Are Media syndication
A luxurious home is something to aspire to – and may be more achievable than you think. The true definition of a luxurious interior is not marble floors and gold-plated loos, but something more ephemeral (and tasteful). According to designer and author of Everyday Opulence Michael Mansvelt, it’s less about price and more about intention.
“Luxury is about making people feel comfortable and heard in a space that allows for both peace and play. It’s soft, durable materials, warmth without being precious and rooms that think about people’s needs – books within reach, board games nearby, candles lit, drinks trays ready,” he says.
In more good news for those with Champagne tastes and beer budgets, creating a feeling of luxury involves cultivating a philosophy of ‘less’. For interior stylist Shontelle Coley of Rume, the key word is restraint.
“Creating an air of opulence is not always what you add but what you choose not to add. There is no clutter in a luxurious space, everything feels intentional, edited, calm and considered – and, as they say, choosing quality over quantity.”
Designer Michael Mansvelt says luxury shouldn’t be unapproachable and stuffy.
“Luxury always connects to its surroundings – the landscape, the climate and the light – luxury is grounded in where it stands.”
20 ways to get the look without the price tag
1. Architectural detailing
Ornate cornicing, lavishly detailed ceiling roses, picture rails, wainscoting – these architectural details are a defining feature of period homes and, in modern homes, they show a rare dedication to craftsmanship and are a mark of a luxury build. Retrofit this high-end look by swapping stumpy skirtings for tall ones with a little detailing, or use pre-shaped trims to add character to a flat wall.
2. Upgrade door hardware
Nothing makes a space look cheap and unloved like builder-grade hardware, but on the bright side, swapping out default handles is an easy, low-cost way to take a home from bog standard to bespoke. Even if you can’t stretch to all new door hardware throughout, simply swapping kitchen or bathroom cabinet pulls makes an enormous difference. Look for higher-end materials and interesting textures or shapes to give cabinetry a custom appeal.
3. Go large with art
Art makes a house feel like a home, but large-scale art makes it truly luxe – on a big blank wall, a large, framed work feels considered and proportionate and, therefore, high-end. Big artworks come with a proportionally larger price tag, but there are lots of budget-friendly hacks. Instead of an original painting, opt for an oversized print, or try framing a beautiful length of fabric or a stunning silk scarf. Lash out on professional framing to achieve an upscale look.
4. Natural materials
When in doubt, judge an item’s luxe appeal by the material it’s made of.
“The natural world represents the highest form of luxury – timber, wool, stone, leather, clay,” says Michael.
“These age beautifully, carry history and connect us back to something grounding and authentic.”
Invest in pieces that are enduring and ideally will improve with age, such as furniture in solid timber or marble, or wool and linen textiles.
5. Layered lighting
Instead of the ‘builder’s special’ of a downlight-spotted ceiling, opt for a range of light fittings, intentionally chosen to create a layered effect. Tick off task lighting where needed (over kitchen counters, for example), but elsewhere let ambience win over functionality. Use sconces to wash warm light over walls, pendants to drop pools of illumination and filter light through lampshades.
6. Rich, tactile fabrics
Luxury is experienced with all the senses and a luxe interior is layered with fabrics that invite touch, from silks to leather. Shontelle is a fan of velvet, favouring oversized velvet cushions in a rich colour.
“There are some really affordable velvets out there, so even getting some custom-made will not break the bank. Then add a large soft faux fur throw,” she says.
7. Large lighting
Luxury lighting is about more than just illumination. A striking statement light adds character and sophistication and stamps a space with instant personality. Choose a light to suit your space – a twinkly chandelier, bold lantern, or sculptural pendant – but the most important factor is size. Bigger is almost always better.
Looking for a budget hack? “Even upsizing the lampshades on lamps and ceiling pendants can make such a difference,” says Shontelle.
8. Gilded accents
Don’t worry, we’re not talking Trumpian levels of gold. But judicious use of metal, particularly warm metals like brass, copper or bronze, which reflect light and lend a subtle luminosity to a room. Small touches go a long way. Consider a gilt-framed mirror, brass lamp base, or copper pots displayed in the kitchen. Polished metals are beautiful, but raw finishes, which are designed to patina, bring a luxurious sense of age and timeless style.
9. Antiques and future heirlooms
“Luxury is enduring. It’s choosing pieces that are built to last and designed to age well, rather than items that are easily damaged or quickly dated. Craftsmanship over convenience,” says Michael.
“True luxury isn’t disposable – it’s made to be lived with for decades.”
Invest in antiques, which have already stood the test of time, or new pieces that are hand-crafted and of high quality. You can mix high-end with high street – a single standout piece will elevate everything around it.
10. Selective spending
Achieving a luxury look is not about spending more but spending better.
“Spend wisely on practical, enduring pieces – sideboards, lighting, lamps and artworks – the elements that can last for decades. Sofas, cushions and soft furnishings tend to have a shorter life, so I’d spend less there,” says Michael.
11. Rug up well
Furnishings need to be proportionate to the room, but when it comes to a luxury effect, too small is worse than too big. Rugs are expensive and a common victim of too-small syndrome. To keep your rug luxuriously large without breaking the bank, consider jute or sisal (much cheaper than wool). Try rug layering, or sew two identical rugs together, which is much more affordable than a custom rug.
12. The smell of luxury
Cultivate a signature scent for your home by investing in one gorgeous, quality fragrance, instead of a fruit salad of random candles – or worse, eau de dog. Make lighting a candle or incense stick part of your nightly wind-down routine or strategically place reed diffusers around the house for low-level fragrance.
13. Deliberate colour
What sets a luxe interior apart is a sense that there has been careful consideration put into colour selection, so that they speak to each other.
“Match your cushions and throws to a colour in an art piece or bring in a large vase, sculpture or lamp base that complements other colours in the room,” says Shontelle.
14. Mirror, mirror
Space and light are hallmarks of luxury interiors and the easiest way to maximise both in a single step is with a mirror. Use a tall mirror to emphasise the height of the room, or position a large mirror to reflect light and views. When selecting a mirror, consider the frame and use this as a way to bring in rich materials, like the warmth of wood or luminous brass.
15. Complex neutrals
If you prefer whites and beiges, give it a luxury spin. The key here is complexity – use a warm white, which makes a space feel soft and timeless, or instead of flat grey, choose a dove grey with an undertone of violet. A tonal scheme feels more luxurious. Consider layering different strengths of the same neutral tone, using a quarter strength for trims and a deeper version for walls.
16. Jewel tones
Luxury is subjective, says Shontelle. While some will see it in a preponderance of white, others will find it in “old-world rich colours on the walls, dark coloured velvet sofas, gilded mirrors and oversized urns.” Channel stately home luxury with walls in rich, saturated colours – a complex navy, moody aubergine, or wine red. To emphasise the vibe of a velvet-lined jewellery box, add accents of warm metal, such as gold or brass.
17. Use the good stuff
Pull out the good china. Put the ‘guest towels’ into regular circulation. Light the fancy candle. If you’ve got gorgeous pieces that you consider too good to use, use them. The luxury that matters is the luxury you use every day, not the stuff that’s hidden in a drawer.
18. Cut flowers
What do the most lavish homes have in common? Fresh flowers on every surface. Get the look without a giant florist bill by adding strategic greenery. Place vases of flowers where you’ll get the most joy from them, such as in the entrance to welcome you home. Instead of shop-bought blooms, forage from your garden for cut flowers, or create a tall, sculptural arrangement of pruned branches.
19. Treat everyday items like riches
Store and style your most humble belongings as though they’re priceless. Fold linens neatly, give hanging clothes room to breathe – even opening the tea-towel drawer is a tiny joy, if everything is respectfully stored. On open shelves and tabletops, style your objects like a magazine shoot, as a little act of love for your home.
20. Get decluttering
If space is the ultimate luxury, the most effective and affordable luxe-home hack is a good sort out. Tackle one room at a time, bin or donate anything that’s not useful or beautiful and give your possessions room to breathe. Be ruthless with broken, ripped or ratty pieces – even legitimately luxe items will feel cheap if they’re crammed cheek by jowl with tatty rags.
Read more:
- How people are embracing ‘analogue homes’ in 2026
- Inspiring bathroom makeover trends for 2026
- 10 kitchen trends defining 2026
