10 Designer Tips to Add Luxury to Your Listing

                               

 

Giveback Homes Member, Kate Lester is a Los Angeles based designer who has been practicing residential and commercial interior design for over 10 years. Drawing inspiration from classic architecture, design greats, and her own clients' passions, she aims to create spaces that are luxurious, livable, and unique. And today, we're thankful to have Kate sharing 10 quick and easy ways to add luxury to your listings:        

 

 

 

 

 

                                              

 1.) Splurge on Scents 

 

One of the first things we notice when we walk into  a space is the smell. I suggest lighting a few luxury candles throughout the home to trigger one of the most important of the buyers 5 senses. The scent might remind them of a luxury hotel they recently visited or one of their favorite upscale boutiques. The mental association with these spaces is a positive correlation and has them thinking about luxury immediately upon entering the home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2.) Fresh Flowers are Key

 

Steer clear from the mixed bouquet at the local grocery store, and go to a florist or wholesale flower mart. The flowers will be exceptionally fresh, and there is so much more variety. Try tulips, hydrangeas, or lilies. These are all classic and timeless, and are not overpowering in their scent. If you can, adding greenery like a fig leaf tree or succulent arrangement is also beneficial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.) Everything Looks Better on a Tray 

 

Coffee tables, Bathrooms and nightstands are the biggest culprits of clutter in a home. Purchase a few trays in different sizes and add them to these areas. Group a beautiful floral, tv remotes, and magazines and place them all neatly inside the tray. The table will immediately look cleaner, and the tray adds a bit of depth and texture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 4.) Art in the Bathroom 

 

We always integrate gorgeous art when we are designing a bathroom. Many homeowners forget this and these spaces end up feeling sterile and colorless. Hang art to draw the eye away from tile that is less than fabulous or lean art on the vanity for an unexpected touch.

 

 

 

 

5.) Simple Symmetry 

 

Symmetry is such a crucial part in successful design concept. It helps anchor and balance a room, and frames more powerful design elements. Balance a long console table with a pair of lamps or chairs and the wall will feel instantly fuller and more complete. 

 

 

 

 

 

 6.) Make a Move 

 

If you can, remove small, disproportionate nightstands that will make a bedroom actually feel smaller, and fill in the spaces next to the bed with larger pieces like a desk or bachelors chest. Completely filling all of the dead space along the headboard wall actually makes the room feel larger not smaller. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.) Keep it Simple 

 

Bookcases and hutches can also be a fantastic focal point if accessorized properly. If that task seems daunting, keep it simple, and remember less is more. A few decorative accents of various heights, large books and a frame or two is all you need to give the bookcase personality and keep it from feeling overdone. 

 

 

 

 

8.) Create an Illusion 

 

The larger the area rug, the bigger the room will feel. I often make spaces feel larger by layering rugs, as shown in this photo. The inexpensive, textured sisal rug defines the seating area and is perfect to handle the coastal elements like sand and water.  The smaller, antique Turkish rug adds pops of color and interest, without the owner worrying about it being destroyed by beachgoers. The combination doesn’t break the bank, and makes the room appear bigger (and better!).

 

 

9.) Frame a View

 

Don’t be afraid to put window treatments around a breathtaking view. Just avoid bright colors and frame the view with neutral drapery so the eye is drawn toward the windows. Also make sure all furniture in a space with a fabulous view is arranged to enjoy it.

 

 

 

 

 

10.) Embrace the Unexpected 

 

We often call on “unexpected touches” when designing a room. Pair a bright abstract modern art piece with a traditional stone fireplace or a more traditional sofa with a coffee table that has clean contemporary lines. The eclectic mix will feel collected and luxurious.

 

 

 

 

 

Giveback Homes Member, Kate Lester is a Los Angeles based designer who has been practicing residential and commercial interior design for over 10 years. Drawing inspiration from classic architecture, design greats, and her own clients' passions, she aims to create spaces that are luxurious, livable, and unique.