Whether their home is going up for sale or they’re simply looking for a change, homeowners are always looking for affordable ways to improve their abode.
And according to the experts at Australian interior design company, Bowerbird, there are a number of simple and budget-friendly things all homeowners can do to make their space look ‘expensive’ and luxurious.
Here, FEMAIL looks at their top tips and the common mistakes that immediately ‘cheapen’ the look of the home.
According to the experts at Australian interior design company, Bowerbird, there are a number of budget-friendly things homeowners can do to make their space look ‘expensive’
1. MAKE THE ENTRY A FOCAL POINT
The Bowerbird team says one of the key elements of a high-end home is a striking entryway.
‘You may not have the cash for a full-on exterior makeover, but improving your entryway can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal,’ they explained.
‘Choose a colourful front door to make the point of entry pop, then, flank the front door with tall planters, a big quality doormat and luxury lighting overhead.’
‘You may not have the cash for a full-on exterior makeover, but improving your entryway can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal,’ they explained
2. DITCH DATED FURNITURE
While all homeowners have pieces they can’t stand the thought of parting with, in many cases it’s for the best.
‘If that old cabinet or sofa makes you cringe every time you walk past it, ditch it,’ they advised.
‘Old furniture that you’ve had for years or just haven’t got around to replacing can make your home look tired and dated.
‘The same goes for light fittings. Swapping out an old light for a new one instantly updates the ambiance of your space and will make it look more luxe.’
‘Old furniture that you’ve had for years or just haven’t got around to replacing can make your home look tired and dated,’ they said – instead opt for something modern like the above
3. KEEP IT CLASSIC
A brief scroll through the Instagram pages of top interior experts will highlight the power of neutral, minimalist palettes in creating that ‘high-end’ feel.
‘Neutrals feel calm, clutter-free and are classic. So, bring high style to a room by choosing neutral hues for anything that is expensive to update,’ the Bowerbird team suggested.
‘Think floors, upholstery, fixtures and walls. Then use accessories to introduce bold colours and textures. The neutral base will let these hotter hues take centre stage.’
‘Neutrals feel calm, clutter-free and are classic. So, bring high style to a room by choosing neutral hues for anything that is expensive to update,’ the Bowerbird team suggested
4. UPDATE INTERIOR DOORS
This simple change can completely alter how a space feels and looks.
‘It’s amazing how just by changing your interior doors your home can have a whole new look,’ they said.
‘Keep it simple with white or lightwoods and splash out on a striking door handle. They don’t have to be solid, boring and expensive. Space-saving pocket doors may be slightly more expensive, but they will elevate style and can also be used to create separation within open floor plans.’
‘It’s amazing how just by changing your interior doors your home can have a whole new look,’ they said
5. ADD DIMENSION
Plain walls can be transformed with narrow stripes of molding – the method immediately giving walls a ‘paneled look’.
‘This treatment is known as picture framing and is a simple way to draw the eyes to certain areas of the room and to add detail,’ they said.
‘Keep the spacing even and the edges aligned for a symmetrical eye-pleasing look.
‘Alternatively tongue and groove wall paneling is a simple but effective way to add texture to walls. Other architectural details that can make your home look expensive are embellishing the area around a light fixture. A lightweight, polyurethane decorative ceiling medallion is available in various sizes and can be painted in your desired hue.’
BOWERBIRD services Sydney’s real estate hotspots and regularly features in some of the most high profile sales and publications in the region. The company is run by husband and wife, Lauren and Geoff Lewis in their Studio in Sydney, Australia.