10 Elegant Home Details

Crave a polished, elegant look befitting a glossy magazine? Tax day has come and gone, and I can’t be alone in feeling a bit pinched, but there are ways to find a look that is within reach, if you shop smart and use a few classic decorator tricks. Here are 10 fiscally responsible ideas for decorating with elegance.

1. Lanterns. Lanterns have a classic shape that brings elegance to any space, indoors or out. They are available at all price points, so hunt around for one you like that also fits your budget. Try hanging one over the dining table or a pair over the kitchen island, or choose an outdoor lantern for the porch.

Elegant lanterns in home interiors


2. A subtle color scheme. It’s simple, chic and easy to pull off, so why not try it? Paint your walls, trim and ceiling all the same hue (try pale and watery blue, soft mint or white) and choose furnishings in soft, smoky shades of blue-gray.

Houzz guides to beautiful neutral colors


3. Orchids. While it’s true that these exotic flowers can be quite expensive, it is also possible to find lovely orchids at the grocery store for a reasonable price — just keep your eye out. Pot several white orchids together in a large blue and white china bowl for an elegant centerpiece that will last for months. And if you keep them through their dormant period after they finish blooming, you can have orchids again next year for free.

More about types and care of orchids


4. Long, full curtains. Curtains hung high (nearly flush with the ceiling) that are long enough to create a hint of a puddle on the ground can make nearly any room look grand. Also, don’t skimp on the total width of the curtains — using twice as many panels will give them a luxuriously full, custom look.

Custom Draperies 101


5. Little tables. Petite round or square tables tucked near armchairs make a room look more inviting and provide a convenient place for a drink or book. Tables with delicate legs or transparent tops will keep the room from looking overcrowded with furniture.


6. A statement mirror. Why stick with a plain frame when you can choose Venetian glass, a giant leaning gold leaf mirror or a sunburst shape? A splurge like this is worth it when it changes the feeling of the entire room.


7. Extra pillows. If you have been getting by with only regular bed pillows, consider an upgrade. Place a few Euro-size (26- by 26-inch) pillows in shams in front of your regular pillows and finish off the look with a single lumbar pillow across the front. It’s no fun trying to get in a bed with more pillows than that, so know when to call it quits!


8. Fluffy white towels. Big, fluffy stacks of pristine white bath and hand towels in the bathroom telegraph a spa-like sense of cleanliness and purity. And towels are so affordable! Why not treat yourself to an armful of fresh whites the next time you spy some on sale?


9. Real furniture outdoors. If you have a sheltered outdoor space, there’s no reason to stick with only basic wood and metal porch furniture if you don’t want to. Many of the new outdoor furniture offerings look just like the indoor versions, but are crafted using special fast-dry batting and fabric made to withstand rain and sun. To save money and still get a custom look, try searching for a used outdoor furniture set and have the cushions re-covered in designer outdoor fabric.


10. Topiary. There is something so chic about topiaries. One or two can elevate the most basic space into something truly special. And if you have a patio or porch that does not get enough sun for a real plant, try the new fake topiaries — many of them are so gorgeous, no one would ever know the difference!

Tell us: What spells elegance to you?

See more photos of topiaries

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