Luxury Interior Design on a Budget

Anyone who has taken on a redecorating or remodeling project will be well aware of how much budgets can end up being squeezed — no matter how many spreadsheets and lists you make and how cost conscious you think you are being.

But luxury interior design need not cost a fortune — from bespoke, yet affordable modern coffee tables to tricks stolen from interior designers — this is high end style for everyone.

Create a Focal Point

A common trick used by interior designers in living room design is to install an eye-catching, individual centerpiece. This way, attention is immediately drawn to this one-off piece and deflected from any mass-produced, more run-of-the-mill items elsewhere in the space, giving an overall impression of luxury.

A modern coffee table, such as the bespoke designs offered by Zespoke, is a fabulous way of injecting some unique chic into your living room design. Not only can these modern coffee tables be fully customised in your own choice of colour or finish, but they can also be adorned with an image or pattern of your choosing.

Opting for a bespoke modern coffee table such as this means that not only will you end up with something no-one else has (perfect for creating that upmarket, bespoke feel that luxury interior design is all about) but is also something that can be achieved on a budget. Zespoke’s modern coffee tables start at just £165.00.

To ensure the coffee table really stands out, use some dramatic lighting to illuminate it from above — if a glitzy chandelier is out of your budget, choosing an impressive light shade with a metallic finish should have a similar effect. Don’t forget to use the coffee table to display some choice objects too — twinkling candles in vintage glass and gilt holders – scour your local charity shops or hold on to interestingly shaped jars, tea caddies and containers ­– and a vase of dusky roses is the perfect way to go.

Use Timber Finishes

Natural timber immediately adds a rich, expensive and upmarket feel to a space — far more so than carpet. Although it is not necessarily a low cost option, some timbers are cheaper than others — such as soft woods, or those that come unfinished for you to oil or finish yourself. They also offer a low-maintenance and durable finish, and the engineered varieties, which can be laid over existing floors and come with tongue-and-groove edges, can be fitted on a DIY basis, all of which reduces their overall cost.

Elsewhere, fitting wood panelling to the walls adds a stately, grand touch at a snip. MDF panelling can be picked up for very little at most DIY superstores, before being painted. Alternatively, use shiplap- style tongue-and-groove panelling then stain or paint it for an easy and quick luxury transformation.

Fit Architectural Details

An easy way to make it look as though you have spent far more on your living room design than you really have is to either invest in, or expand upon, your architectural mouldings — namely the skirting, architrave and cornice. Plaster and polystyrene mouldings can be picked up relatively cheaply and look great when painted.

If you are lucky enough to have some period mouldings in place, then make sure they are well-painted and consider beefing them up a little by adding to their depth — the deeper the skirting and cornice, the more expensive it looks.

Supersize Your Accessories

Rather than opting for standards-sized scatter cushions, vases and accessories, opt for those that are on a much larger scale than usual. This does not have to involve spending a fortune. Regular pillows given a makeover with a bespoke cover in an on-trend fabric will bring a space to life, whilst huge vases or pots make a statement over or around a fireplace.

Display your artwork proudly too. Don’t feel you have to invest in an original Van Gogh to give the feeling of opulence — a bold gallery wall made up of your favourite photographs displayed in smart coordinating frames will transform a bare wall, as will one dramatic artwork, framed and mounted properly and lit using a picture light.

Finally, placing lamps and side tables in a symmetrical layout will immediately add a thoughtful touch that oozes elegance.

Aim for Comfort

In order for a space to feel luxurious it must also feel relaxing — somewhere you want to spend time, surrounded by lovely things. Large squashy sofas can be given an inexpensive makeover with new loose linen covers, whilst a well-placed chaise longue or armchair beside a window or side table and reading lamp, will lend sumptuousness to the space.

All in the Detail

Choosing rich, opulent colours, such as aubergine, navy and even black really adds a sense of luxury — as will adding a textured wallpaper, even to just one wall. Alternatively, go for a monochrome scheme. Adding metallic and mirrored touches will really bring out both colour schemes.

If you are feeling wary of splashing a rich colour on the walls, opting for a modern coffee table in a rich timber or jewel-like tone, will have a similar effect.

But perhaps one of the best things you can do to add luxury on a budget is to pay attention to the smaller details — that might be as simple as scented candles or fresh flowers, a new woolen throw slung artfully over your sofa or a stack of coffee table books balanced on top of a side table. It really will make a difference.