How to make your house look expensive on a budget
Making your house look expensive on a budget involves a mix of creativity, strategic investments, and attention to detail. Here are some tips:
Liv shares her expert advice on everything from how to make your living room feel cosy to always making sure towels are on hand – as well as advising on what not to do.
She was crowned UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2019 after founding her business at just 16 years old.
Mother-of-one Liv is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers, which furnishes more than 300 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers.
Liv Conlon, 25, originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, has been staging properties for more than a decade and knows how you can get more than the asking price if you’re selling.
Living Room
When it comes to making a decision on choosing their next or first property, buyers focus heavily on their living space. If you’re looking to sell your property and want to get the best price possible, be mindful that the living room really is considered the central room of the home.
The ideal vibe you’re looking for is inviting and cosy – as this is what potential buyers will be feeling when relaxing in their next home.
The skill when it comes to style and design is to make your living room feel as spacious as possible without allowing it to feel empty or soulless.
Here are top tips for achieving this:
1. Oversized everything
Instead of tiny, cluttered accessories, consider choosing oversized lamps to place onto side tables, and think along the same lines for accessories such as candlesticks, glass vases, and photo frames.
When it comes to dressing your room, think big – you really want these soft furnishings to make an impact while oozing luxury.
The mistake most people make when furnishing their home is underestimating the sizes of lamps and accessories that are required to make an impact.
2. Add a touch of gold
Gold has been used for centuries to indicate wealth, status, and desire and has long been associated with wealth and status, royalty, and nobility. And it’s a colour ThePropertyStagers uses when staging properties.
It’s one of the most symbolically loaded colors; and by incorporating accents in gold into your décor, you will add a touch of glamour and elegance to any space.
Before rushing out to purchase gold paint, consider subtler options. Incorporate touches of this lustrous hue with gold-finished accessories like picture frames, mirrors, or decorative objects. These additions can enhance the sophistication of your living room decor without overwhelming the space.
3. Prints
It’s important to dress your rooms to make them feel stylish, desirable, and aspirational. While you might admire artwork featured in magazines like Vogue or Elle or seen in luxury hotels, finding the perfect pieces for your home doesn’t have to break the bank.
In my own lounge, I’ve found that sourcing your favorite print online, even if it’s not an original, can be a cost-effective solution. Simply ensure you have a decent printer that can do the print justice (or invest in one if needed), then print it out and purchase an affordable frame. This approach allows you to enjoy the artwork you love without breaking the bank.
4. Feather insert cushions
Upgrade your cushions by investing in feather inserts instead of letting your slumped pillows do the talking. This simple switch will give them a more plush and luxurious look, while also allowing you to perform the ‘cushion chop’.
Cushions are a brilliant addition for adding a pop of color as well as a perception of luxury to a sofa or living room chair.
Kitchen
Styling your kitchen to extend beyond functionality is crucial for any potential viewer. They should be able to envision the area serving multiple purposes, not just where meals are prepared, cooked, and eaten.
Today, modern kitchens can also function as our living rooms, playrooms, homework or work-from-home areas, as well as spaces where we socialize with friends or family.
Here is how to maximise the space:
- Shelving rather than units
Create an airy and expansive feel in your kitchen by opting for open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets.
This not only saves money but also provides an opportunity to display decorative items like glassware and cookbooks, adding personality and visual interest to the space.
- Strategically placed lighting
Enhance functionality and ambiance in your kitchen by illuminating key areas with strategically placed lighting fixtures.
Install pendant lights above a kitchen island or sink area, under-cabinet or shelving lighting for task lighting, and recessed lighting for overall illumination.
In my own kitchen, I have installed both floating shelves and strategically placed lighting under the shelves and pendant lights.
- Hide your appliances
While functionality is important, potential buyers prefer a clean and streamlined look. Conceal bulky appliances such as microwaves, blenders, and toasters to maintain a polished appearance.
Consider integrating appliances into cabinetry or investing in sleek, modern appliances that seamlessly blend into the design scheme.
Bedroom
When selling a house, all bedrooms are important, but highlighting the master bedroom is crucial.
Potential buyers need to envision themselves relaxing and enjoying a good night’s sleep in a luxurious setting.
Consider these ways to enhance the primary bedroom:
- Layer the Bed
Create a luxurious bed by layering multiple textures and fabrics. Use an additional duvet as a throw to add warmth and depth, and don’t skimp on pillows – three cushions at the back of the bed provide a polished look.
- Seating area at the foot of the bed
Maximize space and functionality by dividing the bedroom into functional zones. Consider adding a cozy seating area at the foot of the bed using accent chairs or a chaise lounge, providing a relaxing retreat for reading or lounging.
- Mannequin
Add a touch of vintage charm and elegance to your bedroom decor with a stylish mannequin. Use it to display favorite clothing pieces or accessories, adding personality and visual interest to the room.
- Bathtub in the bedroom
While not initially budget-friendly, incorporating a bathtub into the bedroom can be achieved affordably. Many five-star or boutique hotels feature this design element, creating a wow factor. For example, a tub purchased for just £100 at a warehouse clearance can complete the look in the bedroom.
Bathroom
Creating a warm yet luxurious atmosphere in any bathroom involves adding layers of texture and small luxuries to bring the space to life. Here’s how:
- Hotel toiletries
Elevate your bathroom aesthetic by collecting hotel toiletries on your travels. Place them on countertops or in the shower for both visual appeal and an elevated bathing experience, without the need to purchase expensive bath and body products.
2. Add interest through items
To avoid a barren and cold feeling in your bathroom, consider adding interest through various items. Incorporate a floor-standing plant, a jute basket of rolled towels, or a ladder with additional towels.
3. Add layers and textures
Additionally, when selecting towels, bath mats, and shower curtains, aim for a matching color scheme throughout but introduce diversity with different textures such as waffle, towel, or jacquard.
By applying these proven tips and techniques, which have been successful in the properties I’ve staged over the past few years, you can turn your home into a stylish sanctuary that radiates luxury and sophistication while staying within your budget.
Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing to sell your home, achieving an expensive look has never been more attainable.
Best-selling author Liv oversees two seven-figure businesses: the multi-award-winning ThePropertyStagers, which stages 300 properties annually, and StagerBoss, a coaching business empowering women to replicate her success.
