Contrary to popular belief, a high-end look doesn’t have to come with a high-end price tag (and no, we’re not talking about maxing out your credit card on designer furniture). NYC designers know all the tricks for creating luxe-looking interiors without spending a fortune. Ready to learn how to decorate on a budget like the pros? Here are our top 7 insider secrets:
1. The “High-Low” Rule: Mixing Splurge-Worthy Pieces With Budget Finds
Here’s a little decorate on a budget design industry secret: Not everything in a well-designed space is expensive. It’s all about mixing investment pieces with budget-friendly finds so that your home looks intentional, not cheap.
✔ Where to splurge: Statement lighting, quality upholstery (especially your sofa), and timeless furniture that will last.
✔ Where to save: Trendy decor, accent chairs, and small accessories (we love Target, Wayfair, and Overstock.com for this).
Pro Tip: Shop vintage! A well-placed thrift store or flea market find adds character without the designer price tag.
Sagebrook Vase, Overstock.com, from $22.40
2. The Paint Trick: Instant Upgrade for Any Room
Want to make your space feel expensive without buying a single piece of furniture? Paint. Designers know that the right color palette can completely transform a space—and it’s one of the cheapest ways to get a high-end look.
✔ Stick to a neutral base (think whites, warm grays, and soft beiges) for 80% of the room.
✔ Use paint for contrast—a deep, moody, or bold trim color can make a room feel more custom.
✔ Matte vs. glossy? Matte paints look richer and more high-end, while glossy paints work well on moldings and doors for contrast.
3. Custom-Looking Window Treatments (Without the Custom Price)
Nothing screams “rental” like cheap plastic blinds. The fix? Decorate on a budget using floor-to-ceiling curtains. They instantly elevate a room, making your ceilings look taller and your space more polished.
✔ Hang curtains higher than your windows—ideally just an inch or two below the ceiling—to create the illusion of height.
✔ Layer sheer curtains with thicker drapes for that luxurious, designer feel.
✔ Want a custom look without the price? Try IKEA curtains for an instant high-end look for less.
4. The Art of Styling: Less Clutter, More Impact
NYC apartments are typically small, which means every decor piece needs to pull its weight. Instead of cramming surfaces with knick-knacks, designers use the “Rule of Three” to keep things stylish but minimal.
✔ Decorate in odd numbers (three or five items per surface). It looks more natural than even-numbered groupings.
✔ Vary height and texture—mix tall vases, small books, and sculptural objects to add interest.
✔ Don’t overdo it. A few well-placed accessories make a bigger impact than cluttered shelves.
5. Lighting: The Unsung Hero of Budget-Friendly Design
Nothing makes a space feel more expensive than good lighting. Harsh overhead lights? No thanks. Decorate on a budget like a designer by layering lighting for warmth, depth, and ambiance.
✔ Use three types of lighting in every room: Ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent (wall sconces, candles).
✔ Swap out basic light fixtures for stylish (but affordable) alternatives—Amazon, Wayfair, and vintage stores have great options.
Pro Tip: Add a dimmer switch. Soft, warm lighting instantly makes a space feel luxurious.
Ozma Dimmable Pendant Light, Joss & Main, $125
6. Statement Art & Decor: The “Bigger is Better” Rule
One common budget mistake? Filling a room with lots of small, inexpensive art or decor. Instead, designers opt for a few large-scale statement pieces (you can find inexpensive prints easily) to make an impact.
✔ Think big art, oversized mirrors, or a large statement vase.
✔ One large piece of art looks more expensive than a collage of smaller frames.
✔ Invest in one or two key pieces that define the space—everything else can be budget-friendly.
7. Smart Shopping: Where Interior Designers Actually Buy Affordable Decor
If you’ve ever wondered where NYC interior designers really shop for budget-friendly finds, here are a few go-to spots:
Thrift & Vintage Stores: Brooklyn Flea, Chairish, AptDeco
Regular Retailers: CB2, Article, Serena & Lily, Anthropologie
Trade Discounts: Designers often get 20-30% off furniture. In fact, at Uploft, we never mark up pricing. We offer an optional shopping service with our makeover plans and pass our discounts on to you when available.
Pro Tip: Many high-end brands have outlet stores! For instance, West Elm and Pottery Barn have discount locations where you can score designer-quality pieces for less.
Serena & Lily
You Don’t Need a Big Budget for a Designer-Approved Home
The key to budget-friendly interior design isn’t about spending less—it’s about spending smarter. Mixing high and low, using clever styling tricks, and focusing on key upgrades will give you that polished, designer look—without maxing out your budget.
Want help pulling your space together? Book a free consultation with our team, and design a stunning home—on a budget that works for you.
