We all sometimes wish we could live in an elegant and luxurious villa. But if you cannot afford one, or were not lucky enough to be born into one, you will have to work with what you’ve got. But even your humble abode can become stylish if you add a few right touches to it. Remember that elegance and luxury do not mean going over the board. It is rather simple yet timeless details that do the trick. This guide will help you with ideas on how to turn your home into a castle without spending a fortune to achieve that.
1. Choose Vintage Lighting
Lighting is often underestimated in interior design, although it plays a major role. It sets the mood of a room, and can easily make it or break it. There are many contemporary styles and forms of lighting fixtures, but nothing gives that timeless look to a room like a vintage lamp or a chandelier. Regardless of the era you choose (be it a Victorian sconce, a French country style chandelier, a brass kitchen pendant light, or an art deco iconic piece), it will add a cosy and sophisticated feel to your home. New fixtures will work just as good as restored old ones, but the latter are much more authentic.
2. Use Trim and Molding
Next time you see a Jane Austen-inspired movie, while the dazzling young ladies and handsome gentlemen are swirling around the ballroom, pay attention to the walls. You will notice certain wall decorations. These trims and moldings are considered as elegant today as they were then. They provide the final touch to the walls and convey a feeling that every single detail was taken into account during the decorating. You can choose between baseboards, casing, crown molding, or chair rails – the effect is the same. Another bonus is that they can easily be installed on your own.
3. Add Bulky Chairs
Nothing gives a room that vintage appeal quite like a big comfy armchair. Add one to your living room and you will never again have to struggle to find a spot in your home to sit down and relax. Make sure it has armrests and high back. To cement the luxurious feel, choose upholstery fabric that is high quality and textured. Think in terms of plush, damask or jacquard. Finally, scatter a few soft throw pillows in coordinated colours for extra cosiness.
4. Create a Focal Point
Each room in your new luxurious home should have a focal point that brings the room together. How can you achieve this? Simply choose an existing architectural detail and accentuate it. If you have an old fireplace, add a new marble mantelpiece and top it off with a brass candleholder. Do you have a large window in your room? Install a window seat that will immediately draw the eye. If you cannot find any focal points, make them. The above mentioned armchair can be a focal point in your living room, for instance.
5. Restore Old Shine
While new houses are much more easily transformed and maintained, old houses require much less work. If you are lucky enough to own a stylish and elegant old house, all you need to do is restore its previous shine with a few touch ups. If you are thinking about making a house flipping deal, then your job will be all the more easier if you have a solid base to start from.
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If you have any other ideas, we would like to hear them.
