I LOVE a little luxury. But I’ve never believed you need to spend a fortune to create a home that feels elegant, thoughtful, and special. In fact, some of the most beautiful pieces in my home have come from the unlikeliest places – and for the most unexpected prices.
Here are five of my favourite ways to elevate your space.
1. Swap Out Artwork With Antique Frames
Some of the best places to look for good quality items at a fraction of the price is: CHARITY SHOPS + ANTIQUES FAIRS!
These places are goldmines for ornate, solid wood frames — often far better quality than anything you’d find new.
Prints are one of my favourite additions to a home – I like to make some of my own art work or buy a print for a lovely frame. There are so many good websites now for literally whatever your home style is!
- Vintage-style or fun art prints (Etsy is great for downloads)
- Black and white family photos
- Pages torn from coffee table books or magazines
2. Decant Everything — Yes, Even the Washing Up Liquid
Nothing cheapens a space faster than branded plastic packaging all over the place. One easy (and weirdly satisfying) upgrade is to decant your essentials into glass or ceramic dispensers.
Ideas:
- Washing up liquid in a pretty amber pump bottle
- Cereal in glass jars
- Olive oil in a vintage bottle with a pouring spout
- Basic shower or hand washes in coloured pump bottles
It sounds small, but it honestly gives your surfaces that elevated, curated feel.
Some of my go-to storage jars and pumps are linked [here]
3. Layer in Texture Like a Boutique Hotel
When you walk into a luxe hotel room, it’s rarely the expensive furniture that makes it feel special. It’s the layers of texture — the throws, cushions, linen, glass, velvet, and brass.
Add a touch of hotel luxury to your own home with:
- A chunky knit throw on the bed or armchair
- Velvet/Contrast fabric scatter cushions in rich tones (Often cheaper to buy your own cushion covers + feather filled cushions separately – you can save a fortune doing this so shop around!)
- A linen tablecloth draped over your everyday table
You don’t need designer brands — just good textures, neutral tones, and a few thoughtful layers.
🛏️ See my favourite luxe-feel home textiles [here]
4. Use Crystal & Cut Glass As Decor
This one’s my personal weakness: vintage crystal decanters.
I don’t even drink brandy (ha), but I’ll pick these up from antique or charity shops and style them on shelves, trays, or sideboards like little sparkling jewels.
They instantly add a sense of old-world glamour — and double as water jugs, vases, or just decorative touches.
I think these are especially nice in a Victorian (or period) home but they look surprisingly nice in my modern home now too!
Top tip: A group of 3 looks intentional. Add a tray or mirror underneath to reflect the sparkle.
If you’re not lucky at the charity shop, I’ve found some beautiful budget options online [here]
5. Upgrade Your Lighting – Soft & Strategic
Overhead lighting is rarely flattering. If you want your home to feel more expensive, change how your home is lit.
Here’s what works:
- Swap harsh bulbs for warm white (this is all I will use!)
- Add table and floor lamps in corners for evening coziness (layered lighting is so much cosier and luxurious)
- Try stick-on LED lights behind mirrors, under kitchen cupboards or inside wardrobes for a luxe glow. If you have finished decorating then there are plenty of added lighting options rather than doing it all within a first fix of a renovation.
Mood lighting is everything. And you can do it all on a budget with clever little tweaks.
Here are some cost efficient lighting options
Final Thoughts
Luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive. It’s about thoughtfulness, texture, and how a space makes you feel.
Mix high and low. Go treasure hunting. Choose items with weight, detail, and charm — whether they’re from Harrods or the charity shop (I quite literally have both varieties in my home so this blog is very true to my nature!)
And most importantly, create a home that feels uniquely you. Don’t worry about trends and definitely don’t worry about being embarrassed of buying things second hand! A little bargain-hunting goes a long way!
All blogs are written with the assistance of AI