… from an award-winning interior designer

Anyone telling you that only expensive things will make your home look good and expensive is totally wrong! If you’re one of these … I hate to break it to you but buying expensive items does not equal in having style. You can’t buy style (unless you’re hiring an interior designer, lol). So if you’re one of these people believing that money will automatically equip you with taste, I’m sorry. For all the others: great news! Because interior design doesn’t have to be expensive. In this blogpost, I will share some of the approaches I work with when it comes to creating gorgeous, carefully curated apartments that don’t necessarily have to cost a fortune.

Overall, if you’ve been following me and my projects for the last couple of years, you’ll know that I put design over expensive things. Always. Of course, it is nice to add a few designer elements here and there, and of course it’s a dream to have an unlimited budget for furnishing, as some design items are definitely easier to find and pick that way. However, I totally believe that a nice interior doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. It is more about which items have been picked, how they’ve been combined, which textures, colors, decor items have been used and how much personality and character they add.

Furthermore, a good concept is key in order to create a beautiful interior. Why? You’ll choose pieces more wisely and in correlation to one another, as well as it ensures that you include anything in the home. Not only furniture and decor, but also walls, details, lighting, and textiles. That approach is one of the things my clients really like about working with me: it’s not about spending an endless amount of money, just randomly picking things. It’s more about finding nice pieces that suit the design style and work well with one another.

Ideally, I love to work with a mix of fancy, outstanding designer items, and mix them with cheaper pieces. I think the perfect example is already my own apartment in Vienna! Let’s take a look at it …

So guys … let’s dive right into it. Would you have guessed that the two armchairs are from IKEA? At the time I ordered these, each one cost 149€ 🤯 I paired them with a nicely decorated coffee table from Westwing which is a little bit more expensive but still far from “designer”. However, I did invest into nice decor elements such as the books, the chess board, vases and ceramics, as well as textiles (the blanket is a cashmere blanket from JOOP! Living).

I think this is the perfect example to showcase that design does not always have to be connected to the price. It is more about choosing the right items that complement one another! Do you agree?

Designer combined with budget-friendly at Project Deux Cheminées

Another example is how we’ve worked at Project Deux Cheminées. The budget was restricted for the furniture so the goal was to combine a few pieces that would truly stand out, paired with DIY items and other creative ideas. Looking at the living room, the sofa from Cassina is a true classic and very expensive. However, the textiles are from H&M Home and Zara Home, as well as the coffee table has been a DIY project. We found the table second hand online, picked it up and lacquered it. A very easy DIY and the full cost for the coffee table was approx. 200€ – so perfect for a massive wooden table!! The curtains used are also from IKEA, while the rug is a real vintage Berber rug from Middleway Gallery– one of the most durable rugs available. However, even a rug at this size still comes at a very good price!

… same goes for the dining room! The pendant lamp is a very unique design element from 101Copenhagen, while the chairs have been the cheapest we could find. It doesn’t always have to be expensive! On another occasion, the bedroom at Project Deux Cheminées is a beautiful combination of a super cheap bed frame, a DIY headboard (wood covered with peel-and-stick wallpaper), however, paired with the highest quality bedding from Society Limonta.

Project Greenwood as a mix of luxury and high-street items

You know what? I get it. Furnishing and designing a home is so much effort and work, and it can definitely cost a fortune. Particularly if you have larger spaces to fill, the prices go up quickly easy. That was one of the things I kept in mind when designing Project Greenwood! The spaces are large – rooms with lengths of up to 10m, room height with over 5m. Therefore, I needed to find a good compromise between things that look amazing, as well having a good quality where needed.

Here, you can see that I paid a lot of attention to the wall design. Since the walls at Project Greenwood are extremely big and intimidating, it was important to invest into a high quality wall paint and wall design, to take the attention away from the white walls. Because of the height and size of the room, that also was very expensive, however, worth it! Instead, I tried to restrict the budget on other ends, such as the furniture. The couch you see here is from IKEA, while the fireplace is from Westbo of Sweden. Textiles are from Zara Home and H&M Home, while the rug is from Zara Home too. A budget-friendly solution. Curtains are from Amazon!

And when looking at the bedroom, we can see the same. The sideboard is from home24, the bed from IKEA, while the rug is a custom-made piece from Middleway Gallery, and the chair is from Dusty Deco. A pure design pieces. In my opinion, the perfect combination!

Now that we’ve taken a closer look at some of my examples, let’s take a look at what actually matters when it comes to choosing budget-friendly items and still having your home look expensive. Which things do you think I focus on? If you’ve paid attention, you might be able to name a few of them from the above projects already. If not, make sure to scroll up and think about them again!

Budget-friendly ways to make your home look expensive

Let’s take a look at some of the things I like to “save” money on, and where I like to splurge instead. Also important is to know which design elements are important and what to pay attention to when choosing cheaper items.

1. Elevate Your Walls

Walls set the tone for a room, and a well-designed wall can instantly make your space feel luxurious.

• Statement Paint & Wallpaper: A rich, deep color or high-end wallpaper design can add instant sophistication. Stick to classic hues like navy, emerald green, or charcoal for a timeless effect.
• Molding & Trim: Adding crown molding, wainscoting, or paneling creates architectural interest and makes any room feel grander.
• Gallery Wall: Displaying large-scale artwork or a curated gallery of frames gives a designer look without breaking the bank.

2. Use High-Quality Textiles

One of the simplest ways to make a home feel more luxurious is by incorporating high-quality fabrics.

• Layered Window Treatments: Instead of basic blinds, opt for floor-length curtains layered with sheer panels for a polished effect.
• Plush Throw Pillows & Blankets: Mix textures like velvet, silk, and faux fur to create a rich, cozy atmosphere.
• Rugs for Depth: A well-placed area rug adds warmth and elegance, making a space feel more put-together.

3. Master the Art of Layering

Luxury interiors often have a layered look that combines different textures, materials, and decor elements.

• Mix Materials: Combine wood, glass, metal, and textiles for a well-balanced design.
• Layer Accessories: Stagger books, vases, and candles on surfaces like coffee tables and shelves.
• Vary Heights & Depths: Arrange objects at different heights to create visual interest.

4. Upgrade Your Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a luxurious ambiance.

• Statement Fixtures: Swap out standard light fixtures for chandeliers, pendant lights, or sculptural lamps.
• Layered Lighting: Use a combination of overhead, accent, and task lighting for depth and dimension.
• Dimmable Lights: Install dimmer switches to adjust the lighting for a more refined feel.

5. Incorporate Mirrors & Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors can instantly make a space feel larger and more elegant.

• Oversized Mirrors: Leaning or mounted, they reflect light and create a sense of grandeur.
• Glass & Metallic Accents: Opt for furniture or decor with gold, brass, or mirrored finishes.
• Mirrored Furniture: A mirrored coffee table or console adds instant glamour.

6. Declutter & Curate

Luxury isn’t just about adding more—it’s about thoughtful curation.

• Minimalist Approach: Keep only decor pieces that add value to your space.
• Hidden Storage: Invest in stylish storage solutions to keep clutter out of sight.
• Symmetry & Balance: Arrange furniture and decor in a way that feels intentional and balanced.

7. Style with Affordable Luxe Decor

You don’t need designer furniture to achieve an expensive look.

• Large-Scale Art: Oversized prints or DIY artwork make a bold statement.
• Coffee Table Books: Stack a few fashion or design books for a high-end touch.
• Sculptural Pieces: Unique vases, candle holders, or trays elevate any surface.

Final Thoughts

Achieving a luxurious look on a budget is all about making intentional design choices, prioritizing quality over quantity, and focusing on details that make a big impact. By incorporating these tips—elevating your walls, layering textures, upgrading lighting, and styling with curated decor—you can create a home that feels effortlessly chic and sophisticated without spending a fortune.

Which of these budget-friendly luxury ideas are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments!

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