Experts Offer Tips for High-end Home Design on a Dime

Kourtney and Khloé Kardashian, Eva Mendes, Cher, and other celebs have turned to British interior design guru to the stars Martyn Lawrence Bullard for his impeccable taste and attention to detail.

The Los Angeles-based author and TV personality is consistently named as one of the world’s top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest. But you don’t have to be a home design fashionista to create a high-end vibe. Bullard says you can easily transform a boring living room wall into a customized gallery wall, with classy black and white photos (or several pieces of thoughtfully hung framed art). 

“[You can] create a little edgy moment, a little glamour, by adding photography to make this amazing gallery wall…it’s something that’s really easy for you to achieve at home,” Bullard told Yahoo!Life, in a recent interview. And sharing his love of amazing window treatments. “To me, the jewelry of our living rooms is really how we dress the windows.”

Other high-end tips on a dime: Maximize space and zhuzh up your cucina with a wall-mount bookshelf pot rack. Also, consider trending kitchen looks, like open shelves, cabinets painted with darker hues, and shiny gold/brass hardware.  

“Fancy” décor for a song

“Designing a space doesn’t have to break the bank, if you mix higher- and lower-priced elements together,” says Sandra Asdourian of Sandra Asdourian Interiors in Babylon. “And the best designs have a layered look.”

She suggests: First, figure out your budget. Secondly, it’s best to invest on pieces you’ll keep for a long time, i.e., your dining room table, sofa, area rugs, bedroom furniture. And third, mix in lower-priced items, like pillows, vases, lamps, artwork, accessories. 

“Paint is one of the least costly elements you could do for your home,” Asdourian adds. “Have a guest room that needs a refresh? Paint it a minty green and update the bedding, and you have a new room. Looking for a kitchen update? Add new lighting and barstools – and if the budget allows – paint the cabinets.” 

Have a painting or print you love? Reframing it could give that blah space a totally new look.  

Get imaginative

For instant impact: Hang a large striking statement mirror and/or eye-catching light fixture in a foyer, living room, bedroom, or hallway. There are tons of well-priced styles out there to choose from. Adding interesting sculpture pieces can also dramatically elevate a space.

Expect “oohs” and “aahs” from your guests.

According to Wayfair Professional interior stylists, jewel-toned accent pieces in rich amethyst, brilliant blues, and glorious greens can create a glam/luxe look: velvet chairs, poufs, pillows, sofas, tufted headboards, etc. And why not bring a touch of yesteryear to modern spaces with retro classics? 

Sometimes, a small refresh is all your home needs, to take it to the next level.

A design pro can help

“Artwork always makes a statement and can truly elevate any space,” says Robyn Baumgarten of Interiors By Just Design in Woodbury.

A local condo got some refreshing high-end designer touches when she incorporated one-of-a-kind wall art everywhere. And in the dated kitchen, cabinets got new door fronts and open, stainless-steel shelves were installed, along with a custom wine rack (above the fridge).

“Whether or not a client is on a budget, I always have the cabinets fabricated to reach the ceilings, as it is a more custom look. Now the kitchen screams high-end, yet it was done on a budget, like the bathroom,” says Baumgarten, who gave that bland space a very custom look by adding just a statement vanity, dramatic (vinyl) wallpaper, and an unusual abstract wall sculpture.

“Good design is about knowing what pieces to splurge on, and how and where to save,” she adds. “Having many sources to purchase from, and knowing how to put it all together, can really give the client a ‘wow’ look…for less.”

Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.