Decorating & Design
Big & Small Design Moves That Give Rooms A Luxe Look
Updated on November 16, 2023
These tips (some are even budget friendly!) help homeowners who want to give their homes a glamorous, upscale look. To find out how these designers and homeowners created a posh vibe using big and small moves, scroll down.
Big: Add A Dramatic Overhead Light Fixture
Elevate the room and create a stunning focal point with a sculptural light fixture. Choosing high-quality fixtures in finishes such as brass, gold, or chrome make a statement.
Small: Choose Luxe Bathroom Accessories
Using a few smaller accessories in upscale materials is a favorite designer trick to give a room a more glamorous feel. Consider high-end materials such as gold, brass, marble, and mirror. These subtle details make the room read expensive and give it a jewel-box feeling.
Big: Detail Your Staircase
A staircase can be a major focal point: new runners, treads, spindles or handrails can freshen up the look of the staircase and turn it from boring to luxe, as the addition of these marble treads prove.
Small: Choose Large Rugs
Rugs add texture and warmth to any room and are one of the easiest ways to boost style, but skip skimpy versions. In the principal bedroom of this Calgary home, a generous nubbly rug anchors the bed.
Big: Add Built-Ins Or A Wall Unit
This beautiful Paul McCobb wall unit adds an extra layer of luxury to this Toronto condo.
Small: Add Pattern With Graphic Wallpaper & Textiles
Graphic wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler elevates this principal bedroom in Saskatchewan, while a matching pillow in the same pattern completes the look.
Big: Add Custom Doors
A walnut door in the main entry of a lakeside condo makes a ho-hum closet look like a work of art. Add a touch of drama and personality by choosing a custom door, adding applied molding or swapping out hardware.
Small: Use One Large Piece Of Art
A big artwork creates an expensive, gallery-like vibe in a space. A bold backdrop like this ebony-hued painted panelling makes it pop even more.
Big: Panel One Wall
Think of wood panelling as an elevated feature wall (it looks much richer than paint). In this condo, the warmth of the wood grain panels break up the white walls.