How to Turn a Regular Interior into a Luxury One: 9 Life Hacks with Real Examples

Designer Olga Tsurikova transformed a flat on Arbat in terrible condition into premium-class housing within 4 months. She did not resort to re-planning and used only finishing and decorative techniques. We tell about the most interesting life hacks that make the interior look richer.

Give Up on Typical White Windows and Hardware

Plastic windows always reveal the level of renovation. If the budget doesn't allow wooden frames, there's always an option to order plastic in colored film — for example, with a wood texture. Another detail is window handles and hardware. Give up on plastic and install beautiful metal handles. This immediately adds elegance to the interior.

Use Built-in Appliances

Besides the fact that built-in appliances are more convenient in daily life and don't create visual noise in the interior, they also don't reveal their cost. Behind a solid facade, there can be either very expensive appliances or more budget-friendly models.

Add Ceiling Outlets and Wide Curtains

A ceiling chandelier without outlets and with them — that's a big difference. Even a minimalist decor without patterns will transform the interior, let alone more complex options. It's also not worth cutting costs on curtains — narrow cornices will nullify all efforts to create a stylish setup.

Combine Wallpaper, Molding, and Painting

Regular wallpapering makes the interior simpler, but a combination with molding adds nobility and makes the space more interesting.

Repeat Elements

Carefully planned expensive interiors "give away" details. For example, here the designer repeated a blue stripe from the wall and a trim in the curtain treatment. The overall cost of tailoring will not increase significantly, but it makes the setup more interesting.

Hide Complex Angles and Spaces

Heating pipes can be hidden inside built-in furniture, a low windowsill can be turned into a convenient work desk, and a narrow room can be visually expanded using symmetrical shelves on both sides of the window — as done by the designer in this children's room.

Use Decorative Finish

Traditionally, the lower part of walls in classical interiors is finished with wall panels. If the budget doesn't allow additional finishing, use "decoy": make a relief with molding and paint everything in a second shade of paint. Such finishing looks much more interesting than standard monochromatic painting.

Order a Door Overlay

In the ideal case — replace the door with a high-quality and beautiful one. But it's not always possible. Then you can get by with a decorative overlay on the existing door. Choose noble complex shades that will blend well with the rest of the interior.

Use a More "Expensive" Color for Bathroom Fixtures

The atmosphere and look of a bathroom depend not only on finishing but also on accessories. You can choose a more affordable tile brand, but replace the standard chrome bathroom fixtures with more elegant and noble brass. Imagine how much magic would disappear in this bathroom with a sparkling silver shower, towel warmer, and faucet.