Design Tips to Create a High End Look in your Home

You don’t have to be wealthy to get that high end look you see in magazines.  There are little tricks and design hacks that you can use to create a sophisticated space.  Incorporate these design tips and recreate your space to feel luxurious and elegant.   It takes practice but soon you will be a pro.

Layer Pillows in Bedrooms and Living Rooms

 

Start with larger scale size pillows such as Euro pillows in the bedroom, then layer forward with smaller pillows until you have a nice balance.  You can mix sizes and shapes but remember less is more.  Don’t overdo it with too many pillows or it becomes busy. There is a fine line between adding interest and comfort to becoming busy and chaotic.

In case you haven’t noticed I LOVE pillows because it is an easy way to dress your space up for everyday or seasonally.  I prefer less pillows versus too many but the key is coordinating colors, patterns, and scale. Also, don’t forget the power of texture.  Texture adds dimension and interest and is a great way to bring coziness to a space.

On a sofa a good way to start is to remember this trick.  If the sofa is darker start by using a larger scale pillow of about 22-24” with a lighter color as a contrast so it will pop more.  Then continue to layer forward using the elements described.  Do the opposite for a lighter colored sofa.  We are creating depth by layering so some contrast is nice.

You can balance both sides of the sofa using the same pillows on each end or you can mix and match being less symmetrical which is what I like best.

 

Layer the three types of Lighting

 

Some of the most put together rooms have varying forms of lighting for different tasks and moods.  There is task lighting for when you are working, there is accent lighting for displaying artwork, a feature wall or fireplace, and there is overall ambient lighting.

The trick is to make sure that the entirety of the room has a nice overall glow without hard shadows and that the level of brightness is just enough accompanied with pops of interest with decorative lamps, or featured artwork.

Combinations of pot lights, pendant lighting, chandeliers, wall sconces to name a few can all work together when coordinated and used effectively for the three types of lighting.  However, the most important rule is to make that all forms of lighting use the same temperature bulbs.  If you go with warm bulbs stay with warm bulbs throughout.  There is another whole blog I could write on bulbs and creating temperatures but that is the most basic rule for beginners.

 

 

 

 

Window Treatments

 

Don’t underestimate the power of fabric.  This is another way to soften, add layers, and frame a window.  Drapery is the rage with stationary panels layered over functional window treatments such as honeycomb shades, roller and solar shades, natural shades, sheer shades and blinds.

The same rules for color, pattern, texture and scale apply to creating the perfect balance.

I can’t stress enough that the goal is to add height and width to a window so make sure to hang the rod close to the ceiling and extend the pole beyond the window so that the fabric is not coming too far into the window.  I like to cover trim and come into the window about 3 inches.  This optimizes light and again gives the illusion that the window is bigger than it is.

And most importantly bring the fabric to the floor.  I like to be up ½” from the floor.  Please, please, please NO FLOOD DRAPERIES.  This is like wearing your trousers 3 inches too short which, for the record, looks bad.

There are many different styles of drapery panels available and with creative and simple fabric selections a person can create a custom look to suit your style. If this is a bit daunting, call the professionals at Made in the Shade 403-821-1037 and we can help with your custom window treatments.  You will be amazed at the difference it makes in your home.

 

Stick to the Classics

 

As fun as it is to stay up on the trends I suggest you stick to the classics for your main items and incorporate the trends in more subtle ways. You can change the entire look of a room with a few tweaks so there is no need for a major transformation if you stick to the classics along the way.  If you are going to splurge, go for classic items as they will still hold value and compliment the look for years to come.

Also, as much as I love color I also suggest going neutral in larger areas.  Go neutral in furnishings, or wall colors and light fixtures and incorporate color, texture and patterns in fabrics and accessories and remember to bring in personal items that have meaning to you such as memorabilia from holidays, family photos, etc.  These are the things that make a house a home and your home should be a reflection of you.

I hope these little tricks of the trade help you save money and  give you the high end look you are aspiring to achieve.  There are many decorating on a dime ideas but these will get you on point for immediate and simple results that hopefully will inspire you to keep going in your decorating journey. The guidelines and designer tips can help create that “magazine” look but remember some rules are meant to be broken.  After all, creativity and personality should also be present.  Have fun with it!