Let’s face it, not everyone can afford the high ticket, high style look in their home. But it does not mean you can’t have it. I am sure you have seen the beautiful images in shelter magazines, Pinterest, Houzz, HGTV, and not to mention Instagram. You just cannot get away from seeing beautifully done interior spaces that make you swoon and wish they were yours. Well, having the same high style look in your home is not so far fetched. It can be done! And done for a lot less than you may think!

As an Interior Designer, I am often asked by clients to create a high style look for less. Today I will let you in on 7 secrets of how you can achieve that look on a budget, and still be practical for your family.

1- Add Architectural Details

Great looking architecture is the first ingredient needed to create a space with high style. But what if you have a cookie cutter, builder grade home without much architectural gems? You can easily create them for not a lot of money. You can add paneling using picture frame moldings to all the walls, or even one focal wall in a room. Paneling will immediately elevate the room and give it a bit more importance

2- Classic Touches Matter

Most well curated high style rooms always give a nod to history with some of the more classic details that stand the test of time. While we want our homes to feel fresh and up to date, we cannot ignore the importance of classic touches. Use furnishings from another era that have interesting lines, but update them just a bit. Add a classical style wallpaper in one room like a powder room or dining room to really jazz it up

3- Use Antiques

A room becomes more interesting and high style when you utilize pieces of different ages. Displaying antiques that were collected over  a period of time always gives a room soul and personality, and takes it away from being super trendy. Many times we inherit antique pieces from family members and are not sure what to do with them. It is always great mixing them with newer pieces. Picking up a few antique pieces at flea markets or estate sales is a great way to make it more affordable

4- Take Risks

There is nothing worse than playing it safe in a room and end up with blah, builder basic. To achieve a high style look, it sometimes means going with a look that you know your neighbor will not have. A look that speaks to your personality and style, and one that is very unique to you. That can be achieved inexpensively by carefully shopping for pieces you love and adding them over time. Because you love them, they will always be high style to you

5- Add Layers

What will set a high style room apart from an OK-ish room is the layering of elements to make the room feel inviting. Layering is very important and does not have to cost a lot of money. Start with the background elements such as wallpaper or a great paint color. A rug is great; especially one with a beautiful pattern or texture. Adding a second one on top is a stylish way to bring in another layer that looks rich and luxurious. Window treatments help to add softness to the windows and are a very necessary layer to pull off a high style room. Lighting is essential – a few different sources is ideal. Then add the larger furniture pieces, accent pieces, art and accessories. Pillows and florals always add that final touch

6- Use Real Art

I honestly cannot imagine a high style room without real art. These days, it is very inexpensive to acquire great original art, or great quality reproductions. Etsy, eBay, Minted are some of the companies that have made it very easy to own real art. I always suggest to my clients to support local artists as well. They will often give you a great price just to see their work go to  a great home

7-Showcase Collections

I will go so far as to say that it really doesn’t matter as much what you collect. Although, I have seen some crazy collections (Creepy dolls anyone?). Your collections can create a high style in a room as long as they are carefully curated and displayed well. Anything from blue and white Chinoiserie pottery, whimsical plates, calligraphy brushes, china, whatever it is that you collect. They are best displayed together for maximum impact, but use restraint and carefully edit. Just imagine the stories that go along with these collections

So if you are trying to achieve high style in your home on a sensible budget, fret not! You can definitely get the look and keep your finances in check.

We can help you create the look you crave. Book a consultation today!

Wishing You Beauty And Inspiration!

veronica