PRO TIPS FROM KATHY
Happy fall, cuties! Today we’re talking about how to make your home look upscale and expensive! Ever flip through your favorite home decor and interior design magazines and coffee table books and think: “How do I get that luxe look without first becoming a multi-millionaire?” You’re not alone–even seasoned home and design industry pros like me get that envious feeling sometimes when we scroll Pinterest or open up Architectural Digest (and given how much we’ve all been stuck at home this year, I’ve certainly logged more time scrolling and page-turning than usual). But want to know a secret? It’s actually really easy to get that upscale look–any home of any any size can achieve it, seriously!–if you follow a few style secrets.
I’ll be real with you: You should be prepared to make some strategic investments in quality furnishings you love, so this isn’t going to be a guide to making lower cost items appear more expensive. But rather, I want to walk you through how to shop for furniture and decor the smart way, and then style it in the same manner to get that uber-polished, oh-so-covetable, magazine-cover-worthy look. This means putting your budget towards high-level design and top-quality materials, saying yes to custom options that showcase your personality, and thinking outside the box when it comes to styling and finishing touches.
Okay…so are you ready to dive into the finer side of interior design? Read on and prepare to feel like a million bucks (but without literally spending six figures)!
The first secret I want to share when it comes to adding that certain brand of upscale gloss to your home is that it truly pays off to invest in one or two timeless pieces that will ground a room in a meaningful and beautiful way. This means a sofa, an area rug, a set of accent chairs, or media cabinet. You’re going want to budget for this right off the bat for this–and trust me, you will be so, so, so happy you did.
I’ve read that the average American goes through three cars before they replace their large living room anchor furniture, like sofas. This means that you will be living with it for a *long* time if you cut corners when it comes to a piece like a sofa or sectional. I’ve had to coax many past clients through the selection process for a higher priced sofa or arm chair…and guess what? After plenty of deep breathes through the purchasing process–and holding of breathes through the order and procurement process–they were *all* so thrilled that they made the investment in actually loving their furniture.
You’ll also find that once you invest in a really special anchor piece, it’s then easy-breezy to style and decorate around it with a mix of high-end decor, medium-priced accents, and vintage or heirloom picks.
Investing in performance fabrics designed to last a long time, or luxe fabrics that really set the tone for the whole room, are surefire ways to making your home look more expensive. I’ve found that you can really make a strong statement with versatile colorful neutrals–like olive green and navy blue (see how I do this in my own home in the photo above).
Designer Furniture, Lighting & Decor From Kathy Kuo Home
If you’re a regular reader of The Kuotes blog, you know that I am the queen of custom rugs! It’s no secret that custom furniture and rugs come at a higher price tag and sometimes a longer lead time. However, there is no better way to make your home look straight out of a magazine, while still reflecting your own personality, than to invest in a chic custom rug for your home. When a rug is made to measure, it hugs your space perfectly, it makes it look harmonious, and it has the power to truly anchor your space. I personally have custom Fibre Works rug in my home and it’s one of the best purchases I have ever made!
Custom furniture can have a similar effect, but if you already have furnishings you’re happy with and want to upgrade the overall look of the room, the rug is where I would recommend that you start. And in the same vein, I would advise that you consider investing in a luxe throw blanket or custom cushion to dress your furniture up! Trust me: Fancy throw pillows have the ability to transform.
Okay, so you have your sofa, complete with custom fabric and you’re ready to add the finishing touches! This is actually one of my very favorite parts of the interior design process–and the best part is that the styling process is where you can really get creative with a mix of smaller decor pieces to create an opulent vibe that also shows off your own style and maximizes your budget.
Smart and strategic styling (you may even want to work with an e-designer here!) can truly elevate the look and feel of your entire home and give the illusion of luxury. For example, purchasing some quality faux florals can make all the difference. For some context, our faux florals (which are just…so beautiful, and all from John-Richard) aren’t silk so they don’t fray, and when you order one, the decorative vessel is retrofitted for the floral so the look is truly seamless and the experience about as custom as it could be.
You can also try mixing metals with decor items (as long as there is a clear dominant metal) brings a modern flair in, and adding pillows and throws with accent colors and textures adds more depth and warmth to the space.
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
Need design help? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you truly love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
