Twenty Something SA | Sponsored ContentLiving on a budget doesn’t mean that your living space needs to reflect it. After a financially devastating pandemic, massive layoffs, and restricted working hours, many are spending more of their time at home.
Current circumstances don’t need to make it difficult to make your studio apartment feel more luxurious, even with the hit to your wallet you may be feeling these days.
In this article we’ll explore a number of ways we personally make our home look more luxury, on a budget.
1. Layered Lighting
Let’s start with the subtleties; layering your lighting with multiple, smaller light sources throughout your apartment will lead the eye around the room, as opposed to one big flood light shining down from the ceiling in the center of the room.
Lighting fixtures don’t need to be expensive, either. In some cases, tucking a simple corded light behind a plant or art piece can do the trick.
2. Stylish Couch
We highly recommend you get a sectional sofa to give your room a statement piece that’s as inviting as it is fashionable.
The couch is usually the first piece of furniture people notice, and complimentary colors or textures are an absolute must.
3. Coffee Table
If your couch were a meal, the coffee table would be either the appetizer, the desert, or both. A unique coffee table is functional for so many reasons –it’s a great conversation starter, can add additional storage space, and can tie together different design elements within the room it occupies.
Choose a coffee table that stands out, and is made of quality materials. Those cheap plastic-coated particle board coffee tables scream “student dorm” or worse, “student debt”.
4. Thrift Shop Heirloom Quality
As an add-on to the coffee table point, and something to think about for any suggestion on this list –your local thrift shop or Salvation Army will likely have some bespoke, heirloom quality furniture or decor pieces that you won’t find anywhere else.
They’re usually available for a bargain, and their quality is unparalleled by today’s manufacturing standards.
And above all, heirloom pieces scream old money luxury.
5. Floor to Ceiling Curtains
If not floor to ceiling, at least close to it –no matter the size of your window, consider purchasing some quality fabric curtains, nothing “printed”, that reach the floor.
Texture is a plus, and the higher the thread count the more functional they will be at absorbing and blocking light when closed.
6. Large Artwork
Paper posters are dorm room chic –we’re talking proper art prints, or actual paintings. And not the kind you find at IKEA, those are often overdone.
Pick up some large pieces that cover several square feet for maximum appeal, and stick to color and motifs that blend well with the rest of the room, lighting, and what might be right outside your window.
7. Large Mirror
A large mirror or two will make your living space appear larger than it really is, reflect light around the room to brighten it up, and it will imbibe a sense of luxury for your guests.
Antique-style mirror frames are a plus, but nothing too gaudy. There’s a balance.
8. Large Rug
A quality rug that suits your decor will go far to tie together a room and it’s overall vibe. Textures, patterns, and sharp colors are a must. The darker the rug, the less likely it will age poorly and look grimy.
Choosing a rug that feels really great to stand on is also high on the luxury scale, something that feels kind of fluffy, soft –almost “juicy” under and in between the toes will make guests feel comfortable.
Everyone remembers a rug that looks as good as it feels to walk on. It’s justo one of those things.
9. Moldings
Classic, antique-looking, thick and chunky moldings to replace thin or narrow baseboards will definitely add class up an apartment, hands down.
Modifying the interior architecture of your studio apartment is a great way to make your home feel more expensive.
10. Room Dividers
A studio apartment may be small, but it doesn’t have to lack mystery or privacy. A quality, on fleek room divider will divide space enough and perhaps help you hide the less ‘showy’ aspects of your studio apartment.
They can conceal desk clutter, a messy bed, or a messy dressing station –and if chosen wisely, they can add just the right mood you’re looking for.
That’s a Wrap!
What do you think? Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!