We all want designer looks in our homes, but the hefty price tags that often come with them sometimes make it hard to think of a way to upgrade our furniture without draining our bank accounts. Everyone should be able to give their home the decor it deserves without breaking the bank. Luckily, the answer lies in the art of ‘stealing’ designer looks! It’s easier than you might think.
Start by deciding which designer look you want in your home. There are plenty of designer aesthetics to choose from, as well as key pieces to consider. Be sure to choose ones that express your style and stick to the basics. You don’t need everything all at once – a few well-chosen pieces will make a big impact.
One way to ‘steal’ a designer look is to look for second-hand pieces. Many second-hand stores, online marketplaces, and even thrift shops carry furniture and fixtures that have been gently loved before you. You can score major discounts purchasing second-hand as compared to buying it newly produced. Another great thing about looking for second-hand pieces is that you often come across pieces that are not mass-produced, making your home that much more unique.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try giving pieces an old-meets-new feel by combining a designer piece with a do-it-yourself concept. Upcycling is a great way to get a designer-esque look without having to pay designer prices. It’s an economical and sustainable way to give your home that Pinterest-perfect vibe.
If your budget allows, consider investing in a signature piece. A designer or statement chair, sofa, or accent piece can do wonders for the look of your home. Look into eclectic pieces that don’t necessarily ‘match’, as these are often seen in high-end designer homes.
Take advantage of layaway. You don’t have to pay full price to get the designer look you want. Many furniture stores offer a layaway plan, allowing you to buy your furniture in installments over a certain period of time. In the end, you still get the piece you want, but you pay a fraction of the price.
Avoid the temptation to buy everything in bulk. You may be able to find a few items you love, but be sure to consider if it would fit into your home. That being said, keep in mind the size of your home and the layout. It’s important to choose pieces that are proportionate to the size of your space.
When in doubt, start small. Even the tiniest of accessory pieces can make a big difference. Pillows, rugs, lamps, and art décor are easy to mix and match; each one has the potential to give your space an extra edge.
Not sure where to start? Have fun walking the line between high-end and low-end pieces. Trust your gut and get creative. With a little trial and error, you’ll soon have a designer-inspired home – all without spending a fortune.
For more subtle upgrades, consider making simpler changes like replacing knobs, handles, and hinges; painting furniture; and rearranging fixtures. With a few tricks of the trade, you can give furniture a new look without having to replace it altogether. Don’t be afraid to be bold. Need help? Research home design blogs, magazines, websites, and social media accounts for inspiration.
For a more dramatic update, try tackling a whole-room makeover. Start with a piece of furniture – a sofa, armchair, or bed, for example – and build off of it. Use the piece as the inspiration for the room, and then work in complimentary pieces to build an inviting space.
Go antique shopping. Many antique shops carry furniture pieces that have been returned to their former glory, giving them a chance to live on through someone else’s home. You can get an antique piece in great condition with a bit of an upgrade, for a fraction of the price of a new piece.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to take risks. Step outside of your comfort zone and get creative. Combine different materials, patterns, and textures – from woods to metals, linen to velvets – to really bring the look together. It’s okay to experiment and make mistakes; it’s a part of the process.
Armed with these tips in hand, you can now get the designer look you have always wanted with confidence. So, what are you waiting for? Get your piece of designer style without the designer price tag. create warm and inviting spaces and give your furniture an upgrade today!
Changing the upholstery is one way to breathe new life into furniture. Find the color that best matches the room and take it for a spin. Pick the fabric that speaks to you and really pulls the look together. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures to find the right fabric for a sofa, headboard, or armchairs.
Investing in the perfect light fixtures can have a huge impact on the look of your home, especially if you choose pieces with personality. Lighting can emphasize a style or even create a mood; go for styles that complement the look of the room. It’s an easy way to make any furniture look more expensive.
Introduce greenery in the form of plants and flowers. The right plants for the right spot can warm up an interior. Also, an old trunk or table can get an entirely new look with the addition of plants. The right touch of greenery can make your space feel vibrant and alive.
If your budget allows, invest in framing pieces that are special to you. Framing art already gives a space a unique touch, making it look and feel more personalized. Embellish your home with artwork that speaks to you!
When it comes to finishing touches, small accessories make a big difference. Place moody accents like boxes, trays, and vessels and full the spaces. Spice up your home with a crockery set that doubles as decor. Play with contrasting colors and textures that make the room shine.
Don’t forget to embrace the tension between old and new. An old piece paired with a modern design can turn into a conversation starter. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; it can make for a great design story.
An inexpensive way to give furniture a designer look is by distressing and sanding down the pieces. This inexpensive trick gives off an effortless, beachy, vintage aesthetic. Consider the color of the wood before sanding to ensure that the color you take off is what you wanted.
Add interest to neutral colors by adding a splash of color into the mix. Bright colors can bring a happy feeling to any room, while muted tones can give a more intimate feel. Try different combinations to create a unique look for your home.
If you’re looking to give your furniture an upgrade, make sure you get the most bang for your buck by choosing quality materials. Raw materials like wood, linen, leather, and metal translate to higher quality, which can also up the resale value of furniture.
Place pieces near natural light sources. The right combination of light and position can give a piece a sense of grandeur. Placing items away from walls to create pockets of space that allow more natural light to pass through can be just what you need.
Finally, don’t forget the power of candles. Not only are they an inexpensive way to spruce up decor, candles can also serve as a great source of light. Place them behind a piece of furniture to create a sense of depth and shadows to set a new atmosphere altogether.
Embrace the design trends. Make sure to keep up with what’s in style by keeping track of the latest trends and new releases. Think about how the style of the piece reflects the personality of the room. Do you need a statement piece for the main area or are you just looking for something to add more to your already-existing theme?
When shopping, think about the level of usage and how the furniture will endure the elements. Ask yourself, “Will this furniture be able to handle light to moderate usage?” This will help you determine whether you should buy a piece for looks or something more functional.
When it comes to furniture, think about the quality rather than quantity. Investing in a few high-quality pieces is always a better bet than buying many sub-par ones. Quality furniture that lasts is a key part of creating a designer style home.
And finally, looks can be deceiving. Before you buy a piece of furniture, consider testing it out first. Take the time to sit on the furniture or even move it to make sure it is the right choice for your needs.
Now that you know the secrets of ‘stealing’ designer looks, you are well on your way to renovating your furniture and giving it a designer makeover. And with the right tips and tricks, you can get the look without the hefty price tag. So, what are you waiting for? Start stealing designer looks and make your home look beautiful!