Luxury on a budget: 5 tips to make your space impress

Home renovation and interior décor can be one of the most thrilling and nerve-wracking experiences in our lifetimes. The home is the hub of our lives, and we can't hide it from the world around us, which constantly intrudes and judges.

But it is also our own space where we can sit back, relax, and be completely ourselves. We want to be able to integrate our own personalities into those walls, and we also want to make it as luxurious as possible -- an impressive statement for any guest we may invite over. And it doesn't hurt it it increases home value as well.

If you’ve been looking into interior décor or are looking to completely renovate, chances are you have been pouring over plenty of pictures on Pinterest or google images. It's satisfying admiring all the luxurious homes, beautiful artwork, open plan kitchens, and intricate, leather furnishings -- but also daunting. Could you do that?

Well, whether it's glorious 100-watt lamps overhanging a custom rosewood dining table, or high end 12mm thick laminate flooring spanning the length of the living room, there are plenty of ways to achieve a luxurious property without being a millionaire. Here are a few tips to get you started in your journey.

Mind the step

The first thing people notice when they walk into a house is the floor they are walking upon. If you are looking for a durable flooring option, then thickly laminated flooring can be a great way to replicate the feel and look of wood; 12mm laminate flooring is the very upper end of laminate thickness. This will give your home a high-end feel while also being sturdy, scratch-free and easy to clean when the guests have left.

Throw away conventional ideas about art

Artwork does not have to be hanged on nails on the walls. A home can radiate a luxurious feel if it has just a few really stunning art pieces placed in strategic locations.

Whether metallic statues in the lounge or an entire wall covered in a tasteful matte print, just a few pieces can really lift a space above its potential while not costing much more than all the IKEA junk put together.

House plants, too, can be considered artful in their own right. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also help to clean and improve the room's climate and even give it an aromatic, natural scent.

Invest in fewer, bigger things

Trends in materials and styles come and go. Weighing your budget toward a few big, important features like bi fold doors or opening up smaller spaces will be beneficial on the long term and still be appreciated long after old wallpapers are ripped out. Windows and doors make up a huge part of the equation -- maybe you could replace the front door with one of those sturdy pieces you've gawked at on Pinterest? Window sills and trimmings also matter a lot.

Tips for minimalism

Minimalism is a tempting and relatively easy way to create a luxurious look, but you must accent and fill it out with thought -- like putting some sizable coin into a tasteful neon art piece, or dramatic furniture, or rooting the look in a high quality and boldly vintage wallpaper.

Remember that minimalism without some dramatic or unusual shapes inside it is just poverty with polish. If you have some skill with carpentry or welding, count yourself lucky; with some inspiration, you can easily create a stunning art piece that will look luxurious inside a minimalist space.

And of course: it's all for naught without good lightning

You can't forget about the lighting, which completes the painting. It’s pointless going to the effort of changing up your home space if it's going to be lit badly. Make sure to invest in some beautiful lamps which overlook prominent areas, such as the dining table or the bedrooms. Copper lamps, especially, are very on-trend right now. Otherwise, go for pure function and minimalism, and avoid lightning with discernible style. Mixing and matching and going for too many styles gives a cluttered feeling.

Good luck!