3 Simple Ways to Make Your Home Look More Luxe

The details make all the difference. This couldn’t be more true than when it comes to decorating your home. Finishing touches—like the right wood stain or a beautiful brass light fixture—have the power to transform your space. So whether you’re decorating a room from scratch or refreshing a room that could use a spruce-up, don’t overlook the details! Here are three REAL SIMPLE editor-approved micro design moves that make a big impact.

Select the Right Wood Stain

Understanding undertones is a big part of the process for finding the right wood stain. With wood stains, you can either choose an option that will enhance the existing undertones of the wood you’re working with, or you can select a stain that will make the wood tones appear warmer or cooler. Another factor to consider is the opacity of the stain, which determines how much of the natural wood grain will show through. Aside from aesthetic factors, you’ll also need to take some science into consideration. Wood is a natural element, and the wood type can affect how it responds to the stain. With these factors in mind, you’ll be way more prepared—and less overwhelmed—when selecting the right wood stain.

Switch Out Your Switch Plates

Creating a polished-looking home is all about the little details, and my favorite one is often overlooked: switch plates. Swapping your builder-grade white ones for brass or chrome versions is a minor upgrade, but a noticeable one. Especially when you think about how many of these you have in your home! There are tons of options in different colors, shapes, and styles, so you can really customize it to fit your taste. Plus, it’s a really budget-friendly way to make every space feel a little more luxe. 

Upgrade Your Lighting

If you really want a room to feel finished and put together, lighting is one of the best ways to do that. Layering your lighting into the design will help it feel less like an afterthought, and with so many different types of lighting to choose from (like task, accent, and ambient), you can effortlessly work them into your space. On top of this, selecting statement-making fixtures will not only play up the room’s design but also help tie it all together. A patinated, vintage table lamp or a pair of shiny brass wall sconces can make a world of difference, and there’s something magical about flicking on the lights for the first time when the room’s design is complete. You get to see the space dazzling beautifully after all your hard work.