They say if you can’t be with the one you love, then love the one you’re with. This applies to your residence as well. We’ve all seen those stunning estates out there that would make anyone the happiest homeowner in the world, but let’s face it, high-end zip codes come with high-end price tags. But just because turn-key extravagance isn’t in your budget doesn’t mean you can’t still achieve a touch of luxury and elegance in your home.
A few simple steps can polish up your living space without demolishing your bank account. It takes no small amount of dedicated effort and patience to build your home, and you deserve to be proud of it. After a hard day of working, it’s important to come back to a place that promotes peace and inspires joy. Whether it’s a small architectural addition, a new decor accent, or an upgraded fixture, small bits of glam add that extra touch of magic that helps you fall head over heels in love with your home.
Embossed Wallpaper
There are so many options out there to turn a boring wall into a statement piece, and wallpaper is an easy and versatile way to turn up the glam in any room. Embossed wallpaper offers all the allure of a wallpaper pattern with the added interest of texture. I first came across this idea in my own half-bath. One wall is draped in an artful, embossed pattern and painted to match the same soft neutral tone of the remaining walls. There’s something captivating about how the powdery hues gently reflect the texture, suggesting beauty and refinement. The overall look reminds me of the posh patterns stamped in cosmetic palettes. It adds a layer of delicate, old-world opulence, and is a super simple effect to create.
You can find embossed wallpaper rolls in plenty of neutral colors, but for an even bigger discount, find some in any terrible color and simply paint over them to match your walls. In my case, I’m pretty sure that the underlying colors were some horrifying plaid Christmas wrapping color scheme, but with the neutral on top, it makes for a beautiful addition to my powder room. And if you’re feeling bold, you can also paint over it in an accent color for a beautiful feature wall design.
Light Fixture feature
There are few things that make a bigger overall impression in a space than light. Your light sources are a huge contributor to your home’s ambiance and a stunning light fixture creates an impressive focal point that weaves the elegance of your home together from top to bottom. A grand lighting feature helps boost the optical magnitude of your digs as well; it draws the eye upward and helps maximize the sense of space and height of the room.
Don’t let the price tag dissuade you. Light fixtures tend to be a bigger ticket item when it comes to home finishes; however, they are a smart investment. Not only are they functional, but they’re fashionable as well. Believe it or not, even the amateur diy-er can learn to switch out their existing fixture with something new and trendy. There are plenty of online videos that can show you the basics of the electrical work that will need to be done, including those from highly reputable sources like Home Depot. It’s usually as simple as untwisting some old wires and reconnecting the new ones.
The danger of electricity is one of those things you cannot be too careful about. So remember to take the recommended precautions when switching out your lighting. For my part, I always shut off all the breakers in my home when I change out light fixtures, and it pays to have an extra set of hands nearby to help during the install. I also recommend investing in a volt detector, which you can use to check whether a wire you are planning to work with is still carrying electrical current. These are pretty inexpensive and could save you in more ways than one. If you’ve done your research beforehand, these are likely included in the instructional videos you’ve watched. But it doesn’t hurt to watch a safety video to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
It took me a while to work up the confidence to go near any wiring projects, and if you’re not quite there yet, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. While this will add a bit more cost, it’s better to play it safe, and you won’t regret the rich addition a new lighting feature makes to your home decor.
Rain Head Shower
A rain head shower head doesn’t just look nice, it feels nice too. I’m always a fan of anything that can upgrade your home shower experience to spa level. Standing under the gentle rainfall helps you decompress and helps create an immersive and relaxing mood. Rain head showers are a sought-after, high-end feature that is actually affordable and simple to install yourself. There are different options to choose from, with some offering add-ons like a handheld wand for that extra touch of convenience and versatility in your water stream. I would recommend considering this option, even if you don’t typically use a wand for bathing. It’s such a nice feature to have when it comes to cleaning. With the freedom to direct your water wherever you want, you can quickly rinse and give your tub and tiles a sparkling refresh.
Picture Frame Molding
Another timeless option for upping your home’s architectural appeal is adding design elements like chair rails and molding accents. Picture frame molding is a great way to increase a room’s visual imprint. To be honest, this approach takes a little bit more time and elbow grease, but it’s a real show-stopper when it comes to adding a sense of refinement and elegance to a space. Trim work can transform any room, but it makes a great statement piece in dining rooms, living areas, and master bedrooms.
To get this look, you’ll need to be able to take measurements of the wall space, plan the layout of your molding additions, and cut the molding to create the corner joints. Adhesive and finishing nails keep the molding on the wall, while wood filler, sandpaper, and paint will create the finished product. This process takes a bit of time and attention to detail, and a miter saw and finishing nailer are valuable tools to have for this product. If you don’t already have access to one, Home Depot gives you the option of renting out these tools for your projects. And the internet comes in clutch again for providing a ton of helpful tutorials on how to tackle this task from start to finish.
Greenery
Greenery elevates your space by adding an organic touch. Whether it’s a well-manicured houseplant in a neat indoor planter or a faux arrangement in a chic vase, a bit of nature brings a soothing element into your room design and helps purify the air. The leafy foliage also adds a fresh pop of texture to the decor.
It’s important to note that this only adds elegance if the plant is kept neat and vibrant. So if you don’t have a green thumb, consider using a faux plant. Another tip is to consider where you display the arrangement. You can also consider amplifying the effect by setting your plant on an elegant stand. I bought a simple, budget-friendly option from Amazon and used a bit of metallic spray paint to turn it into a functional statement piece.
Glossy Accents
Every room needs a bit of shine. A glossy finish bounces the light around and provides a little pop of life to your decor. It’s also a great way to vary visual texture in a space to increase interest. The great thing about high-gloss accents is that they’re extremely versatile when it comes to the material; you can choose metallic, polished stone, glass, glossy ceramic, and more. I love glass and gold-trimmed trays for candles, small knick-knacks or other small decor pieces. And, of course, a floral arrangement or other foliage decor pairs perfectly with a shiny or sparkly vase. Picture frames with glossy accents are also an easy way to incorporate a bit of shine into your digs. With so many great options, the possibilities are pretty limitless. Have fun exploring what accessories are out there, and what finishes and materials suit your style best.
Ornate Wall Accent
Large-scale wall accents leave a lasting impression. Larger decor pieces do carry a larger price tag, but if you shop around, you’re likely to find something that amplifies your style and fits your budget. Mirrors are a great example to consider. You can find beautiful designs from stunningly simple to lavishly ornate. The mirror also reflects a lot of light, which will make your room feel more open and bright. You can also choose a piece of art here. This could include a canvas, framed print, neon sign, or much more. One thing to keep in mind is to avoid visual clutter. Adding too much to the walls can actually become a detractor from your home’s overall design. Choose a few dynamic pieces and let your wall’s empty space amplify the art’s presence.
Candles
Candles are a great addition to any room for several reasons. They add an indulgent feel to your decor and can also be a treat to your other senses as well. Namely, they smell great, and the soft glow of candlelight creates a soothing ambiance when you’re ready to relax. The glass housing for the candle often makes for an attractive decor piece as well. They come in many shapes, colors, scents, and sizes, giving you lots of options for every space in your home. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can even try your hand at candle making from home. This gives you even more control over the design of your candle’s container and the luxurious scents that go into creating it.
Soap Dispenser & Hand Towels
Don’t forget to glam up your bathroom. An easy way to elevate this space from functional to fabulous is to add a glamorous soap dispenser near the sink and some plush hand towels. If you don’t use liquid hand soap, consider some ornate stamped soap bars instead. These are easy to find online or in artisan shops around town. These simple upgrades look great and give your self-care routine a well-deserved boost. You’ll have a lot of fun finding the perfect pop of color or alluring pattern to adorn your towel rack. And the beautiful contours and metallic accents of your soap dispenser will enrich your entire hand-washing experience.
Get Your Glamor On
You don’t need to drop a lot of cash to get a home that you’re not only proud of, but one that also creates a safe, comfortable retreat that you’ll be happy to come home to. Just a few minor tweaks to your decor can add a noticeable upgrade to the feel of your home. So get busy and start designing. Even without a major league bank account, you still have it within your abilities to design and implement a home that gives your body a place to recharge and your mind a space to be inspired.
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What do you think? How do you add a touch of elegance to your space?
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