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Making your home look expensive isn't necessarily about buying expensive furnishings. Discover five ways to create a more polished, sophisticated space through proper proportions, thoughtful focal points, coordinating without matching, layered lighting and comfortable, practical furniture and decor that reflect your personality.

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3-minute read…..
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With the cost of just about everything rising these days, many of us are being a little more careful with how we spend our money.

I've said it before and I'll say it again…..I'm on a mission to help as many people as possible love their home. In some cases that means redecorating or renovating, in others it means a few thoughtful design adjustments that make a notable difference. The good news is that creating a beautiful, elevated home doesn’t always require a big budget. In fact, some of the things that make a room look expensive have very little to do with how much the furnishings cost.

As an interior decorator, I’ve learned that it’s often the less obvious details that make the biggest difference. So, if you’re looking to make your home feel more designer without spending a fortune, here are a few things worth considering.

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1. Get the Proportions Right

This is probably one of the biggest things that separates a professionally decorated room from one that looks a little less polished.

You can have a gorgeous sofa, beautiful artwork and an expensive area rug, but if they’re not properly proportioned to the room and each other, something will feel off. For example, a small piece of artwork above a large sofa can make the wall feel empty, while an oversized coffee table can make an otherwise spacious living room feel cramped. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Design | Orangetree Interiors

2. Know Where to Direct Your Attention

Beautifully decorated rooms typically have a clear focal point.

Our eyes are naturally drawn to something interesting in a space. Whether it’s a beautiful fireplace, an interesting chandelier, an oversized piece of artwork or a gorgeous view, there should be something that commands attention without competing with the other furniture and décor in the room. Putting emphasis on too many design details can make a room feel busy and nothing really stands out.

It’s important to give breathing space within a room. Be selective about where you want to create interest and where you want things to be a little quieter because sometimes what you leave out is just as important as what you put in.

Design | Orangetree Interiors

3. Create Connections Without Making Everything Match

I’m not a big fan of matching furniture sets. They certainly make shopping easier, but they don’t always create the most interesting rooms. Personally, I prefer spaces that look like they’ve been thoughtfully put together over time.

The trick is making different pieces feel like they belong together, even when they’re not from the same collection or design style.  For example, you might have a contemporary sofa, an heirloom cabinet and transitional accent chairs that sound like an odd combination, but if the proportions, finishes and overall feeling of the pieces work together, the result can be truly beautiful.

Repeating colors, materials or shapes throughout a room can help to create relationships between different elements so they feel like they belong together.  The goal is to make everything feel connected - not matchy-matchy.

Design | Orangetree Interiors

4. Get the Lighting Right

Lighting can make or break a beautifully decorated room.

The color and brightness of your lighting can completely change how a room looks and feels. I generally prefer bulbs between 2700K and 3500K, depending on the space and how it's used. I recommend keeping the color temperature consistent throughout each room, across open-concept spaces and ideally throughout your home. This creates a more cohesive appearance and a natural flow from one space to the next.

It's also important to have enough light when you need it, without making a space feel overly bright when you don’t. A combination of general, task and accent lighting, along with dimmers or 3-way lamp switches give you the flexibility to create the right atmosphere for any occasion.

Designed | Orangetree Interiors

5. Make Your Home Feel Comfortable, Rather than Precious

I associate luxury with comfort more than beauty. I'll take a minivan over a Maserati any day. Personally, I don’t think there’s much point in having a beautifully decorated living room if people are worried about sitting in it. I prefer a home where you can put your feet up, have your friends over and genuinely enjoy your surroundings without worrying about ruining something.

This might not be a popular opinion among designers, but I'd happily forgo beautiful natural linen or organic cotton fabrics in favour of high-quality, easy-clean alternatives that look just as good and can be enjoyed without worry.

Rather than filling a room with expensive accessories just for the sake of decorating, I'd opt for a collection of books, meaningful photographs or an antique that's been in the family for generations. These things give a home character and make it feel more like the people living in it. To me, there's something far more luxurious about a home that feels personal, practical and comfortable enough to actually live in, than a home that's just simply beautiful.

Designed | Orangetree Interiors

So, What’s the Secret?
Of course, quality furnishings and beautiful materials can make a difference and there are certainly things worth investing in. But spending more doesn’t automatically mean you’ll end up with a better-looking home. It’s how everything comes together that matters.

Sometimes, having a professional eye can help you make the most of what you already have, avoid costly decorating mistakes and know where your money will make the biggest impact. If you’ve been thinking about refreshing a room in your home, but aren’t quite sure where to start, I’d love to help. Explore my virtual decorating services and let’s create a space that looks beautiful, feels comfortable and works for the way you live.

Until next time, happy decorating!

Val xo

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