Creating a luxe look on a budget is all about strategic choices that make your space feel professionally curated (and uniquely yours) without the high-end price tag. While Affordable Interior Design by Uploft offers transparent pricing and flat-rate design packages (unlike most professional interior designers), we understand sometimes you want that designer look without hiring a designer.
But where do you start? We’ve got 4 core tips straight from our founder, Betsy Helmuth. Ready? Here you go:
For a Luxe Look on a Budget Forget the Matching Sets
One of the surest ways to make a space feel flat is furniture that matches, so steer clear of furniture sets, which often make a space feel flat. Instead, opt for pieces that complement each other but don’t match perfectly. Think “go together,” not “came together.”
Matching sets make your space look like it came out of a catalog, with little imagination or flair. Curating a mix of styles adds personality and creates a look that’s layered and elevated.
Mix It Up for Dimension
Want that polished, designer-worthy look? Pair different materials in the same area—think metal lamps on wood tables or ceramic vases on glass shelves. Mixing textures and tones gives your space a curated, high-end feel without overspending. Here’s the recipe:
Start with a nightstand made of wood and top it with a lamp. You’ll want to choose one that’s glass, metal, or ceramic for texture. Then, add a plant in a pot that is not wood or ceramic and not the same color as the lamp. Finally, add a stack of books and top that with an accessory that is not the same color or material as the lamp or the planter.
And voila! You’ve curated a complex, designerly look.
Get a Luxe Look on a Budget When You Stick to One Wood Tone
Too many wood tones can make a room feel cluttered. By choosing one tone—whether dark, light, or medium—you’ll keep your space cohesive. Don’t worry about matching everything exactly; just staying in the same color family will help the space flow. Here’s a list of woods to look for:
Dark woods: chocolate, rubber wood, espresso
Medium-tone woods: walnut, maple, acacia
Light woods: beech, pine, birch
The tones don’t have to be an exact match, just in the same family And don’t worry, there’s no need to coordinate with the wood floors or architecture of your space.
Coordinate Metals Without Over-Matching
Metals are great for adding depth, but too many tones can clash. Pick a base metal family (warm, cool, or dark) and build on that. This adds modern appeal without overwhelming the design. Here’s the list of metal tones to guide you:
Cool metals: nickel, silver, pewter
Warm metals: brass, gold, copper
Dark metals: antique bronze, natural steel, wrought iron
In this case, you will want to pay attention to the metals that are featured in the architecture of your space (follow the lead of your hinges and knobs). But, as is the trend, mix in small pops of contrasting finishes if desired.
Creating a luxe look on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on style. By following these four design tricks, you can achieve a polished, high-end look with minimal expense. Ready to create your dream space? Uploft’s resources are here to guide you every step of the way. Get more designer tips from our podcast and blog.
