10 Ways To Give Your Home a High-End Look

I took the design style quiz over on the decorist.com website and by golly I think they defined my style to T!

Here’s what it said…

YOU …

• want your home to be stylish and that is a reflection of you and your overall tastes.
• like a rustic or natural but refined look to your home.
• like ethnic accents and a “worldly” look.
• like warm colors.
• like bright pops of color or colorful accents.
• like luxurious materials.
• like to use texture for visual interest.
• like to use some traditional gilded or wood accents in your home to give it a sense of timelessness
• like the look of natural materials in your home

The one thing the quiz failed to pick up on is that I love décor with a high-end look.

When it comes to decorating, I love to mix of budget finds with investment pieces, vintage finds with new pieces, and refined looks with rustic styles.  I don’t think your house has to be filled with expensive décor and furniture to have style, but I do believe there are easy and cost-effective things you can do to give your décor the look of high style .

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 Mix New and Old

A mix of styles and period pieces is one of the easiest ways to give your home unique individual personality.  If your style leans more traditional, then look at adding a few vintage or modern accessories to provide contrast within your décor.  You can also achieve the same results by accessorizing with fabrics in a different style than the core of your décor.

the rustic headboard and vintage chandelier provide a great contrast to the sleek desk and more modern fabric on the bench

the vintage chandelier mixes well with the modern granite and the older but updated painted cabinets

Enhance With Trim Detail

You can add a lot of visual punch to your décor by adding trim and molding to doors, ceilings and windows.  Any design detail that adds dimension will give the appearance of high style.

tip:  give plain walls a paneled look by adding narrow strips of molding. This treatment, known as picture-framing, is a simple way to draw eyes to certain areas of the room. Keep the spacing even and the edges aligned for a symmetrical, eye-pleasing look.

Update Fixtures

One of most budget friendly ways to achieve a more expensive look and feel with your décor is by upgrading the lighting and fixtures throughout your home.  Brass is making a comeback so don’t be afraid to incorporate it into your décor.  Predictions say that brass is her to stay.

think about hanging multiple pendants instead of one

and don’t be afraid to go big with chandeliers in your main living areas

brass in the bathroom can give your space a fresh new look

Add Architectural Details

Architectural details are a great way to give your home a high style look. Turn the ceiling into a focal point with this simple trick: Embellish the area around a light fixture’s attachment with a lightweight, polyurethane ceiling medallion. Decorative ceiling medallions are available in various sizes and can be painted in any color you desire.

even a ceiling fan can go high style with the addition of a ceiling medallion

planked walls and ceilings are very popular and it’s a simple diy UpStyle you can do in your home to add high-end detail

Add Dimension Through Textured Linens

Just look at how the linens in this bedroom below give it a more luxurious feel.  Incorporate textured pillows, carpeting, accessories and even art to infuse your décor with added style.

Layer Window Treatments For Depth

The more depth that the eye sees when looking at a decorated space, the more expensive it feels.

 woven shade are ideal for layering under curtain panels

patterned roman shades can add style to solid drapes

Create Vignettes To Add Visual Style

I love a beautiful vignette and how it can give a room a personal feel.  The simple rule of building a vignette is to group a collection of items together in a balance and harmonious way.

a console table in the foyer is the perfect place to create a vignette that showcase treasures pieces

small tabletop vignettes can flank each end of a chest or console table

and your vignette doesn’t have to be perfectly arranged–a random placement of items will feel more relaxed and personal

Light Up With Lined Lampshades

There’s nothing wrong with an unlined lampshade but the added detail of a lining can make a lamp or light fixture look more expensive.  There are lots of DIY tutorials on Pinterest if you want to do your own lampshade lining.

Metallic Touches Feel Expensive

I think just about everything that is shiny has a more expensive feel to it.  Just a few accessories with sparkle and shine can add energy to your décor and make it feel more expensive.

a silver lamp is timeless and feels elegant

gold furniture can add a glamorous feel

Pretty Flowers Make Every Room Look Better

If you think about photos of the world’s more luxurious homes and hotels they all have one thing in common–flowers!

Not only will flowers enhance your décor, they’ll enhance the mood of your home too!

tip:  a bouquet in a single color had just as much drama and impact as a bouquet of mixed colors

When it come to design, it’s the little touches that go a long way in achieving a high-style look for your home.

I’d love to know how you add touches of high style to your décor so leave me a comment and let me in on your secrets.