Many people want to have a fabulous high end designer home, however don't have a high end designer budget.
Luckily, there are some interior designer tips & tricks for getting the designer look for less.
Here are some solutions for getting a luxurious high end look in your home for a low end budget.
photo courtesy of AI flickr.com/photos/universalproject/88443579Remove Clutter
The best designed spaces in a house are no longer high end once clutter has entered the room.
Make sure everything has a storage space and things are put away on a regular basis.
You need to have a storage space for your remote controllers, small electronics, purse, brief case, backpacks, keys, wallet, newspaper, and mail.
Invest in Things You Touch
Invest a little extra money in items that will be touched.
This includes your door bell, door and cabinet knobs, bath towels, upholstered furniture, pillows, and bed linens.
Home decor that is not going to be touched can be of average quality instead of high end.
Have a Plan
Decorating your home without an overall design plan is like throwing time and money away.
You need to know how everything will work together so mistakes are not made adversely affecting your budget.
Planning ahead can get you a high end look for less.
Vintage and Antique
High end houses are unique and one of a kind.
Use vintage and antique items in your home to get a one of a kind look.
Shop at estate sales, garage sales, and your parents' attic to find the best deals.
You can repaint, restain, or rebuild items to get a unique custom look.
Architectural Details
High end homes are not lacking in architectural details. A beautiful home with many architectural details will not require many luxurious furnishings to make it exquisite.
Invest in crown molding, chair rails, and paneling to make your home look high end.
You can even get architectural salvage for your home to add extra character on a budget.
Over Sized Objects
Smaller accessories cost less and bigger accessories cost more.
A collection of several smaller accessories might cost more than one larger accessory, however the larger accessory almost always looks better.
When in doubt, skip the clutter of several small items and invest in one larger item to get a high end look for less.
A Little of the Unexpected
How do you get a wow factor in your home? Just bring in a little of the unexpected.
Look in design magazines and look for the wow in each room.
Pick one wow item for each of the larger rooms in your home.
A large chandelier in the dining room or a unique countertop to ceiling backsplash in the bathroom can be the wow factor you are looking for.
Real Flowers and Plants
If you look at design magazines, most every interior photograph will have a living plant or some flowers.
These little details make a home feel less sterile and more high end.
Multiple Light Sources
If you just have one overhead light in your room, you can't change the mood of the room per the time of day or activity happening.
At the least, get n inexpensive dimmer switch for your overhead light.
Ideally, you should have multiple light sources for different activities, such as reading, cooking, or playing the piano.
Don't Neglect the Outside
When guests visit your home, the first thing they see is the outside of your home.
Make sure it is inviting, well kept, and reflects the style of the inside of your home.
For added charm, select a small portion of your flower beds for seasonal flowers that are of a minimal cost.
Shop Online
One of the best ways to save money on high end designer items is to shop online.
Shop at auction sites or your favorite online store.
Find new online stores to shop for items in your budget.
