Luxury Home Design on the Cheap

Everyone wants a luxury home, but let\'s face it, not all of us have that much money to burn. But while you can\'t get that waterfront estate, there\'s no reason you can\'t make it with what you do have. Any home can be turned into a luxury space with just a few creative touches. Sometimes you don\'t even have to do a full remodel-just changing a few key elements can make all the difference.

The first thing you want to do is free up some space. Space is a key feature of luxury homes, and the more you have, the closer you are to getting the look you want. Leave as much floor space unoccupied as possible. Get rid of clutter-organize your storage so that there\'s a place for everything, and nothing\'s lying around on the floor. If you have any furniture or accessories you don\'t really like, put them in storage or give them away.

Choose your colors wisely. Small spaces work best with bright, cheerful colors, as they create the illusion of space and make the small room feel more welcoming. Experts usually recommend pastels and neutrals. If that\'s too bland for you, add some color and texture by choosing brightly colored room fabrics, such as a red slipcover, a patterned rug or a set of dark wood blinds. Try to keep a consistent theme of no more than three colors.

Flooring is also a key feature of luxury homes. If you live in a condo or apartment, some choices may be out of the question, such as marble or granite. One of the best alternatives is tile flooring-it comes in all sorts of designs and patterns, so you get the look of a luxury floor for a fraction of the price. Choose a tile pattern that works with your color scheme, and make sure it\'s properly installed to help it last longer.

Finally, throw in a few accessories. This is where you can get really creative, as you don\'t have to follow strict design rules. All you have to follow is your own tastes; after all, that\'s the best indicator of luxury. So whether you have a photo collection or a bookcase with your favorite volumes, go ahead and show it off-it\'ll give your home that charm and character that no amount of luxury can.