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The old adage that money can’t buy you style is certainly true when it comes to decorating your home like a pro. Rather than splashing the cash, the most successful interior designers are those who know where to make clever savings. With high profile and high net worth clients, complete discretion is usually key. Now, these award-winnning experts open up their little black books to share thier favourite go-to high street items that always look convincingly high end.
ROLL OUT THE RUGS
‘Jute rugs are a favourite staple for interior designers as they’re so versatile, and we use them all the time,’ says interior designer Alison Johnson, director of Otta-Design.com. ‘Affordable yet timeless, they lend depth, texture and an easy elegance anywhere, from hallways and kitchens to living rooms and bedrooms. The Dunelm Blair rug is a great price for the size.’
POSH-LOOKING PLANTS
‘Plants add texture, a pop of colour and breathe life into any room,’ says Maria Chandler, from Becomeinteriors.co.uk. ‘A Boston Fern is my absolute go-to, for an affordable, generously-sized plant that looks gorgeous anywhere you put it. I get mine from Patch Plants who have a huge variety, including ‘Unkillable’ houseplants – plus you can add a lovely pot for around £10.’
YOUR FUTURE HEIRLOOM
‘We’re anti fast-fashion when it comes to interiors, but love the idea of starting a collection, so often use pieces like this, from Swedish design store Svenkst Tenn,’ say celebrated interior design duo Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead of 2LGstudio.com. ‘It not only does double-duty as both a vase and a candleholder, but also works as a stunning piece of art you’ll love and keep forever. It’s available in several colours, but blue sits nicely in most schemes.’
Mareld candleholder/vase in Misty Blue, €30.40 (£26.22), Svenskttenn.com
STYLISH CROCKERY TO SHOW OFF
‘These dinky cups from IKEA are a firm favourite, and there are matching plates and bowls available too,’ reveals interior designer, Claire Moran (clairemorandesigns.co.uk). ‘They’re perfect for adding a splash of colour to a dining table set up and also look stylish displayed on open shelving in the kitchen.’
Entusiasm mug, £12 (4pk), IKEA
THE ARTIST TO FLAUNT
‘Art can transform a room and inject personality,’ explains award-winning interior designer, Krystyna Martin-Dominguez (K-Space.co.uk). ‘I often use works by artist Margo McDaid [aka Margo in Margate], and this print has a confident, graphic style, with a strong colour and simple composition. It works well in either clean, modern interiors, or to offset softer textures in a cosier scheme.’
Girl in orange bob giclee print, £50, Margoinmargate.com
THE COULD-BE DESIGNER TABLE
‘With the majority of a decoration budget often going on bigger furniture, like sofas and beds, the smaller pieces are a good place to save,’ says interior designer Christiana Wilkins, from Decorbuddi.com. ‘This luxe side table from Habitat is brilliant – not dissimilar from something you’d find at high end brand Soho Home, it looks hand-turned and works in both living rooms and bedrooms.’
Dayo side table, £45, Habitat.co.uk
TIME TO THROW SOME SHADE
‘With their painterly swirls and rich pigments, marbled paper lampshades add a distinctive, elevated touch to interiors,’ explains Alison. ‘Pooky is the go-to place for designers as they have such a good range – we’ve often used this one on lamps in kitchen corners, but it would work well in other rooms too.’
Tall tapered handmade marbled paper shade, £40, Pooky.com
THE LUXE-SMELLING ROOM SCENT
‘Great interior schemes interest every sense, so don’t underestimate the importance of smell,’ advises Maria. ‘My favourite low-cost, high-value room scent is the Dark Amber range from Zara Home – the reed diffuser not only evokes a luxurious ambience, but looks great on a shelf, too.’
Dark Amber reed diffuser, £29.99, Zarahome.com
THE GO-ANYWHERE WALL LIGHT
‘Rechargeable lamps are increasingly popular with my clients – you can put them anywhere, without having to rewire, and they’re an easy way to ‘layer’ your lighting, creating different moods,’ says Christiana. ‘I’ve used them in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms. This one is a great colour and a lovely shape.’
Scallop rechargeable LED dimmable wall light, £30, Dunelm
GO UNDER COVER
‘I know several designers who swear by H&M bedding when on a budget as it looks and feels surprisingly luxe,’ says Christiana. ‘This neutral one is a go-to of mine as it gives a tranquil feel to a space, works with almost any colour scheme and is a fraction of the price of premium brands like Piglet in Bed.’
Cotton duvet cover set in light mole stripe, £39.99 (for a double or king), H&M Home
GET A HANDLE ON IT
‘It’s worth paying attention to little details like cabinet handles and knobs – adding beautiful handles is a classic way to elevate furniture, whether it’s ready-made or bespoke,’ suggests Christiana. ‘Some can be eye-wateringly expensive though, so I like ones by Pushka Home (from £4) which come in several different metal finishes – they look just like designer ones which cost four times the price.’
SLING THIS SLEEK HOOK
‘With quality interiors, details really matter, and every home needs hooks for coats and towels,’ says Maria. ‘This simple piece of hardware can bring a little moment of joy and craftsmanship. It’s quick to install, plus it’s both practical and sleek.’
Oak wall hook, £8, The Little Oak Company at Etsy.com/uk
