Designing elegant spaces with practical budgets
One question I’m often asked is how to make a home or a condominium unit feel more luxurious and comfortable without spending a lot of money.
I love finding ways to transform a space using my clients’ existing furniture and décor, then layering in my own design perspective. I actually began my career upgrading townhomes this way. Here are some simple ways to make your space look and feel expensive even on a budget.
LIVING ROOM
1 Try to stick to a monochromatic color scheme—all beige, all gray, or all white. These neutrals can be the predominant color throughout the space, with small touches of another color if desired. Play with texture to create visual interest.
2 Add some molding on your walls. A taller baseboard—around 150 mm to 200 mm, proportionate to the space and wall height—will not only enhance the room but also protect your walls from dirt caused by sweeping and mopping.
3 Always attempt to satisfy the five senses. For me, the most important part of a home is the first impression, starting with the sense of smell.
Smell. Nothing leaves a more lasting impact than the scent that greets you as you enter your home. Choose candles in the same colorway and, of course, the same fragrance. Cluster them in different areas of your space to enhance the mood.
Sound. Cozy music does wonders for the soul. There are many speakers on the market now that are compact, powerful, and can double as décor.
Sight. The use of soft neutral colors can relax the mind and body. It’s a perfect setting to come home to.
Touch. Use texture to create layers in a room. This will make the space look bigger than it seems.
4 Remove clutter and everything else that makes the place look messy. Learn to let go of things not needed.
5 Add table lamps or floor lamps. To create layered lighting, it’s best to stick to light-colored shades and use warm bulbs. Choose lamp sizes that are proportionate to the space. It’s always better to have generously sized lamps rather than tiny ones.
6 Use warm white lighting instead of daylight—no further explanation needed.
7 Install floor-to-ceiling curtains to create a sense of height and volume in the space. Even if your windows aren’t full height, you can use white sheer curtains paired with full-length drapes in a monochrome color to match the furniture. Alternatively, choose a contrasting neutral—such as darker taupe for a cream interior, deep charcoal gray for gray interiors, or all white for white interiors.
8 Add decorative pieces. You can use one full, fluffy pillow in a beautiful fabric that contrasts with the colors of the space. You can also add a sofa throw in the same color or with soft prints. An area rug—even in abaca—can elevate the style factor.
9 Use quality frames for artwork, prints, or posters. I suggest using the same color or finish for the frames, even if the designs differ. Keep the matting color consistent across all pieces. The matting can be wide (6 to 8 inches), medium (4 inches), or the standard 2 inches. Hang your artwork playfully if you have a few pieces, or arrange them in a grid if you have many.
10 Add an accent paint finish on one wall. This can contrast with your color scheme or be a darker shade of your overall interior theme.
11 If paint isn’t up your alley, try a wallpaper for an accent wall. This can be a relaxing pattern with small prints, depending on the size of the space. The wallpaper should complement the room and not jar the senses. You can even use wallpaper to line your shelves.
12 If you need more seating, you can add nicely shaped foot stools or ottomans to add some interest in the space.
13 Repurpose. If you’re tired of an old patterned rug, you can turn it into a long bench or ottoman by using the rug as upholstery instead of fabric.
Change the look of a ceramic stool by adding an upholstered seat. Turn your children’s old small toys into a lamp base, or fill a large glass jar with old knickknacks and add an electrical fitting and shade. Convert old décor into interesting furniture pieces or vice versa. Check out DIY videos. Repurposing doesn’t have to look like junk—it can make pieces look more expensive than they are.
BATHROOMS
1 All white towels in different sizes can look very clean and luxurious. Hang large bath towels on towel rods. Medium-sized towels can be placed on top of the bath towels. Face towels can be folded or rolled together in a basket or bowl.
2 Turn a small old mirror into a bathroom tray for toiletries.
3 Add some plants, whether large or small, on the floor or counter.
4 Add a small stool to use as a side table if you have space.
BEDROOMS
1 All white sheets are perfect for bedrooms. They go with any color and make any bed look plush. Pillows and pillow covers should look full. Add a duvet and a throw.
2 Remove clutter from your bedside table.
3 Place bed throws in an accent color.
4 Accentuate one main wall with a beautiful paint color or wallpaper.
5 Add an area rug under the bed.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
