If you want your home to be as elegant as possible, then you might be tempted into big spending. But sometimes, the correlation between your budget and the elegance of your home isn’t quite linear. In many cases, elegance is a matter of making thoughtful decisions – and subtracting as much as you add.
Declutter and Simplify: The First Step to Elegance
A house that’s packed with clutter is unlikely to feel elegant – however appealing that clutter might be. Minimalism will allow you to free up space, and for light to find its way through the property.
Focus on Neutral Colours and Subtle Patterns
There’s a place for bold, brash colours and patterns, especially if you want your home to reflect your bold, brash personality. But often, it’s neutral tones and more reserved patterns that can lead to a sense of elegance. Against an off-white background, some of the key items of furniture in your home can truly shine. You might also find it easier to create visual focal points in the home.
Invest in Quality Furniture Pieces
Of course, for this to work, then those focal points will need to be of the appropriate quality. Seek out a few well-crafted pieces, rather than packing the space with a lot of cheaper ones. That isn’t to say that you need to spend big when you’re looking for quality. An uncycled item from your local charity shop might compete with premium-level items, bought new.
If you have a particular space to fill, like an alcove or a recess, then a bespoke bookcase might be exactly the thing to fill it. By looking for something that’s made for the space, you’ll make the best possible use of that space. That means less waste, and, ultimately, a much cleaner look.
Use Lighting to Enhance Elegance
Lighting can be a powerful way to change the mood in a given space. Ideally, you’ll want lighting from multiple different sources. When everything is downlit from above, you may end up with stark, ugly shadows. Think about incorporating ambient, task, and accent lighting. The latter can be used to draw attention to key focal points.
Accessorize with Care: Adding Subtle Luxuries
Focal points might also take the form of hanging decorations. Here is where you’ll get a chance to really showcase your unique inclinations and tastes. If there’s a particular painting that really speaks to you, then frame it tastefully and hang it somewhere conspicuous. The same applies to mirrors, rugs, and curtains. Once you have a few key items in place, you can adjust the other elements of your home to support them, and to ultimately create a look that’s spectacular, smart, and, above all, elegant.
