01/09/2026
Yesterday I said that extraordinary homes can look cheap, while very ordinary homes can look expensive.
Here are five decisions I think can make a difference.
đBe brave with scale:
A small room doesnât mean everything has to be small. A generous lamp, rug, mirror or piece of artwork can give a modest room more presence.
And in a large room, undersized furniture, lighting or art can look like a pea on a mountain!
đDonât let everything fight for attention:
Think about getting dressed: statement earrings, necklace, patterned dress, fabulous shoes AND a bright bag? You wouldnât know where to look. A room is no different.
đMake it go. Donât make it match:
Different colours, patterns, woods and finishes can work beautifully together. They just need a connection - think colour, texture, shape or material.
Matching is easy and it's horribly predictable.
Making different things work together is what makes a room feel considered.
đSpend where youâll see the difference:
Budget matters, but not everything needs a big price tag.
Spend where quality will show, then mix in vintage finds, charity-shop treasures, TK Maxx bargains and things youâve owned for years.
đChoose something that isnât obvious:
If someone walks in and says, âIâve got that bowl⌠that lamp⌠that ornamentâŚâ sorry, but to me thatâs not really a compliment. Iâd rather they said, âWhere did you get that?â
âď¸But different doesnât mean random. It still has to work with the room in scale, colour, shape, texture or proportion.
â¨ď¸And when I say expensive-looking, I donât mean a room that looks as though youâve spent a fortune.
I mean confident, considered and less predictable.
â¨ď¸You want guests to absolutely love your home.
The trick is making sure they canât quite put their finger on why đ
Save these five for the next time youâre making decisions about a room.
interior design ⢠considered interiors ⢠interior styling ⢠making a home look expensive