One of our most talented interior designers, Felicity Tragardh, knows how to bring class to any space. And she does it all without breaking the bank.
Here’s her cheat sheet on how to make your home feel appealingly expensive without re-mortgaging.
Measure up
To achieve a luxe look, start with the basics: ensure your furniture fits your floorplan perfectly. "Use the Goldilocks method to make sure your pieces are just right - not too big or too small," advises Felicity. "For instance, placing two deep sofas together can create an awkward void in the corner. If you're not confident in drawing up a floor plan, you can mark it out in the room with masking tape."
Invest to impress
Investing in one or two pricier feature pieces can make a significant impact. "Even if you opt for a safe choice with your sofas and rugs, a statement armchair - bold in fabric or design - can inject personality and elevate the room to a more eclectic look," Felicity suggests. "You could also choose a quirky lamp. Be confident and brave in your choices."
If the rug fits
Once you've chosen your furniture and placed it accordingly, complement it with the perfect rug. "Your rug should be at least as long as your sofa and ideally touch all the key pieces of furniture in the room," Felicity advises. "You don't want your coffee table to overwhelm it either."
Go large with art
Make a splash with your artwork choices without breaking the bank. "Opt for large canvases, which are often more affordable than framed artworks," Felicity suggests. "This is another excellent way to infuse your personality into the space with a big, bold statement piece."
Colour to the world
Going all out with rich colour can lend an opulent feel to any room. "From your dining room to your bedroom, you can indulge in painted perfection beyond a feature wall," Felicity says. "This includes smaller spaces like powder rooms, where you can opt for a moody colour instead of the common belief that light colours make a room feel bigger. Sometimes, intimate spaces can feel even more lavish."
Luxe philosophy
There are differing philosophies when it comes to achieving a luxurious look: one advocates for minimalism, while the other encourages a 'more is more' approach. Whatever your preference, thoughtful choices are key. “If you decide to go all out, group similar objects together and treat them as a curated collection,” Felicity advises.
Everything in its place
While we’re on the subject, how you display your collection can elevate the entire ambience of a room. “Built-in cabinetry, whether it’s bookshelves, TV units, or a home bar, adds a touch of custom-made class,” Felicity says.
Go au naturale
The ancient Greeks and Romans were masters of opulent living spaces, so why not take a page from their playbook? “Investing in natural elements like marble and stone can really elevate a home’s style, whether it’s in decor, benchtops, floors, or wall tiles,” Felicity suggests.
Be edgy
It’s also worth considering adding some finesse to the edges of your home, whether that’s through the textural flourish of mouldings or wainscotting, or aiming a little higher. “Detailing on the walls can really enhance your space,” Felicity explains. “Many of our home designs now feature raked ceilings, which can add height and make even a smaller room feel grand.”
Every detail counts
Adding a touch more care to even the smallest details can amplify the splendour of a room. "Invest in high-quality door and cabinetry handles, tapware, and other fixtures within your budget," Felicity advises. "They can truly transform the space."
Out of mind
If handles can elevate a room's elegance, appliances can sometimes detract from it. "To keep costly items like your fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine from aging your space, integrate them seamlessly into your cabinetry," Felicity advises. "Out of sight, out of mind."
Sheer heaven
The dramatic flourish a curtain brings can be transformative. "A sheer curtain that spans the entire room can evoke a five-star hotel ambience," Felicity suggests. "It elongates the walls, enhancing the sense of space and making a stylish statement, beyond mere functionality."
Light the way
A keen eye for sophisticated lighting design is pivotal in achieving a lavish aesthetic. "Lighting plays a crucial role in adding depth and richness to a room," Felicity emphasises. "It's not limited to pendants, wall sconces, or lamps; strategically placed lighting over artwork, LED back-lit cabinetry and under-vanity lighting in bathrooms can all elevate the ambience."
Plump it up
Opting for brighter and bolder cushions is an instant way to inject more character into a space. However, it's not just about patterns and colours when aiming for sophistication. According to Felicity, "Feather-filled cushions can completely transform the way you style a sofa, providing shape and fullness."
Flower power
Finally, one of the simplest ways to elevate your home into a more luxurious space is to indulge in fresh flowers. "They don't need to be pricey," Felicity suggests. "Simply gather gum leaves from your garden and arrange them with some artfully placed sticks for a natural statement piece that freshens any space.”
If you're needing some more inspo to get those creative cogs turning, head on over to our Gallery and explore the hundreds of beautiful images we have on show.
