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Luxury decor upgrades but without the hefty price tag.
So much of a put-together home is in the details. Scratchy towels make for a scratchy bathing experience, while an unappealing fruit bowl makes for unappealing fruit.
It's the things we use every day that have the most impact on how we feel, so it's worth thinking carefully about them — but you don't need to spend much to make noticeable upgrades.
Simple changes to your bathroom fittings can change the whole look of the room, and the right glassware can elevate a tablescape. Guests notice details like the toiletries in bathrooms and the mugs you serve them — and we all know how it feels when your home is cluttered.
Luckily, it doesn't take much to add a little something *extra* to your home, so we've compiled a guide on how to create a more expensive-looking home without spending big.
Dated glassware can make even the most thoughtful tablescape look worn out. Up your game with some additional details: think scalloped edges, ribbed detailing or unusual shapes — but it can be best to keep it classic when the occasion requires, for example with these elegant champagne glasses.
Set of 4 Groove Wine Glasses, Layered Lounge
A thick, quality bedspread or throw is a simple way to make your bedroom look more considered. Christy's Jaipur went viral on Instagram for its super-soft touch and rich colouring: a luxurious combination.
Jaipur Bedspread, Christy
Under £10 but capable of transforming your bathroom, the waterfall showerhead doesn't have to be reserved for spa visits or holidays. They're easy to fit, too.
Waterfall Shower Head Kit, B&Q
Consider upgrading your bathroom fixtures and fittings — and yes, you can still do this if you rent. Self-adhesive options make it simple to do at a low cost, and it changes the whole look of your bathroom. Matching shower caddies create a cohesive look and keep bottles and tubs off the edge of your bath.
Bathroom Accessories Set, Amazon
There's one thing all the expensive houses in your favourite magazines and TV shows have in common, and that's zero clutter. While we can't always add more storage space or reduce the number of things that we need, getting as much away as possible can help create a calm home. Pretty baskets can stay on surfaces in bathrooms and bedrooms and look great while hiding rogue bits and bobs that are a bit more unsightly.
Scalloped Edge Bulrush Storage Baskets, John Lewis
Bookends add character to shelves, and the right kind of character looks expensive. They also add interest to an otherwise standard space and give added thought and personality to a typically lesser-loved area of the home.
Head Bookends, Gallery Direct
Lighting is one of the most important elements of interior design, and if you take the layered approach, it can be an inexpensive way to elevate a room. Pendant and hanging lights add instant sophistication — particularly in kitchen and dining areas.
Soria Flex Fitting, Dunelm
A carafe just feels fancy — and it looks fancy too. A simple way to upgrade serving wine or water, adding a carafe to your table can give it a polished feel and create a more sophisticated dining experience. Ideally, match it to your glassware or go for something totally different to contrast.
Ripple Textured Glass Carafe Set, Ferm Living
While minimalist, chic fixtures and fittings create an expensive finish, bold colourful fabrics can do so too. Different patterns and textures in clashing colours can also add layers of interest.
Matilda Goad & Co. Scalloped Cushion, Anthropologie
Putting more thought into everyday items is a surefire way to change the way you feel about your home. Swap your fruit bowl for one of these pretty punnets, which look great on a dining room table bursting with colour.
Linnea Medium Berry Basket, Anthropologie
Sculptures can add instant value to a room — but they don't have to be pricey. Simple designs and traditional materials work best for an expensive look: think gold, silver, bronze and brass.
Libra Interiors Couple Sitting on a Swing Sculpture, John Lewis
Rule number one of hosting: matching dinnerware. It's an essential part of your tablescape so having a cohesive look is important. Matching plates in rich tones tend to look more expensive than a mix-and-match vibe, and it's a lot more affordable to do than it looks.
Montreal 12 Piece Dinner Set, Dunelm
Linen is on the pricier side when it comes to bedding, but it's worth it for its luxurious, soft feel — and H&M's set is a little more affordable than most. Its rustic, crumpled look adds an air of quiet luxury to the bedroom.
Linen duvet cover set, H&M
Top-quality towels can transform not only your bathroom but your showering experience, and these ones from Rise and Fall are personal favourites. They're huge, giving that luxurious feel, and ultra-soft even after washing. Once you use them you won't want to go back to your 'regular' towels (sorry).
Turkish bath sheets, Rise & Fall
Wooden serving boards add rustic charm to last-minute get-togethers. Serve bread, cheese, meats or fruits; it will instantly look better than on a dinner plate. Wood not your vibe? There are plenty of serving platters out there to suit all kinds of tables.
Olive Wood Serving Board, Lisa Angel
A home that smells nice is a home that feels looked after. Add some spa-like luxury to yours with diffusers, candles, and room sprays in scents of lavender and cedar wood. Tip: these touches make guest bathrooms feel extra special!
Calm Scenting Set, Marks & Spencer
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