‘Guaranteed’ methods to make a home look ‘more expensive’

James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director and Designer at Bobbi Beck, told Express.co.uk: “With Britons having to be increasingly mindful of how and where they invest their money, the task of refreshing your home’s interior design may seem like a costly prospect. However, there are many simple ways to improve the design of your living space to make it look expensive, that don’t require having to splash the cash.” 

1. Lick of paint

The expert said: “A little can go a long way and sometimes all it takes to elevate the prestige of your home is a fresh coat of paint. 

“It’s easy to let well-loved furniture and appliances get worn down over time, but the simple act of repainting has the ability to completely transform the desirability and worth of your household items.” 

It is also easy to find second-hand paint or old paint which offers the opportunity to brighten up home decor, while also being environmentally friendly.

Alternatively, the pro recommended getting creative with a different colour scheme which could give a property a new lease of life.

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2. The faux effect

James explained: “Materials such as marble and wood are undeniably attractive and hugely popular in home renovation, but they can also be incredibly expensive. 

“As a result, we’re now seeing a rising trend in homeowners turning to substitutes that produce the same impressive effects but for significantly less money. 

“Whilst real wood panelling can cost around £90 per square metre, swapping this out for a stylish faux wooden panelling wallpaper can cost you around £13 per square metre in comparison. 

“Cost-effective, practical and easy to install, faux-effect wallpaper is a great alternative for those looking to save money without compromising on the sophistication of the real deal.” 

What’s more, wallpapering is an easy DIY job which means Britons won’t have to fork out on a professional.

5. Lights

James said: “A chandelier is often the first thing that comes to mind when we think of luxury lighting and this elegant statement piece is a welcome addition to any room. 

“However, if chandeliers aren’t your thing, then go bold with your lighting. Geometric shapes, silvers and golds, and glass pendants are just some of the design possibilities that will certainly make your home stand out.”

Lighting might be a functional feature, but it can also be ornamental too, so Britons shouldn’t be afraid to think outside the box when selecting their choices.

6. Think sustainable

Saving money is as much a long term goal as it is a short term one, according to the expert, and there are many choices Britons can make which will benefit the environment and your bank account.

Make sure to source decor from thrift shops, second hand stores, antique collections and sustainable businesses to discover a diverse range of items which are inexpensive, but often high quality.

The interior expert added: “Shopping sustainably will not only elevate the integrity of your home, but will enable you to obtain products that have a greater longevity, and therefore prevent you from excessively spending money on replacing or updating them.”