Luxury interiors never go out of style. They’re timeless, elegant, and somehow manage to feel both relaxed and refined. But let’s be honest—achieving that high-end look can often feel out of reach without a matching luxury budget.
Endless scrolling through Pinterest and boutique hotel Instagram feeds can be inspiring—but also a little overwhelming when it seems like everything costs a fortune. The good news? Creating a luxurious home doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few clever design hacks, you can elevate your space and create that boutique feel for far less than you might think.
Here are our top interior design tips to help you achieve a luxury look on a budget.
1. Start with the Bed – The Focal Point of Any Room
Think about a boutique hotel room. Where does your eye go first? The bed.
To recreate this look at home, start with a tall, upholstered headboard in a soft neutral shade. A padded design with button details instantly adds comfort and sophistication. Next, layer up your bedding with generously sized pillows—pro tip: stand your pillows upright instead of laying them flat for a styled, hotel-worthy finish.
Symmetry is key. Matching bedside tables and lamps create a sense of order and balance. Place mirrors behind the bedside tables to reflect light and make the space feel larger. Finish the look with two large plain cushions and two smaller patterned ones, topped off with a casually draped throw across the bottom of the bed.
2. Choose Large Accessories Over Lots of Small Ones
When it comes to accessorising, less is often more—but bigger is better. A few well-chosen large pieces look more elegant and considered than lots of smaller ones.
Think: a single oversized vase, a bold table lamp, or a sculptural object. Always incorporate a touch of black into your room—it grounds the space and adds depth, whether through a black lamp base, photo frame, or decorative bowl. Adding a vintage or antique piece, like a worn book or an ornate box, introduces character and timeless charm.
3. Add Gold or Brass Accents
Nothing says luxury quite like gold.
Warm metallics such as brass and gold are making a strong comeback, replacing the cooler tones of chrome and silver. Look for small touches—gold-trimmed photo frames, brass hardware, or furniture with metallic legs—to subtly introduce this luxe element into your decor.
4. Refresh Furniture with New Handles
If your furniture is looking a little tired, consider updating the knobs or handles. It’s a surprisingly affordable way to transform dressers, sideboards, or nightstands—and make even flat-pack pieces look custom and high-end.
5. Invest in a Velvety Soft Rug
Hard floors can feel cold and stark. One of the easiest ways to instantly warm up your space is to add a plush, oversized rug. A deep-pile or velvety rug adds texture, colour, and comfort, helping to create that inviting, luxurious feel underfoot.
6. Bring in Fresh (or Faux) Flowers
Nothing completes a room quite like flowers.
Large floral displays instantly elevate a space and add a sense of occasion. Fresh blooms are ideal, but you can also get creative—clip branches from your garden, or invest in quality faux flowers. Budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl often stock beautiful roses at a fraction of the price.
7. Dim the Lights
Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to ambience. Harsh, overhead lighting can ruin the mood, while soft, layered lighting creates warmth and sophistication.
Install dimmer switches wherever possible, and make good use of table lamps and candles. Not only does this soften your space, but it’s also more flattering—for both you and your interiors.
8. Add Wallpaper with a Subtle Shimmer
If you want to take things up a notch, consider wallpaper.
You don’t need to wallpaper an entire room—a single feature wall with a metallic or textured finish can add instant glamour. Look for designs with shimmer, glass beads, or a satin finish to reflect light and add depth.
9. Roll (Don’t Fold) Your Towels
For a quick and easy upgrade in your bathroom, roll your towels instead of folding them. Stack them neatly beside the sink or on open shelving for that spa-hotel feel. And if you’re feeling fancy, fold the edge of your toilet paper into a triangle for the ultimate finishing touch (we won’t judge if you save that for guests!).