer stylish prints, wall hangings, and sculptures at a fraction of the price.
Tip: Create your own gallery wall with affordable frames from stores like IKEA or The Range.
Look for oversized art prints or create DIY pieces using simple materials like canvas and paint. Opt for abstract art, black-and-white photography, or landscapes that exude sophistication.
Choose a neutral, monochromatic palette
A monochromatic color scheme exudes sophistication and calm. Opt for soft neutral tones, such as taupe, beige, ivory, and grey, to create a cohesive and serene environment.
This approach will give your home a polished and timeless look, allowing you to switch out accents and decor easily without clashing with the overall design.
Tip: When shopping for budget-friendly accessories, choose pieces that stick to this neutral palette. By sticking with one color family, you create a sense of harmony throughout your space, which looks more intentional and high-end.
Invest in elegant window treatments
Window treatments are often overlooked but are crucial for a high-end look. Cheap or poorly fitted curtains can make a space feel unfinished or dated, while well-chosen drapery can elevate a room instantly.
Floor-length curtains give a room a more expensive, custom-made look, while sheer curtains add a touch of softness and luxury.
Tip: Look for affordable curtain panels at stores like Dunelm, IKEA, or John Lewis. Always hang them higher than the window frame to elongate the room, and make sure they just kiss the floor for an elegant finish.
Keep it clutter-free
An essential aspect of making your home feel luxurious is keeping it tidy and clutter-free - getting rid of things doesn't cost a penny!
A clean, organized space automatically feels more expensive and sophisticated.
Adopt smart storage solutions like baskets, shelves, or ottomans with hidden compartments to keep your belongings out of sight while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Tip: High street stores like TK Maxx, Argos, and Wilko offer stylish storage solutions that can double as decorative elements in your home.
Whether it’s woven baskets, sleek storage boxes, or minimalist shelving, use these to store items out of view while keeping your space looking polished.
Making your home look posh doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
By focusing on strategic design elements like furniture curation, layered lighting, luxurious textures, and elegant finishes, you can create a space that looks and feels high-end, all while shopping on a high street budget.
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With some careful planning and a keen eye for detail, it’s possible to design a home that exudes sophistication, comfort, and style without the need for extravagant spending.
Remember, it’s all about balance and intention. By investing in a few key elements and using smart design tricks, you can make your home feel as luxurious as any professionally designed space.
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