The concept of ‘quiet luxury’ has got us reflecting more about the way we can bring a high-end look into our homes, without spending a fortune.
It’s all about creating a space that’s understated yet interesting, with carefully selected, timeless pieces that will transcend the years; interiors that ooze luxury without being brash about it - think homely and inviting, yet with a calm and collected feel.
With purse strings tighter than ever, we’ve uncovered some clever ways to help you achieve that luxury look, while keeping an eye on those pennies...
Faux floors
LayRed York Stone 46755 vinyl flooring, £47.99 per sq m, Moduleo
Flooring is a key element throughout the home – but whether you love the warmth of wood, the terrific detail in terrazzo, or enjoy simply marvelling at marble, the cost of adding these stunning solutions to your home can be beyond what our bank balances allow. Luckily, for the more budget-conscious, laminate and vinyl has come a long way, so achieving these stylish looks through imitation is more within reach.
Flow marble luxury vinyl tiles or herringbone wood-effect laminate from one room into another to set a stylish foundation, and exude a luxurious feel in the space.
Check out our guide to affordable alternatives to luxury flooring and tiles for more low-cost ideas!
Luxe lighting
A considered lighting scheme can completely transform a space, and if you pick the right styles it can look just as good during the day as it does come the evening. Aim to layer your lighting to give the room the depth associated with a high-end finish.
In a living space, go for a main pendant fitting and wall lights, then add table and floor lamps to lighten a dark corner, create the perfect reading spot, or to highlight artwork on the walls.
Give another nod to the quiet luxury feel by looking for lighting that incorporates beautiful natural materials.
Attention to detail
When it comes to your living space, there are certain styles that give an expensive look, and top of the list are curved sofas or armchairs. The flowing lines exude a chic, relaxing feel, epitomising elegance. Sumptuous textures can also bring an expensive finish to a scheme.
If you’re not looking to replace your sofa just yet, consider looking for a curved bouclé armchair or footstool. A couple of textured cushions in neutral shades will make an effortless upgrade, too.
Fake it with wallpaper
Herringbone 3D-effect faux wood wallpaper, £75 per roll, Bobbi Beck
'Faux-effect wallpaper offers a clever way to elevate your home’s aesthetic without breaking the bank,' says James Mellan-Matulewicz, CEO and Creative Director at Bobbi Beck.
'The intricate designs imitating luxurious materials like marble, wood or metallic finishes, can instantly create an upscale ambience. This cost-effective solution adds depth and texture, making rooms appear more lavish. By opting for faux-effect wallpaper, you can achieve a high-end look in your home, impressing guests and enhancing its overall value.' Browse our favourite destinations for wallpaper for more inspo.
Curtain call
'I always think hanging your curtains as high as possible really helps to elevate a room and make it look more expensive,' says interior stylist Luke Arthur Wells. 'For this, I tend to use a discreet ceiling-mounted track, which is much more affordable than an elaborate curtain rod. If blackout curtains aren’t a priority, I love a sheer curtain for an elegant, soft feel, and curtain length is important, too.
'I used to puddle curtains on the floor, but found that this can actually cause your curtain stack to distort – for a cleaner, more elevated aesthetic on DIY curtains, hem them so they’re just "kissing" the floor – never shorter.'
Explore more window dressing ideas.
Play with rugs
A large rug in a living space or bedroom not only makes the room feel bigger, but also instantly elevates a scheme.
Choose a high-quality rug in the largest size you can afford to fit the space. Alternatively, consider layering several smaller rugs to create a stunning effect.
Use rugs boasting the same colour palette and subtle patterns that complement each other, then layer them to cover the floor space – it’s a great alternative that’s much kinder on the bank balance, too.
Create one-off pieces
Upcycling a piece of furniture can help to give that bespoke polish to a room. Try creating a unique piece that’s finished well, to instantly give an expensive vibe.
'I was given this storage cupboard, but it wasn’t very me – I needed to give it a Champagne makeover,' says interiors influencer, Rochelle Dalphinis. 'I sanded it down, added a base coat, then repainted it in GoodHome Satin metal & wood paint in Vence, to give it a luxurious chalky blue finish. I replaced the handles with statement gold arrows and made the interior pop with bright red Tropic Heart from B&Q’s Valspar range,' she says.
Show some artistic flair
Artwork can help complete a room and tie a scheme together, giving it a considered, designer look.
Large pieces can give the ‘wow’ factor, but if budget doesn’t allow then consider hanging two complementary pieces alongside each other to create an eye-catching effect.
A more neutral palette in the artwork will keep it subtle and refined, but choose a style and hue that suits your space so the artwork fits in effortlessly.
Get hotel room vibes
Egyptian Cotton Sateen 400 Thread Count Duvet Cover, M&S, £55 for a double
'To create a luxe hotel feel in the bedroom, opt for bed sheets in white or muted shades,' Lydia Lloyd, homeware textile design and insider at M&S Home.
'For that silky-soft feel, I’d recommend choosing 300 or 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton bed sheets, as the breathable fabric will help to keep you cool throughout the night.
'Keep creases out of your bedding between washes by spraying them with a drop of fabric softener mixed with water, before smoothing them over with your hand. Plump the pillows and the duvet to get that cloudy look and, finally, add a throw and cushions to layer up textures.'
Combine mirrors with table and floor lamps to project lots of eye-catching patterns, and create a luxe look reminiscent of stylish hotels.
Add detail to windows
Transform a plain pane with affordable window film. It’s cheaper than replacing the glass and can create numerous high-end looks, from subtle frosting to a showstopping stained glass effect, and even the stylish textural detail of reeded glass.
Window film is easy to use, budget-friendly and removable if you change your mind – a great way to give windows or internal doors a more considered finish.
Create a spa bathroom
Starlight Sapphire bathroom panels, around £499 per 896mm panel, Showerwall
Nothing says luxury quite like a spa, so making your bathroom look and feel just like one is a perfect solution. Updating walls with a high-end finish for less will give the bathroom an ideal backdrop to build upon.
Wall panels boasting a luxury marble design or a striking tiled finish (without the grout lines), can give you that expensive look without using up all of your budget to buy the real thing.
Clear the clutter and add some fluffy white towels and calming candles to complete the lavish spa look.
Looking for more budget-friendly makeover ideas? Check out these affordable tips to glam up your home or browse our pick of cheap but seriously cute home decor.
