When it comes to home renovations, the kitchen and bathroom tend to hog all of the limelight. They are the attention seekers of interior design, simply because they require a lot more planning. It takes more effort to install a new bathtub or kitchen island than it does a three-piece suite. Yet, this doesn’t mean that the rest of your home should go unnoticed.
The lounge is particularly important.
It is the first room which guests see when they step into the property. It says a lot about who you are as a family and what type of home you keep. From a practical perspective, you should have a nice lounge chair since this is also your space for relaxing. Whether you watch TV, read newspapers, or play with the kids in the lounge, it should feel like your little kingdom.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend the earth to create a lavish living space. Keep reading for tips on how to do decadence on a budget.
Simplify Your Styling
The common misconception is to equate luxury with abundance.
However, true style isn’t about how many items you can squeeze into a room. It is about restraint and simplicity. Keep your signature pieces to a minimum and let them shine.
For instance, if you invest in leather reclining chairs for your home, don’t crowd them with end tables, throw pillows, cluttered shelves, and mismatched cabinets. Pick dual purpose items (like cabinet TV stands), so that you can use less furniture to fulfil the same objectives.
Add a Little Sparkle
One of the best ways to create a lavish aesthetic on a budget is to embrace shiny surfaces and metallic materials. Think oversized mirrors, chintzy lamp stands, chandeliers, and shiny picture frames. Remember though that it’s all about luxury in moderation.
Pick out a handful of signature pieces and dot them around the lounge for a serious dose of style indulgence. Metallic surfaces have the added benefit of being reflective, so they can make small rooms feel bigger. They convey a sense of richness without the sky-high price tag.
Pair Soft with Hard
To further this emphasis on aesthetic balance, you can team soft, comfortable items with harder, edgier materials. For instance, in celebrity homes, it’s common to see very angular cabinets and coffee tables paired with fluffy, faux fur rugs and pillows.
The interplay between soft and hard materials creates a striking visual contrast.
It evokes a sense of both crisp, cool style and sumptuous comfort. Plus, you don’t have to break the bank to achieve it. Things like sheepskin rugs are thought to be very lavish but they don’t cost much.
Inject a Bit of Black
Most homeowners tend to shy away from black, either because they think it will make a space look drab or because they don’t know how best to apply it. Well, here we return to that all important word again – moderation. In small amounts, black accessories can look exquisite.
Limit it to small items and areas.
For instance, you could have a jet black fire surround and dark coloured skirting boards to pull the décor of the room together. For high glamour, opt for a polished, waxed or lacquered finish.
Fall in Love with Vintage
Luxury design isn’t always about how much money you have to spend.
True style decadence focuses on rare things and uncommon beauty. This is why the very wealthy are so in love with vintage furniture and flea market treasures. It is something which you can replicate with very little money, so get out there and find yourself an iconic coffee table, display cabinet, armchair, or even a mobile sidebar.
