Adding a touch of luxury to your living room doesn’t require a big budget, bespoke furniture or a top interior designer. The right pieces used appropriately can elevate any room into a high-end, stylish space. If you’re looking to makeover your living room, or if you just want to freshen up your tired interior style, here are five simple ways you can make your space look luxe without breaking the
A statement light
Whether you choose a table lamp, a hanging pendant light, a chandelier or a floor lamp, having a standout piece of lighting will add glamour to your room. Take the opportunity to create contrast with your furnishings and wall color with black or brightly-colored lampshades, or use a glass fitting that will shimmer and gleam in the light; an ultra-modern chandelier is a dramatic work of art in its own right, and Italian designed lights such as those by Foscarini satisfy this trend.
Texture
Fashion-forward interior designers are ditching the sleek, minimalist look in favor of a Bohemian-style maximalist look – think mixed prints, different materials, and a range of complementary colors. Velvet, embroidery, thick weaves and knits and even fur are making a comeback, particularly on upholstery. You don’t have to replace your furniture to get in on the trend; update an existing armchair or sofa by draping a sheepskin rug or a soft woolen throw rug over the back. Use natural fibers and materials to keep it luxe, and find something handmade if you can.
Art
The living rooms of the rich and famous are often so crammed with artwork, they resemble personal galleries. While you probably can’t fill up your living space with gilt-framed oil paintings, you can emulate the look in your own home with a large piece of art hanging on a feature wall, such as behind the couch, or opposite a window. The bigger your canvas, the more high-end your room will feel. If original art is beyond your budget, then look at mass-produced prints. Find something that will complement your existing living room – a color that matches your light fittings or furniture, or is in line with your design aesthetic.
Vintage furniture
There’s something about old furniture that is impossible to copy with modern pieces. An end table, a sideboard, or even something as small as an umbrella stand will add a classic, old-world charm to your living room. Antiques have been dropping rapidly in price recently, but if it’s still beyond your budget, scour online auction websites or thrift stores in your area –a good clean and polish can have a dreary old piece looking like a high-end antique.
Mirrors
Mirrors are the quintessential accessory of a luxe home. They amplify existing light and space, and make gold and silver tones in your room gleam. Hang a large mirror over a sofa, a fireplace, or opposite a window. If you can’t find one large mirror in your budget, then group several smaller mirrors together in a row or a grid, and it will have largely the same effect.
