Nothing is more enduring than traditional, elegant décor. Certainly today we insist on comfort as well as beauty, but quality furnishings, subtle accessories and classic good taste never go out of style. Here are 15 ideas to make your home look high end – and you look like a socialite!

1. Choose neutrals. Neutral-coloured paints and fabrics exude timeless elegance. Touches of colour are welcome, but overall, stick to greys, taupes, beiges, browns, black and white.
2. Add trim. Ceiling cornices look so polished and create a high-end look – as do pillars, seat rails, mouldings and other architectural details.
3. Buy quality cushions. Make sure cushions are comfy, mouldable and covered in quality fabric. Don’t skimp here – spend a little more, it shows.
4. Splurge on art. Consider limited edition prints, an original piece from a new artist or even your own black & white photos! Always frame simply.
5. Use cloth napkins. Unless you’re serving potato chips, treat your guests to cloth napkins. Basic white is always perfect. Cloth napkins not only say elegance, they also say you care a little extra.
6. Display fresh flowers. If your budget permits, display at least one bouquet of fresh flowers at all times. Daisies and carnations are long lasting, affordable and quite lovely.
7. Indulge in the powder room. Offer your guests a soft, luxurious hand towel and fancy hand cream. Trust me, they’ll notice!
8. Burn candle wicks. This is one of my favourite tips! Even if your candles are strictly for display, always burn the wick to give them a used look, rather than kept for occasions.
9. Have a luxury focal point. Better to have fewer pieces of furniture than to buy low quality. Build your home around well-crafted pieces; even go opulent here and there with focal point furnishings that make a room extraordinary.
10. Showcase your treasures. If you travel, display artifacts from your adventures – or fake it with the fabulous exotic accent pieces now available. Hobby displays like cameras also exude affluence.
11. Pick tufted pieces. Tufted chairs, ottomans, headboards and sofas are very on trend right now but have been a staple in elegant homes for many years. So chic.
12. Get a rug that fits. Too small rugs look scanty and sparse. Be sure at least the front legs of your furniture extend over the rug for a feeling of abundance.
13. Move furniture from the walls. Even a small room looks more spacious (i.e. higher end) when the furnishings move forward. Create a conversation nook by bringing a chair or sofa inward.
14. Go big with accessories. High-end homes have minimal clutter and trinkets. Choose statement accessories and wall hangings with impact. If you have smaller items, group them as a collection.
15. Hang draperies generously. Elegant homes have draperies that look and feel ample and plentiful. Your draperies should be at least 3 times the width of the window and puddle slightly on the floor. Choose quality fabric.

Whatever your budget, you can achieve an elegant home that’s smart and sophisticated!

Tags: decor, design tips, how to, trends