13 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK MORE ELEGANT
Elegance in a home isn’t about perfection or formality – it’s about creating a space that feels thoughtful, layered, and quietly refined. Over time, I’ve found that the most elegant interiors that I’m drawn to aren’t necessarily the most elaborate or high-end, but the most intentional. Today I’m sharing 13 ways to make your home look more elegant – the key styling and design elements I always come back to when creating spaces in our home that feel elevated, timeless, and effortlessly put together. Your home should always speak to what you love and who you are, that goes without question! If you’re looking to create a home that’s sophisticated, classic and timeless, these go-to tips will help you curate a chic and elegantly beautiful home you will love for years to come.
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1. ADD WALL MOLDINGS AND BUILT-INS
Wall moldings instantly elevate any space by adding depth and architectural interest. Millwork will always make a room feel far more custom and considered. Through the years we’ve slowly been adding wall moldings and built-in shelving around our home, which lend a classic, traditional feel to each space. It also lends an old-world feel that I always love. Millwork in your home speaks to a more sophisticated feel and also helps your home look more expensive – and there are many inexpensive ways to do it.
2. INCORPORATE WALLPAPER FOR VISUAL DEPTH AND CHARACTER
Wallpaper brings pattern, color, texture, and personality in a way paint simply can’t. It creates a layered backdrop that makes everything else in the room feel more elevated as well. It’s the perfect way to incorporate something daring and bold with color and pattern, or something quiet and elegant with texture. We’ve used faux grasscloth in several rooms and a chic chinoiserie print as well – the best of both worlds!
3. CHOOSE ELEGANT HARDWARE: PULLS, DOOR KNOBS AND VENTS
Hardware may be easy to overlook, but it acts like jewelry for your home. Beautiful knobs and pulls can elevate cabinetry and furniture to a whole new level. Be intentional with your choices when you’re deciding on what you want. The possibilities are endless with the options that are available today. For added elegance, you want to create a look that’s timeless and sophisticated, but that also has your stamp on it! Don’t ignore those floor vents and wall grates either – swap out basic plastic or metal ones for something chic with a decorative design – this will effortlessly add elegance and personality to any room. Intentionally choose door knobs and door handles that will also make your home more elegant and refined. These small details make a huge difference.
4. INVEST IN THOUGHTFUL CABINETRY AND VANITIES
Well-designed cabinetry creates a tailored, built-in feeling that instantly makes a space feel more refined and intentional. I love when cabinets look like a piece of furniture rather than cabinetry. After many years in our home, we chose to upgrade some of our kitchen cabinets with these custom uppers (we didn’t have a huge budget either) – which was a total transformation of our space. Not only are we thrilled with the results, we’ve added value to our home with elegant, custom designer cabinets. We also added some drawers and a dishwasher panel for a seamless, continuous look – the results are elegant, elevated and so very chic. The same idea applies to bathroom vanities – choose designs that look like furniture for a more refined, upscale look.
5. CHOOSE ELEVATED PLUMBING FIXTURES
Like lighting and hardware, plumbing fixtures are like jewelry in your kitchen and bathrooms. Today there are so many options on the market at every price point. You can have stunning plumbing fixtures throughout your home that are elegant, chic and look expensive without the hefty price tag. Many of our choices have a traditional look that lend a feeling of history, which pairs perfectly with the timeless feeling we are trying to create in our home and have also been mostly budget friendly.
5. PAINT THOSE INTERIOR DOORS!
Do you have basic white doors throughout your home? There’s nothing wrong with leaving them white of course, but if you truly want an elevated and more elegant look throughout your home, just add some paint! You can paint all the doors the same color for a cohesive look throughout your home, and for a monochromatic look, you can paint the doors the same as the walls within each space. Painting your doors will instantly feel more intentional and sophisticated, it will also bring a designer edge to your home that everyone will want!
5. BRING IN STATEMENT LIGHTING
Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in any room. A beautiful light fixture draws the eye and sets the tone for the entire space. As I mentioned above, lighting is one of those things that is like jewelry in your home. It’s incredibly important to pay attention to style and scale – lighting that is too small is underwhelming and will visually disappear in your space. You always want to choose lighting that has visual impact. Pay close attention to the design choices you’re making as well – lighting should compliment your room as well as your home for a cohesiveness that is so important. If you want to create that elegant, timeless look, choose fixtures that have an understated, timeless sophistication. You’ll notice all of our choices from ceilings to walls to tables are all consistent in style, look and feel.
6. CHOOSE CLASSIC FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES
Furniture and large accessories like mirrors with classic lines will always feel more elegant and stand the test of time. They help to create a solid base that you can build on over time. Again, there are so many options available today for all budgets – you can choose beautifully designed pieces that are very affordable. I personally love more traditional lines and have strived through the years to choose pieces with intention that will help create the elegant home we’ve always dreamed of. I still have many things on my wish list that I hope to find someday!
7. LAYER IN WOOD FURNITURE FOR WARMTH
Wood furniture adds richness, helping a space feel warm and inviting, rather than flat or too cold. Wood pieces also add texture and contrast and bring in a natural element as well, which is always elegant – as long as it’s not too rustic. There’s nothing wrong with rustic of course, but that is a very different look. Again if you want to create an elegant home, choosing pieces with intention is key – look for refined, sophisticated lines when choosing wood furniture for a more elevated, upscale look. Antique markets and Facebook Marketplace are great places to find vintage items as well.
8. GROUND YOUR ROOMS WITH A CHIC RUG
A well-chosen rug defines the space, brings everything together and makes a visual statement in any room. It grounds your space and can set the tone for the rest of the room as well. I always try to choose rugs that have a beautiful pattern and color palette that will compliment each space as well as the surrounding rooms, since our home is open concept. One thing to always consider is the size – if you’re unsure, it’s always better to go larger than too small, as long as it fits the space and isn’t interfering with furniture or foot traffic.
9. BRING IN COLOR AND PATTERN WITH TEXTILES
Textiles soften a space and make it feel lived-in and add color, pattern and texture – something I always bring into any space I’m creating. Throw pillows, layered blankets, bedding and table linens will always elevate any space and help to bring in a signature look that’s thoughtful, personal and always elegant. Even if you prefer more subtle pattern and color, that’s ok – it acts as an added layer that brings visual interest that’s key to creating a beautiful, intentional room.
10. ELEVATE ANY SPACE WITH WINDOW TREATMENTS
Window treatments add that layer of elegant luxury and complete the look of your room. They add texture, warmth and can completely transform a space to another level. From tailored sleek roman shades which are always refined, to chic, full length drapes that are hung as high as possible to add visual height. I always prefer a more crisp, tailored look – it’s more elevated and upscale looking, slightly more formal and will always bring a gorgeous elegance and sophistication to your space.
11. WHEN IN DOUBT: USE SYMMETRY!
I’ve said this over and over through the years – nothing is more classic in decorating and design than incorporating symmetry in your home. It’s a timeless design technique that’s as old as time, as it creates a sense of order and calm and is always pleasing to the eye. It’s effortless elegance that is so easy to achieve. Pairs of lamps, vases, jars, placements of pillows, tables, etc., the possibilities are endless.
12. ADD SOFTNESS AND TEXTURE WITH FLORALS
Whether you love to use real or faux florals, fresh greenery and plants, cut branches or stems, adding an element like a gorgeous floral arrangement that makes a bold statement will always elevate any space. I always love to create an oversized arrangement that creates a strong focal point. I personally can’t keep plants alive so you’ll rarely find live plants around our home! I love faux florals, as you can create arrangements that last and it’s much more affordable.
13. LAYER WITH MEANINGFUL ACCESSORIES YOU LOVE
Your home should feel curated, collected and personal. Layer pieces thoughtfully, incorporating things you truly love and mean something to you. Naturally, you’ll have things throughout your home that you simply just love, because you love them – that’s great too! Just be sure you’re also layering in unique treasures with meaning and a sense of history as well – items from your travels, inherited pieces, vintage finds, sentimental gifts, handmade items, whatever it may be – it will always create a more personal, unique home and that is always elegant.
Creating an elegant home is all about being intentional with each space, each major purchase, each layer you incorporate throughout to create a home you truly love. When a strong foundation is paired with timeless pieces and thoughtful styling, a home naturally feels elevated, personal, sophisticated and beautifully refined. I hope you’ve found these tips on how to make your home look more elegant helpful! xo
