Colour, lighting and layout are criminally overlooked devices that every skilled interior designer uses effectively to convey an atmosphere of sophistication and excess. Let’s highlight five brilliant ways to give your rooms an air of extravagance with practical luxe interior design without maxing out your credit card.

1. Dark and mysterious

The experts always tell you to use white if you want to open up a space and make any room seem larger, but is the appearance of size your primary concern? Maybe intimacy is what you’re after, and sophisticated spaces are always designed with comfort in mind. So why not break away from the norm and opt for a more daring colour scheme?

Changing the upholstery or wall colour to a dark-hued tone will instantly add richness. Burgundy and midnight blue are two stylish tones guaranteed to wow your housemates and guests. Even black, when used sparingly, can give interiors different dimensions, adding an area of seclusion without sacrificing space. The best part about darker colours is the way they make your existing belongings pop.

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2. Restyle the walls

What you decide to place on your walls goes a long way toward creating an ornate visual statement. Let’s change those old photo frames and experiment with their placement to create a feature wall that instantly attracts the eye. 

The paradox of old, weathered wall hangings can make an intense statement in an intimate environment. Large prints of classic artworks, vintage posters, or block-colour artworks will look at home in your lush space. Antique shutters, doors and ladders against walls create simple, rustic hangings.

Care to show off your creativity? For the bathroom or bedroom, collect patterned tiles or old plates and get artistic by arranging an eclectic mix to place on walls.

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3. Reflect your style

We love used mirrors. After all, as long as the mirror itself is intact (and you’re not buying seven years bad luck), a second hand, naturally aged frame has the type of character that tells a story. Try your local community second-hand sales to find an item with that rustic, antique look.

If you’re not happy with quality of the frame, restyle it using fabric from your local op-shop or textiles store. Alternatively if you find a gorgeous frame with a tainted mirror, you can ‘fake it till you make it’ by spraying the glass with ‘mirror effect’ spray paint.

If you’re after something a little more sleek and clean, simple-framed oversized mirrors don’t cost an arm and a leg nowadays. And what an incredible statement they make, especially in a darker room where a large reflective surface can help you retain a spacious feel and practical luxe design. 

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4. Prints and patterns

Bargain prints and patterns can be found in any department store or homewares retailer. Play around with upholstery designs, wall hangings and the shapes of homewares to create unique textures and vivid designs. Don’t forget to pay attention to the details to create the ideal luxe by design room.

For easy artworks, cover old canvases with fabric and you can even add your own touch by painting over the top. Macramé wall hangings are as simple as buying rope and a wooden pole to hang it from. All you need then is to watch DIY macramé videos on YouTube to master the art.

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5. Throw away the old

The biggest change in a home can be the simplest of objects. Throw cushions, rugs and linen can make a striking change to how each room looks. Try in-season colours and for a well needed facelift, make sure you steer away from the tones and patterns you used previously.

Make your own brand-new luxe by design cushion covers by getting discount fabrics and sewing them in a simple square or rectangle. The advantage to DIY facelifting is you can incorporate the same fabric pattern into everything from cushions to wall art to the top of your table.

To give a table top a new lease on life, carefully place a layer of your favourite fabric or arrange a collection of pictures on the coffee table. Place a glass table top as the final layer and hey presto! Your old table becomes brand new.

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Using these five steps is a lot more fun than splurging on one massive feature item. Not only that; it’s also a way of adding your signature style to rooms while helping you develop a better understanding of the relationship between colour, materials and patterns.

Before you buy that $10,000 sofa, it’s worth experimenting with these techniques. Try to make a visual statement with practical luxe design …without crying over your next bank statement!

The post Luxe by design – how to go luxe without the bucks appeared first on Designbx.

Luckily, we’re here to help you out! Here are our tips for finding the right flooring without breaking the bank.  Just remember to learn the little things, such as how to clean wooden floors, and what cleaners you can use before making your decision!

1. Budget Materials for Durable Flooring

In areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, you need durable flooring that’s moisture resistant and still looks the part. We’ve fallen head-over-heels for ceramic tiles, which fit all those requirements and can look totally gorgeous- if you pick wisely! There are tonnes of colours, patterns and shapes to choose from.

Whilst it may not necessarily spring to mind as your best flooring option, concrete is also a material we’ve been envying. It’s super cheap, incredibly durable and so easy to clean that using it is a no-brainer. You can also paint over it to jazz it up, so let your creative juices run wild!

Vinyl is also a retro material many people won’t consider at first, but it’s actually a great choice. In recent years, the manufacture of vinyl floorings upped its game, so now yours can be quality made and there’s a tonne of choice for style.

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2. Renovation Considerations

When it comes to picking your flooring, there are a number of things you need to consider, including how it functions and how it looks – it can be way too easy to get absorbed in the latter! Here are some things you should be thinking about:

• Foundations – The foundations you’re laying your flooring on may restrict your options.
• Lifestyle and function – Consider how your flooring needs to work and what it’ll have to deal with. For example, pets and children mean easy-to-clean floors are definitely your best choice.
• Colour – Light colours can open up small spaces which can be a blessing for little homes. If you’re renovating to sell, go for a safe, neutral tone that’ll appeal to everyone.
• Single floor – Picking one floor to use throughout your home can really open up your home and improve the flow, making it seem larger

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3. Things to Think About with Timber

Timber flooring is a very popular choice due to the wide range available and its organic and timeless appeal. The material and style you choose can be a relief or strain on your budget. Floating floors in veneer, bamboo and laminate are going to be kinder to your bank account and create the lasting look of timber without the hassle and cost.

If you opt for timber, make sure you know how to clean hardwood floors to keep yours looking smarter for longer!

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4. Statement Flooring

While grey timber appear to be the best flooring choice at the moment, sometimes it’s nice to go against the trends and pick something that’s a bit more unique. If you’re on a budget, something simple like a marble effect or tiling can change things up a bit and create a more bespoke look. By shaping timber flooring, you can fit tiles in different patterns and shapes, and brass can be inlaid in concrete floors to create gorgeous contrasting patterns.

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Flooring doesn’t have to be expensive to look great and last a lifetime, as long as you know what you should be looking for! Take the time to research and find something that’s going to suit your home before investing and you should be fine.

The post 4 Tips to Finding Your Perfect Flooring on a Budget appeared first on Designbx.

1. Don’t be shy with furniture

Most people’s bedrooms only include the bare necessities such as a tallboy and bedside tables. Try going for a luxe vibe by adding a storage ottoman or buffet-style drawer unit. Adding extra storage solutions that steer away from tacky wardrobe organisers will provide space for more clothes and an extra place to put luxuries like a TV. Armchairs add an air of comfort while doubling up as a nursing chair or a place to put loose clothing items.

We all have one of ‘those chairs’!

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2. Storage is everything in closet design

Update your wardrobe status by moving around shelving and opening the space. Replace old doors and even shelving- with affordable materials like laminex available, you won’t blow the budget. Tactical and organised storage allows you to access things you may have forgotten about and creates airflow in closet designs. Try putting your shoes out on display. It allows you to perfectly find a match for your outfit, and gives the illusion you’re the next Imelda Marcos! Opt for small shelving units or a shoe rack for a show-stopping look worthy of celebrity status.

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3. Mirror mirror on the wall

No space to expand? Try installing a floor length mirror to create the illusion of a larger closet. Even in a humble suburban home you can feel as if your closet design is fit for a mansion. Ensure mirrors are exposed to good lighting, as it will open up the room completely and allow you to check yourself out thoroughly!

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4. Let there be light

Fighting with a small space or a dark corner? Open it up with some discreet lighting for a more welcoming feel. Under-shelf lighting, chandeliers and appropriate down lighting will add a luxe atmosphere to a small space. There’s nothing worse than fumbling in the dark while you create the perfect ensemble, so shine the right light in your enclosed space to expose hidden gems and produce a mood of Hollywood luxury.

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5. What’s mine is (not) yours

Many couples share closet space, and if the area isn’t organised well, this could lead to friction in the relationship. When you’re under pressure as you prepare for a big event, not being able to find the right pair of shoes is frustrating! Assign sides to a closet or walk-in wardrobe, to not only keep things completely separate but also make the space aesthetically appealing. You’ll find your partner’s clothing and shoe collection may contrast yours wonderfully and this will open up the space.

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Keeping up with the Kardashians may not be as expensive as you think. Any wardrobe or closet design that’s big enough to walk into can benefit from these design tips. Open confined spaces and add a little indulgence to your everyday life by reorganising and beautifying your walk-in closet.

The post How to create a celebrity-style closet design without a champagne budget appeared first on Designbx.