Creating an elegant home is the ultimate goal for homeowners and renters alike. Whether you're a fan of mid-century charm or love the Victorian vibe, achieving a cohesive, classy space can be a challenge. To help you transform your home into a show-stopping elegant sanctuary, we have enlisted the expertise of top interior design professionals. From minor tweaks to major projects, these design tips will help you create the home of your dreams in no time.
1. Transform Your Kitchen with Painted Cabinets
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You don't need a complete kitchen overhaul to make it sophisticated. Michael Valente, managing partner of Renovation Sells, suggests painting quality wood cabinets a soft white or neutral color to completely transform the space.
2. Upgrade Your Cabinet Hardware
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Replace the bar pulls or knobs on your kitchen cabinets to make your kitchen look more high-end. Designer Rachel Street of Philly Revival recommends brushed gold accents and a matching faucet for a cohesive look.
3. Use Wallpaper in the Powder Room
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Add a fun patterned wallpaper in your powder room to create a dramatic effect and make the space more interesting.
4. Upgrade Your Bathroom Mirrors
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Switch out your plain bathroom mirrors for something more custom and unique. Choose mirrors with ornate frames or inlaid details to add elegance to your bathroom.
5. Add Crown Molding
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Crown molding instantly adds a touch of elegance to any room. Install crown molding in larger rooms like the kitchen and dining room to create a sense of grandeur.
6. Incorporate Wainscoting
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Wainscoting is a fantastic addition to visually break up a long stretch of boring drywall. Install wainscoting to transform a plain room into an elegant space.
7. Opt for Navy Walls
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Consider using navy as the main focal point or an accent color to upgrade your living space from mismatched to elegant. Navy walls create a timeless and sophisticated look.
8. Switch to Contrasting Wall Colors
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Trade in basic white walls for rich colors with bright white trim to add elegance to your space. The contrast between the wall color and trim creates a visually appealing effect.
9. Declutter for a Clean and Elegant Look
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Less is more when it comes to creating an elegant home. Keep your space free of clutter and extraneous objects. A clean and well-organized environment will enhance the sophisticated atmosphere.
10. Make a Statement with a Hallway Mirror
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Invest in a large hallway mirror to make your entryway feel open, relaxed, and elegant. Place it across from a window or next to a bouquet of fresh flowers for a chic vignette.
11. Upgrade Your Lighting with Chandeliers and Sconces
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Choose dramatic light fixtures, such as chandeliers in the living room and interesting wall sconces in the bedroom, to add interest and elegance to your space.
12. Swap Modern Lamps for Vintage-Inspired Ones
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Replace modern table lamps with porcelain table lamps with brass accents. This will bring a touch of luxury and history to your room.
13. Dress Up Your Windows with Pleated Drapes
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Upgrade your window treatments with pinch-pleated drapes for an added touch of sophistication. Add beautiful trim to make them extraordinary.
14. Layer Your Bed for a Luxurious Look
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Make your bed look like those inviting beds in catalogues by layering different textiles and heights. Start with crisp sheets, add a blanket and a fluffy comforter, and finish with pillows of different sizes.
15. Choose a Higher Headboard for Your Bed
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Add drama and elegance to your bedroom by selecting a bed with a higher headboard. This simple change can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
16. Simplify Your Dresser Decor
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Resist the urge to display every trinket on your dresser. Instead, choose two or three accent pieces to display. A sparsely decorated dresser exudes elegance.
17. Create Elegant Displays with Personal Collections
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Curate a small personal collection of items on a mirror or silver tray to give them prominence and create an instant touch of elegance.
18. Maintain a Cohesive Aesthetic Throughout
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Ensure a flow and purpose in your home's interior design. Maintain a consistent style that complements the exterior of your home for a cohesive and sophisticated look.
19. Add Antiques for a Sophisticated Feel
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Invest in quality pieces with history, such as heirloom furniture or beautiful rugs, to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your living space.
20. Opt for Furniture with Graceful Silhouettes
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Choose furniture with curved and graceful silhouettes to create an elegant and elevated look. Curved furniture adds sophistication to any room.
21. Highlight Furniture with Exposed Feet
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Select upholstery with slender exposed feet for an elegant touch. Avoid chunky or block-like feet, as they can detract from the sophisticated aesthetic.
22. Experiment with Luxe Fabrics
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Incorporating silk and velvet fabrics adds dimension to a room and enhances the luxurious atmosphere.
23. Embrace Natural Materials
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Choose furniture made of reclaimed woods and high-quality metals or stones. These natural materials bring lasting allure and a touch of nature to your home.
24. Opt for Glossy Finishes
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Consider furniture with metallic and high gloss wood finishes to elevate the elegance and overall look of your space.
25. Choose Darker Wood Pieces
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Opt for darker wood shades like walnut, ebony, and oak. These rich hues create a timeless and dignified vibe in any room.
26. Upgrade Your Throw Pillows
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Replace the throw pillows that come with your sofa or sectional with more creative and unique options. Mixing and matching different textures and patterns adds visual interest and elegance.
27. Focus on Textures Rather Than Patterns
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When aiming for an elegant scheme, minimize patterns and prints and focus on textures and sheens instead. This creates a more sophisticated and cohesive look.
28. Accentuate with Textured Throws
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Draper a comfortable cashmere throw on the back of your sofa to add a chic accent piece. The textured throw adds depth and elegance to your living space.
29. Curate a Stack of Books
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A thoughtfully curated stack of books can add sophistication and intellect to any room. Choose books with personal meaning and visual appeal for an elegant touch.
30. Illuminate with Candles
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Create an elegant ambiance by lighting scented candles. Le Labo, Diptyque, and Jo Malone offer beautiful candles with stunning packaging that elevate any room.
31. Incorporate Indoor Plants
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Bring life and color to your space with indoor plants. A fiddle leaf fig tree or an orchid can add a touch of elegance to any room.
32. Enhance with Faux Plants
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If you lack a green thumb, faux plants can still bring elegance to your space. Place faux plants on shelves or small trees in the corner of a room to add color and life.
33. Paint a Statement Wall
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Create a standout feature by painting a single wall in a vibrant color. This adds contrast and visual interest to the room.
34. Experiment with Patterned Wallpaper
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For an even bolder statement, opt for patterned wallpaper. Choose patterns that won't compete with your furniture, creating a sophisticated look.
35. Display Artwork with Personal Meaning
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You don't need expensive art to create an elegant look. Purchase artwork from emerging artists that holds personal meaning for a timeless and stylish accent.
36. Make an Impact with Large Art Pieces
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Larger works of art bring drama, style, and refinement to any space. Strategically place grand art pieces to create an elegant and expansive feel.
37. Select an Interesting Dining Room Table
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Your dining room table is an opportunity to do something different. Opt for unique options like a sleek Scandinavian wood table that can transition from dining room to office furniture.
38. Reupholster Your Dining Room Chairs
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Before purchasing new dining room chairs, consider reupholstering your existing ones. Luxe toile or striped fabrics can give your chairs a new and sophisticated look.
39. Add a Timeless Sisal Rug
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A sisal rug is a timeless investment that works with any aesthetic. Its texture adds depth to a room and its durable nature makes it an excellent choice.
40. Match Your Carpet to Your Walls
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Create a dramatic monochrome effect by matching your carpet to your walls. For an edgier look, pair a sleek carpet with textured walls.
41. Create a Gallery Wall of Mirrors
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Create a gallery wall of mirrors accumulated over time. Experiment with different scales and shapes or create a grid of uniform mirrors for an elegant and appealing display.
42. Add a Wood Accent Wall
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Instead of '70s faux wood paneling, consider adding a real wood accent wall, especially around the fireplace. Paint the paneling to give it a sophisticated feel.
43. Opt for Hardwood or Imitation Wood Flooring
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Upgrade your floors with hardwood or imitation wood flooring. These options instantly update and improve the look of any room with a timeless and elegant feel.
44. Add Shiny Accents with Metallic Finishes
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Incorporate shiny metallic finishes on frames, vases, and pillows to add elegance and elevate the overall aesthetic of your home.
45. Upgrade Your Light Switches
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Even the smallest details matter when it comes to elegance. Simply switch up your light switches to add a touch of sophistication to your home.
46. Invest in a New Front Door
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Upgrade your front door to create a great first impression. Choose a low-maintenance steel or fiberglass door with a windowed surround to add character and elegance to your home.
47. Enhance Your Exterior with Shutters
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Add shutters to your home to enhance its design and create a distinguished look. This easy and affordable project can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal.
48. Style Your Front Porch
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Make your front porch more elegant by decorating it with a great wreath, coordinating planters, and a welcoming front door mat. These simple additions create a polished look.
49. Upgrade Your Lighting with Chandeliers and Sconces
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Choose dramatic light fixtures, such as chandeliers in the living room and interesting wall sconces in the bedroom, to add interest and elegance to your space.
50. Pay Attention to Small Details, Including Light Switches
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Even the tiniest details, such as light switches, can significantly enhance the elegant appeal of your home. Pay attention to these small details and upgrade them for a refined look.
Implementing these design tips from interior experts will help you create an elegant and sophisticated home that reflects your personal style. Find inspiration in these ideas and transform your space into the sanctuary of your dreams.
