Interior designer reveals £2 expert-approved tip that ‘makes your home look more expensive' in SECONDS
WITH many people doing spring cleans on their home, lots of people will be taking the time to also freshen up their interiors.
And one of the most popular trends is to make
6
An interior expert has shared some simple, easy tweaks to making your home look more expensive on a budget
Credit: Getty
With numerous A-listers giving fans behind-the-scenes peeks at their lavish homes on social media, it's no surprise that homeowners are seeking out ways to make their homes appear more expensive without breaking the bank.
In fact, Google searches for 'make home look expensive' have shot up by 110 per cent in the last three months, whilst 'affordable decor' has seen an increase of 34 per cent in the last month.
Sophie Clemson, interior designer at
£2 cushion trick
6
You should add £2 feather filler to your cushions to make them look fuller and 'more expensive'
Credit: Getty
If you want to instantly give your lounge a facelift, you should pay attention to your cushions.
More on transformations
Sophie said: 'You don't have to spend a fortune on cushions to make them look expensive.
'Simply swapping out the polyester cushion insert for a feather filled insert will instantly make your cushions look fuller and more luxurious.'
Anna Ross, at Not On The High Street, added: 'Limp and lifeless cushions will instantly cheapen your space.
'You can purchase feather filled pillow inserts for as little as £2, making this a quick, easy and affordable swap that has a big pay off.'
Most read in Fabulous
Rugs rule
Sophie suggests going oversized with furnishings and decor to make a statement.
The interior professional explained: 'Go large with your rugs to make your home look more expensive.
I'm a reinvention expert - 6 casual items you need in your wardrobe as they make you look expensive
6
When it comes to rugs, the bigger the better
Credit: Getty
'You can find oversized rugs from high street brands that won't break the bank.
'For your living room, choose a rug that's big enough to fit under the front feet of the sofa, this helps to anchor the space.
'If your rug is too small and floats in the middle of the room, it won't add much and may even make the space feel smaller by drawing the eye inward.'
Large lighting
6
Huge lamps make a 'big statement'
Credit: Getty
You should also go big with your lighting, according to Sophie.
She advised: 'Choose large lighting pieces to elevate your home too.
'Think big table lamps with chunky ceramic bases and statement ceiling lights that draw the eye upward and make a strong impact.'
Switch your sockets
6
Consider switching out your white, plastic sockets for a more elegant finish
Credit: Getty
Most homes will come with standard white sockets and switches, but Sophie has a quick fix that can instantly make your home appear more expensive and put together.
She advised: 'Instead of sticking with the standard white light switches and sockets, choose a metal finish like antique brass to make your home look more expensive.
'This works especially well in rooms painted in darker colours, where a white switch would stand out, while a metal finish blends in seamlessly.'
Anna agreed, saying: 'Colour drenching is a trend that is huge in luxury interiors at the moment, but standard white switches and sockets can drastically cheapen the look.
'One way to combat this is to purchase paintable light switches that allow you to paint the socket the same colour as the rest of the room.
'These can be purchased on the market for around £9, making them an affordable way to create a more cohesive and put together look.'
Home upgrades that add the most value to a house
The best renovation to add value totally depends on your property, the local market and your potential buyers.
Loft conversion - increase of 15%
Off-street parking - adds £50,000 to property price
New kitchen - increase of 15%
Garage conversion - increase of 15%
Cellar or basement conversion - increase of 10-15%
Open plan living space - increase of 3-5%
New bathroom - increase of 3-5%
Oversized frames
When framing your photographs and artwork, Sophie recommends choosing picture frames that have oversized mounts.
She shared: 'This will make them look more luxurious and expensive, compared to a standard mount.'
Anna added: 'Another way to elevate your artwork or family photos is to mix up your frames. 'Unless you have a simple, monochrome interior style, steer clear of basic black photo frames.
'Instead, opt for wooden frames in shades that complement your interior decor, this will look more considered and thought through.
'If you are feeling brave, utilising frames to add a small pop of colour or pattern can be a
nice
way to elevate a space and add areas of interest.'
6
Don't go small when it comes to your photo frames
Credit: Getty
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Upgrade your front door in seconds with Lidl's £8 buy – it adds instant bursts of colour & lasts all summer
A BUDGET buy can instantly level up your outdoor space this summer. Lidl shoppers can elevate their garden with a splash of colour that lasts until autumn. 2 Hanging baskets can help to add colour to your outdoor space all summer long (stock image) Credit: Getty Placing this middle aisle buy by your front door can elevate the look of your home. The shop's They include a wide variety of flowers, including Sutera, Lobelia, Calibrachoa, Petunia, and Verbena. And if these plants aren't enough to brighten up your space, you can also choose from a variety of colour options for the basket. Read More On Lidl Shoppers can opt for purple, pink, red, purple, or white baskets. The pot itself is fully UV resistant, making it perfect for placing outdoors all summer long. These hanging baskets measure around 29 centimetres to 35 centimetres. As well as adding a splash of colour to your space, they can also help level up your garden's privacy. Most read in Fabulous According to the experts at Placing the baskets at different levels can provide a more natural barrier for your outdoor space. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out "It creates the sense of separation without shouting 'keep out,'" the pros explained. They also highlighted the importance of taking care of your planters, recommending regular watering in hot weather. Or you can opt for a more classic privacy product to shield your garden from public view. Another How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. And a £10 B&M You can also A £3 buy from B&M is can also help to And its not just fences that can help give you privacy in your garden, one 2 The Large Hanging Planters will be available from the Lidl middle aisle for just £7.99 Credit: Lidl
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I tried 3 hacks to stop my bins from smelling – a £1.50 trick made a total mess but a 55p buy was a total game changer
IF your bins are kicking up a nasty smell, fear not, you've come to the right place. With summer right around the corner, the warm weather can cause your bins to emit 8 With the weather heating up, if you've noticed your bins kicking up a grim odour, we've got you covered Credit: Getty 8 Here, Abby Wilson tests out three hacks to not only clean her bin, but to banish nasty smells too Credit: Abigail Wilson 8 One trick made a total mess, but another left Abby's bin sparkling Credit: Supplied 8 Her bin was quite grubby at first Credit: Supplied But to stop your dirty recycling from marinating in the heat and causing your neighbours to squirm, experts have revealed a variety of simple tips and tricks to According to Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of And while it's important to empty your bin every couple of days and make sure to dispose of anything "particularly pungent", there's also a variety of cleaning hacks that can banish grim smells. On a mission to ensure my recycling bin smells fresh this season, I, Abby Wilson, tested three simple hacks. Read more Fabulous stories You probably already have at least two of these buys in your cupboards already, but don't worry if your purse is feeling tighter than ever before, as all three are super affordable. While the cheapest hack will cost you just 49p, your bin will be so Wash this According to those at 8 Washing-up liquid got rid of strong smells, but needed a bit of elbow grease Credit: Getty So, I got my Marigolds on and dived headfirst into the bin - and yes, it was as grim as you could imagine. Most read in Fabulous In between holding back gags and wiping my watering eyes, I scrubbed the interior of the recycling bin with the purse-friendly two-ingredient solution. I then gave the bin a quick rinse with a hose and I have to say, it looked pretty good. Top 6 spring cleaning hacks Whilst it wasn't great at getting rid of the It looked pretty good too and thanks to this cheap trick, your bins are sure to shine in no time. While I used proper Fairy Liquid, if you're on a budget and are looking to pocket pennies where possible, you'll be thrilled to know that you can nab cheaper dish soap from just 49p from Rating: 3/5 Powerful paste After a couple of weeks, it appeared that my bin had gone back to its old ways and was still looking a bit grim. 8 The Pink Stuff made a proper mess Credit: So I searched for something a bit stronger and bought myself a tub of While this isn't something I've heard many experts talk about when it comes to bin cleaning, I figured the multi-purpose paste which has been hailed as a 'miracle' product that is said to be 'tough on stains', could do the trick. But after literally five seconds of scrubbing, I was already starting to regret my decision. Yes, this thick paste is super versatile, but it made a total mess on my bin. The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. It was much more hassle than it was worth and there was far too much faff involved with getting rid of the white residue from my bin. While I love using this product throughout my home, on my Also, the scent is very faint, so it didn't work as well as I'd hoped to keep my bin smelling fresh. Rating: 2/5 Seriously strong Disappointed with the mess The Pink Stuff made, not only on my bin but all over me too, I reached for a household hero I knew wouldn't let me down. 8 Bleach took the top spot on this cleaning test Credit: Getty Not only do I use bleach on my loos, but I imagined it would work well on my bin too. According to the By bin was left so clean I could even see my reflection in it Abby Wilson The pros explained that bleach is a 'strong cleaner' that 'kills many bacteria, viruses, and fungi', whilst working to 'keep bins clean and fresh.' Not only this, but the experts also recognised that it will 'break down tough stains, grease and grime in bins', whilst also 'making bins look new and clean again.' Eager to let the powerful product do its work, I diluted some bleach with water and threw the solution over the inside and outside of my I then grabbed a long brush to spread the solution and left it to work for a few minutes. Moments later, I thoroughly rinsed the bin to get rid of any residue, which is highly important when using bleach as it can be harmful to the environment and wildlife. As someone who would buy a bleach scented candle if it was available, I was overjoyed with the squeaky clean scent it left behind. Cleaning hacks for outside IF you want to get your garden summer ready, you'll need to check this out. ALGAE: If your fence is covered in MOSS: If moss is causing you problems, PATIO: IF your patio slabs have seen better days, Not only was it a But that wasn't all - my bin was left so clean (definitely the cleanest it has EVER looked), I could even see my reflection in it - yes, you heard that correctly. I highly doubt I'll be popping outside and peering at my bin to check that my make-up and hair look decent, but if you really want your bins to shine, bleach may just be the thing for you. Although it left me very impressed, the experts recommend that bleach should not be used for routine cleaning of bins due to environmental concerns and the damage it can do to plastic over time. I'll definitely do this trick again, but for those eager to give it a try, make sure you switch up your cleaning methods, Rating: 4/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 8 Now, her bin is super shiny Credit: Supplied
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Mum urges other parents to race to Amazon as ‘longest wearing' adidas school shoes are slashed from £28 to just £16
A MUM has urged other parents to race to Amazon to nab the "longest wearing" school shoes ever for just £16. Alice explained that her son is no stranger to wearing out a pair of black shoes at school. Advertisement 2 A mum has urged other parents to race to Amazon for a pair of adidas shoes perfect for school Credit: facebook/extremecouponingandbargainsuk 2 She said the shoes are the longest wearing she's found for her son Credit: Getty So when she saw all the positive reviews for the adidas Tensaur trainers, she decided to give them a try. And she was more than a little chuffed when they lasted her boy longer than any other pair he'd tried. Now the adidas shoes have been reduced on Amazon, Alice took to the Sharing a screenshot of the shoes on the site, she wrote alongside it: "Currently £16! Advertisement Read more Parenting stories "These have been the longest wearing school shoes my son has had!" The original price of the shoes is £28, so the discount isn't one to be sniffed at. And other mums took to the comments section to share their own positive reviews of the shoes too. "My son had these - first year this year and lasted so well," one wrote. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive "We've had these every year and love them," another said. "These are the ones the boys have and they last ages," a third wrote, tagging a friend. I'm a boy mum & found 'virtually indestructible' school shoes - they're the only pairs my sons that last the whole year "I have to agree!" someone else added. "My son was going through shoes every term. Got these and they lasted over a school year just brought them again in the next size up! Advertisement "He also loves them. Even wears them day to day as so comfortable, he says." "My son has these every year! That's a bargain. Might buy next size up," another commented. "I literally love these shoes - they're the only ones that have lasted for my son at school," someone else agreed. "Love these shoes," another said. Advertisement EXTRA HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORM COSTS IF you can't get targeted help from your council, you might have some other options available to you. In some areas, you can talk directly to your school, which might be able to offer you clothing. Or, you might be able to get cheap garments from low-budget shops or charity stores. Some charities offer help to families in need too. But bear in mind charities often have a limited amount of money to give and usually have specific criteria which must be met in order to get a grant. Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you. Meanwhile, you can always try approaching your nearest Citizens' Advice branch. If you don't know where your nearest Citizens' Advice branch is, you can find out by visiting If you're not eligible for a school uniform grant you might be able to get help through the Household Support Fund. "My son has had the same pair since September - definitely a record in our house!" While others admitted they'd already bought the shoes - at a much higher price. "I've just paid £23 for these," one sighed. "Man just bought these at full price last week," another added. Advertisement And some people said there are other shoes that they prefer for their kids. "Nothing beats Geox shoes for school," one wrote. "Reinforced toes!!! My son can ruin school shoes in a week easily. "Scuffs his feet & wears holes in the feet very quickly." Advertisement
