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IWe all want our homes to make a good impression – to look beautiful and feel luxurious. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot to achieve a luxurious atmosphere. Knowing where to splurge and where to save is key.
Laura Hammett, creative director of the eponymous architecture and interior design studio and founder of luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living, shares this philosophy. Having designed sumptuous, award-winning spaces for over a decade, here are some tips to make your home look like you spent way more money than you actually did.
“I usually start with a base color scheme of layered neutrals—incorporating ivory, beige, bronze, and even rusts, browns, and navy—to create depth,” Hammett begins. These tones create a tone of sophistication and serenity.
“Layer luxurious textures such as cashmere or alpaca throws, wool throw pillows and rugs to add warmth and softness,” she continues. You should prioritise things you touch often, making sure the materials are pleasant to the touch.
“Then, accent with metallic elements, such as sharkskin or patinated pieces, as well as organic wood elements or hand-blown glass. These add a touch of glamorous light reflection and tactile interest,” she tells me.
Hammett recommends focusing on a few key areas where investment will have the biggest impact, saying: “Splurge on high-quality, tailored curtains and drapes to elegantly frame the spaces you use most. This will ensure a proper fit for a polished presentation.
Invest in a high-quality wool or silk rug that will last a lifetime and make your living room feel solid, tying the seating together. And in general, prioritize the foundational pieces that will get the most use: sofas, mattresses, and the dining table. You’ll be pleased when they still look and feel great years later.”
Commit to smaller, less-used items. “You can find great antiques on eBay at a very affordable price, and that’s where I found the spool-foot side table and grandfather clock I have at home,” she says.
Likewise, prints, picture frames, coffee tables, lamps, mirrors and accent chairs are abundant at local antique stores and on Facebook Marketplace.
She also suggests identifying and enhancing the little things you use every day. Think linens, soap, and stationery. These little luxuries set a sophisticated tone without spending a fortune. Consider embroidering your initials on some pillowcases or towels, and opt for Le Labo or Aesop hand soap, which will leave your hands soft and smelling divine.
Hammett concludes: “One of the main culprits of a low-end style is clutter and an overabundance of small, low-quality accessories. It's important to organize the space carefully and avoid overdecorating.
Treat your shelves and surfaces like a gallery, where skillful use of negative space is as important as what you’re displaying. This helps achieve the right visual balance.”
By taking this “less is more” approach, you can create spaces that feel luxurious and long-lasting.
