I am an interior design expert, my nine mega cheap ways to make your home more chic

CREATING a luxurious look in your home does not have to mean spending a lot of money.

With some creativity, attention to detail, and smart shopping, you can transform your space to look sophisticated, chic, and expensive, all on a budget.

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Liv Conlon – who has won several awards The PropertyStagerswhich organizes 400 properties across the UK every year, has revealed its secrets to making a home look chic.

“When it comes to interior design mistakes or what potential buyers are looking for, I’ve seen it all,” she says.

“One of the most important things – whether you’re selling your home or not – is creating space that is aspirational and luxurious.

“But don’t worry, you don’t have to take out a second mortgage! Here I share my top eight tips to make your home look like a five-star hotel, without the high price tag.”

Embrace minimalism

A luxury home often exudes a feeling of peace 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 such as white, gray or beige for a sleek and timeless look.

Tip: Buy second-hand or upcycled furniture pieces from 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 that interior designers swear by to instantly take a room to the next level.

They reflect light, making a space feel larger and more open while adding a touch of elegance.

Opt for large mirrors with interesting frames such as gold, black or wooden finishes that complement the overall design of your home.

Tip: High street shops such as 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 create the illusion of a larger, more open space.

Low lighting for atmosphere

One of the hallmarks of a luxury home is excellent lighting. Good lighting can completely change the mood and feel of your space. The key is to combine different types of lighting: mood, task and accent lighting.

Mood lighting creates the general light for a room (for example ceiling fixtures or recessed spotlights).

Task lighting is intended for specific areas where work or activities take place (e.g. reading lamps, lighting under kitchen cabinets).

Accent lighting emphasizes a feature, such as artwork or architectural details.

Tip: Look for stylish, affordable table lamps, hanging lamps or sconces at stores in the major shopping streets.

Replace any basic lighting fixtures with something that feels more luxurious, such as a chandelier or metal-finished piece.

Upgrade hardware and fixtures

One of the quickest ways to make your home look more expensive is to upgrade small details like door handles, cabinet knobs and faucets. These subtle touches often go unnoticed, but they can have a significant impact on how polished and refined your home feels.

Tip: Look for high-quality hardware with a brushed gold, matte black, or polished nickel finish.

Expert advice in the field of interior design

Stores like Zara Home, B&Q and Habitat offer affordable yet stylish options that can transform your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities.

Use luxurious textures and fabrics

Luxury is not just about how things look, but also about how they feel. Invest in soft fabrics and rich textures to take your home’s interior to the next level.

Think velvet cushions, silk curtains, faux fur rugs and cozy wool blankets.

Tip: Affordable, high-quality textiles can be found at stores such as H&M Home, Primark and Dunelm.

Look for throws, pillows and curtains in neutral tones or deep jewel tones such as emerald green, sapphire blue or rich burgundy to add a sophisticated touch.

Add statement art and decor

Art plays an important role in creating a luxurious atmosphere. Large, impressive works of art can serve as a focal point in a room, drawing attention and elevating the overall aesthetic.

But you don’t have to invest in expensive original art to achieve this. Retailers on the main shopping streets offer stylish prints, wall hangings and sculptures for a fraction of the price.

Tip: Create your own photo wall with affordable frames from stores like IKEA or The Range.

Look for oversized art prints or create DIY pieces with simple materials like canvas and paint. Choose abstract art, black and white photography or landscapes that radiate sophistication.

Choose a neutral, monochromatic palette

A monochromatic color scheme exudes sophistication and tranquility. Choose soft neutral tones, such as taupe, beige, ivory and gray, to create a cohesive and serene environment.

This approach gives your home a polished and timeless look, allowing you to easily replace accents and decorations without conflicting with the overall design.

Tip: When shopping for budget-friendly accessories, choose pieces that complement this neutral palette. Sticking with one color family creates a sense of harmony throughout the space, which looks more intentional and luxurious.

Invest in elegant window coverings

Window coverings are often overlooked, but are crucial for a high-quality appearance. Cheap or ill-fitting curtains can make a room feel unfinished or dated, while well-chosen curtains can instantly elevate a room.

Floor-length curtains give a room a more expensive, tailored look, while sheer curtains add a touch of softness and luxury.

Tip: Look for affordable curtain panels in 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 clear

An essential aspect of giving your home a luxurious feel is keeping it neat and tidy – getting rid of stuff doesn’t cost a cent!

A clean, organized space automatically feels more expensive and refined.

Opt for smart storage solutions such as baskets, shelves or ottomans with hidden compartments to keep your belongings out of sight while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Tip: Retail chains such as TK Maxx, Argos and Wilko offer stylish storage solutions that can also serve as decorative elements in your home.

Whether it’s woven baskets, sleek storage boxes or minimalist shelves, use these to store items out of sight and keep your space looking neat.

Making your home look chic 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 budget.

With careful planning and a keen eye for detail, it is possible to design a home that exudes sophistication, comfort and style, without the need for extravagant expenditure.

Remember, it’s all about balance and intention. By investing in a few key elements and using clever design tricks, you can make your home feel as luxurious as any professionally designed space.

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