How to make your home look more expensive and luxurious – Decorator shares her tricks

25-year-old Liv Conlon, originally from Glasgow, has been decorating properties for more than a decade and knows how to get more than your asking price if you’re selling your home.

Liv is the managing director of ThePropertyStagers, which stages over 300 homes a year to make them more attractive to potential buyers. In 2019 she was crowned UK Young Entrepreneur of the Year, after setting up her business aged just 16.

And now, she’s sharing her expert advice with the Daily Mail on everything from how to make your living room look cozier to making sure hand towels are always available, as well as advice on what not to do.

Living room

The living room is truly considered the central room of the house. If you want to sell your property and achieve the best possible price, bear in mind that buyers focus heavily on the living room when it comes to making the decision about what their new home will be.

So what’s the trick? Make your living room look as spacious as possible without feeling empty or lifeless.

The ideal atmosphere you’re looking for is welcoming and warm – as that’s what potential buyers will feel when they relax in their next home. So how do you achieve it?

1. Everything should be oversized

The mistake most people make when furnishing their home is that they overestimate the sizes of lighting fixtures and accessories needed to impress. So if you’re going to “dress up” your living room, think big – and that’s because you want the accessories to have an impact and at the same time exude luxury.

So instead of tiny accessories, consider choosing oversized lamps to place on side tables, and think the same way about accessories like candlesticks, glass vases and large frames.

2. Add a touch of gold

It is one of the most symbolic colors and by incorporating gold accents into your decor, you will add a touch of glamor and elegance to any space.

Gold has been used for centuries to denote wealth, prestige and desirability and has long been associated with wealth and prestige, royalty and aristocracy And it’s a color TheProspertyStagers uses when decorating real estate.

But before you hit the road to your local paint store to buy gold paint, consider that it doesn’t have to be so obvious. What do we mean? Aim to include hints of this bright hue by incorporating gold-finished accessories, mirrors or decorative objects to upgrade your living room’s sophisticated decor.

Paintings

While you might see a piece of art you love in Vogue, Elle, or hanging in your favorite 5-star hotel, finding the right painting to hang on the walls of your home doesn’t have to mean digging deep into your pocket.

But it is necessary to have paintings in your rooms as this will not only make them look elegant and desirable but also aspirational.

Instead, you can search the internet for your favorite painting – it doesn’t have to be an original – and if you have a decent printer that can reproduce it properly, print it out and buy an affordable frame – this is what Liv Conlon did in her living room .

4. Down pillows

Cushions are a great addition to add a pop of color as well as a sense of luxury to a sofa or bergere.

However, it would be a good idea to upgrade your pillows by purchasing down filling – this will give them a more plush and luxurious look.

Kitchen

As we all know, the kitchen is often the heart of the home as it is the center of all activities and conversations for most families and guests.

A kitchen should be many things – not just the place where meals are prepared and cooked and then eaten.
Today, modern kitchens can also be our living room, a playroom, a place to read or work from home, as well as the place where we socialize when friends or relatives come over.

Designing your kitchen so that it extends beyond functionality is extremely important to any potential viewer. They must be able to imagine using the space and serving multiple purposes. Here’s how you can maximize space:

1. Shelves instead of cabinets

Opt for open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets: in addition to saving money by using this design, it also creates an airy and expansive feel to your kitchen.
This allows you to add more style to the kitchen by placing decorative items such as glassware and cookbooks on the shelves to add personality and visual interest to the space.

2. Strategically placed lighting

Illuminate key areas of your kitchen with strategically placed fixtures to enhance functionality and ambiance.
Incorporate pendant lights over the island or over the sink, under-cabinet or shelf lighting for more light as you work, and recessed lighting for overall lighting.

3. Hide your devices

While potential buyers need to be able to use their kitchen in a functional way, they don’t want everything to be visible.
Hide bulky appliances like microwaves, blenders and toasters to maintain a clean look.
Consider building the appliances into the cabinet or invest in sleek and modern appliances that blend seamlessly into the design scheme.

Bedroom

All bedrooms are important when it comes to selling a home, but emphasizing the master bedroom is key.
Potential buyers should be able to imagine themselves relaxing, sleeping well – and they want to do this while enjoying a dose of luxury.

Here are several ways to diversify your master bedroom while adding special touches.

1. Make the bed

Create a luxurious and inviting bed by layering a variety of fabrics and textures. Use a duvet as a throw to add warmth and depth to your bedding set, and don’t skimp on the number of pillows – three pillows at the back of the bed provide a cozy look.

2. Sitting area at the bottom of the bed

Divide your bedroom into functional zones to maximize space and functionality. Consider creating a comfortable sitting area under the bed using e.g. a bergera, providing a relaxing haven for reading or relaxing.

3. Doll

Incorporate a chic doll into your bedroom decor to add a touch of vintage charm and elegance.
Use it to display your favorite pieces of clothing or accessories, adding personality and visual interest to the room.

4. Bathtub in the bedroom

Having a bathtub in a bedroom might not seem like a budget-friendly idea, but it really can be. This is a design element chosen by many five-star or boutique hotels and is a truly eye-catching feature.

bathroom

The bathroom can often be an overlooked room in any home and is often left looking bare.

The secret to creating a warm yet luxurious atmosphere in any bathroom is to add layers of texture and small luxuries to liven up the space. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Hotel cosmetics

Collect hotel toiletries on your travels! These can elevate your bathroom both aesthetically by placing them on the counters or in the shower or both, and experientially by using them.

2. Add textures and layers

When adding towels, a bath mat, and shower curtains to your bathroom, choose a color scheme that goes throughout, but mix them with different textures, such as terrycloth or jacquard.

3. Add a plant to the floor, a jute basket or a ladder with more towels in your bathroom to avoid a barren feeling of cold when you bathe.

By applying these tried-and-tested tips and tricks, which have certainly worked in the properties Liv has decorated over the years, she says, you can turn your home into a stylish retreat that oozes luxury and sophistication while staying within budget. your.