The Art of Making Furniture Look More Expensive

Transforming Your Existing Furniture into Luxurious Pieces Without Breaking the Bank

In an era where the aesthetics of our homes play a crucial role in defining our lifestyle, the appeal of our furniture takes center stage. However, the desire for luxurious furniture often clashes with budget constraints and the inevitable wear and tear that time inflicts. The question arises: how can we make our furniture look more expensive without breaking the bank? This article delves into expert advice from top interior designers who share their secrets for adding value to existing pieces and making them look more upscale.

1. Prioritize Furniture Care

Maintaining your furniture is the first step towards giving it an upscale look. Kathy Kuo, CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, emphasizes the importance of proper care and cleaning, especially for furniture made from high-quality materials. Cherie Lee, director of Cherie Lee Interiors, also highlights the need to protect furniture from sunlight, which can cause discoloration and damage.

2. Address Small Imperfections

Chipped paintwork, scratches, and stains can cheapen the look of your furniture. Cherie Lee suggests a French polish or repaint to rejuvenate worn-out pieces. Pippa Jameson, an interior stylist, recommends addressing imperfections and upgrading handles or knobs to refined alternatives. These simple changes can elevate the perceived value of furniture.

3. Accessorize Elegantly

A few well-chosen, high-quality decor pieces can elevate your entire look, according to Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight. Investing in luxurious cushions with intricate detailing and rich textures can add a touch of elegance to your furniture. Designer Amy Youngblood emphasizes the importance of accessorizing to finish off your space. Incorporating statement pieces like bold artwork or unique lighting can further personalize your space, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. For those who love vibrant aesthetics, embarking on a maximalist Victorian color journey can transform your home into a dramatic, opulent masterpiece filled with deep jewel tones and ornate patterns. Combining classic influences with intentional modern touches ensures a balance between timeless sophistication and contemporary flair.

4. Update Hardware

Old furniture can be uplifted by adding modern hardware. Martha Lord, co-founder of Boland Lord Design, explains that it's a cost-effective way to enhance aesthetics and bring a dated piece into a more contemporary or personalized look.

5. Consider Reupholstering

Reupholstering furniture, while not the most straightforward DIY task, can make a huge difference. Alternatively, exposing the inner workings of a piece can create a chic, modern, rustic look, as suggested by designer Sophie Roswell.

There are numerous ways to elevate your worn-out furniture, from taking care of it properly to adding elegant accessories and updating hardware. The choice depends on how hands-on you wish to be with the transformation. If something other than DIY is your tea, consider investing in quality accessories or seeking professional help for tasks like reupholstering. Ultimately, it's about finding the perfect balance between your budget, time, and aesthetic aspirations. The key takeaway is that you can transform your existing furniture into pieces with creativity and effort that exude luxury and sophistication.