For most of us, achieving that expensive aesthetic in our homes can feel daunting, especially with the hefty price tags attached to iconic designer furniture like the Eames lounge chair or the Cloud Sofa by Restoration Hardware.
However, by utilising these smart design choices during the reno stage, you can effortlessly zhuzh up your flat without compromising your budget later on.
1. Install French double doors as entryways to shared living spaces
Image Credit: @still.tape via Instagram
Good things always come in pairs – so say hello to double doors. Naturally occupying more visual space compared to single doors, they can add a sense of grandeur and formality to the entryway, particularly in larger rooms with higher ceilings.
Depending on the chosen style, double doors can feature panels, mouldings, or decorative transoms that add visual interest and contribute to a more refined and sophisticated look.
Should you desire the French doors of your Pinterest dreams, your local carpenters or contractors should be able to recreate the look for you.
2. Add LED strip lighting to the insides of your cupboards & open shelves
Image Credit: @decor0294 via Pinterest
If you’re not a fan of sterile overhead lighting, ambient LED strip lighting is the way to go.
When strategically placed inside cupboards and under open shelves, LED strip lights illuminate the entire space with a soft and diffused glow, creating an aesthetically pleasing sense of depth and dimension.
On another note, these lights are also significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, offering cost savings on your electricity bills.
If you’re not one to settle for the cheaper variety available on Shopee, then you can custom make your lights to suit your carpentry specifications at Sign Lite.
3. Change out your hardware
Image Credit: @remodelista
Although hardware elements often seem like a small detail, upgrading your typical white plastic light switches and power sockets can truly make all the difference.
If you’re into sleek, minimalistic vibes, you can opt for modern hardware with a contemporary style. On the other hand, brass hardware is a good option for a vintage look that adds character to your home.
From towel bars and shower curtain rods in your bathroom, to latches and handles on your windows, this tip is applicable all throughout your home. Modern and vintage brass hardware ranging from $10 to $20 for knobs, and $20 onwards for handles, can be found at Lavavella.
Additionally, more affordable options starting from just $2 are available from BESSLIGHT on Shopee.
4. Go for wall sconces
Image Credit: Arel Lighting
Forget harsh overhead lighting and embrace the charm of wall-mounted light fixtures. These versatile accents, also known as wall sconces, go beyond just illumination, offering a touch of ambiance and style to any space.
Wall scones come in a wide array of sophisticated designs, from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional. Their design complexity and aesthetic appeal can add a touch of elegance and luxury to any space.
Some of the best places to install wall sconces include flanking the sides of mirrors, artwork, or bed headboards, on either side of entryways, or above bathroom vanities and kitchen sinks.
A variety of wall sconces are available at these lighting shops.
5. Raise curtains to the ceiling
Image Credit: End Curtain
Not all of us get to enjoy the luxury of expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in our flats, but this curtain trick is universal. Floor-to-ceiling curtains visually extend the height of your walls, creating an illusion of a taller and grander space.
Raised curtains also visually extend the length of your windows, a lifesaver for those stuck in flats with smaller windows.
While hanging curtains higher might seem like it would let less light in, it actually allows you to maximise light control. You can open the curtains fully to let in natural light, or partially close them to create a softer ambiance. Read more on curtain shops in Singapore.
6. Opt for exotic marble with breccia veins
Image credit: thedesignchaser
For those interested in bold and captivating home decor, breccia marble is a strong contender. Breccia veins, characterised by jagged, angular patterns in contrasting colours, add a dynamic and visually striking element to marble, elevating its appearance.
Forget just countertops and floors, from striking bedside tables to luxe accent walls, Breccia’s unique patterns and textures offer endless possibilities. Here’s a list of marble suppliers in Singapore.
Image Credit: @bridget via LTK
7. Add subtle floating shelves that blend into your walls
Image Credit: Rue Daily
More often than not, bulky shelves tend to steal the spotlight from your displays and decorations, sticking out like a sore thumb in every room. However, with floating shelves that practically disappear into your wall, your space is left looking clean and modern like a picture from a Pinterest board.
Image Credit: @razzaqjutt652 via Pinterest
Built-in floating shelves are a great choice during your reno stage, as you can enjoy full customisability. From matching your existing décor to creating an accent, you can paint or stain them to match any style, you could even add lighting to create a dramatic effect.
If you love floating shelves but you’ve missed your reno window, don’t worry – with affordable shelves from IKEA, you can DIY your own fixtures and paint them to blend with your walls.
8. Add some wainscoting
Image Credit: @docolight
If you find that flat walls are as exciting as watching paint dry, wainscoting is a great alternative. Wainscoting, a decorative wall treatment featuring raised panels, adds visual interest and texture to your walls, breaking up the monotony of plain paint and creating a more polished look.
Image credit: onekinddesign
It can also highlight architectural features like doorways, windows, or built-in cabinetry, drawing attention to these elements and adding a touch of classic elegance to the space.
Wainscoting can be incorporated in entryways, living or dining rooms, hallways, or on the lower half of bathroom walls, strategically protecting them from moisture. Check out Vasari for eye-catching custom Venetian plaster wainscoting, or DeKorea for an affordable DIY alternative.
Bonus: Fill vertical spaces with tall plants or pampas grass
Image Credit: @nature0349 via Pinterest
HDB ceilings can sometimes feel like they’re low enough to high-five, but with statement decorations like tall plants, one can effortlessly maximise their visual space. These leafy friends draw your eyes up, making it seem like your ceilings are way higher than they actually are. This is a game-changer for rooms with low ceilings or limited floor space.
Image Credit: @chloenixon02
By filling empty vertical areas, these elements help to balance the proportions of a room, making it appear more visually harmonious and aesthetically pleasing. They can be used to fill corners of rooms, flanking sides of doorways, next to windows, or either side of a sofa or console table.
Other popular tall plant options include fiddle leaf figs, snake plants, and umbrella trees, which are all available for purchase at Soil Boy.
Interior design hacks to make your home look expensive
While achieving a luxurious feel often comes with a hefty price tag, these design and reno hacks offer a clever alternative. Instead of breaking the bank on designer furniture, you can elevate your space with thoughtful choices earlier on in your home-owning journey.
Remember, a luxurious home is not just about expensive pieces, but about a well-curated and cohesive space that reflects your unique style and personality.
Read our other articles here:
- This HDB Flat’s $4.5K Pegboard Bomb Shelter Transformation Makes It Look Like A Cool Osaka Cafe
- 4 Third-Party Courier Services To Get Your Large Furniture Purchases From JB To Singapore
- 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners In Singapore To Buy Based On Suction Power, Price & Battery Life
Cover image adapted from: @still.tape, onekinddesign, @decor0294
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