Amanda Holden's interior designer reveals her secrets for making a home look expensive – without the high price tag
Anouska Lancaster knows a thing or two about creating spaces with wow factor
![A green-painted living room with a yellow velvet sofa and matching ottoman and vintage framed paintings hanging on the walls](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s3Ag7x2BvkjZ3MeYFEuDZK-415-80.jpg)
Knowing how to make your home look expensive on a budget is not only a useful skill in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis – it can also be an exercise in creativity as it pushes you to think outside the box and go out there on something of a treasure hunt. This has become even clearer to us after talking to interior designer, stylist and TV presenter Anouska Lancaster who’s shared some of her top budget decorating ideas with us.
Being a resident presenter on QVC and an award-winning interior designer to the stars - having recently renovated her QVC co-presenter Amanda Holden’s home - Anouska Lancaster knows a thing or two about how to go about injecting a space with a bit of wow factor.
While Anouska is a celebrity interior designer, she also believes interior design should be accessible to everyone and loves to bring rooms and homes alive with the use of colour and pattern. And if the budget is tight, these are her 3 top tips to make your space look elevated without the high price tag.
1. Know where to shop
While most would love to shop in high-end designer shops and boutiques, more often than not it's not a viable option for the majority of people. Instead, you should focus on finding platforms and stores where you can get great, high end-looking pieces for less.
‘Shops like TK Maxx and Homesense are a godsend because they're great brands at much lower prices,’ Anouska recommends. ‘Or go on eBay, where I buy loads of fringe lampshades.’
Apart from eBay, another great source Anouska recommends is charity shops where you can score both vintage items that are either timeless or have come back in style or brand new ones that previous owners got rid of far too quickly.
2. Mix old with new
Speaking of eBay, charity shops and vintage, Anouska shares another tip of making a home look more expensive – and that is by mixing old pieces with new, modern ones.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
‘What works is mixing old and new, so I buy loads of things from flea markets and charity shops. I buy lampshades for a few pounds and my local charity shop is brilliant because they're all house clearances.
'All those trends are coming around again, and things our grandparents used to have are now cool. I love beautiful old bowls and vases and awful old ornaments that used to look really bad but look cool now,’ she explains before adding, ‘I think go for things you really love, there's no rules, just anything that you see that brings you joy and you really love, just go for it.’
After all, bringing in your personality and interests into your interiors is one of the most influential home decor trends of the year – and a personalised home looks more thought-out and considered. Which can translate to elevated and expensive.
3. Look for designer-inspired pieces
High street can be a great option to look at if there is a designer style you love but its price point is way too high – because high street brands take note of what the high end of the market puts out.
‘If you love something expensive but you're on a budget then shop around as there's so many brands watching what the designers are doing. Do some research because those brands are keeping an eye on what the really cool boutique designers are doing,’ Anouska advises.
These are some of our favourite budget-friendly designer lookalikes we’ve come across recently and would be happy to have in our homes.
One of the most well-known designer lighting styles are Tom Dixon's Melt Pendants with their irregular shape and reflective finish. But while those sell for hundreds of pounds, Dunelm's take on the look in the form of the Alexis pendant is only £79.
Curved furniture is a style favoured by high-end designers in the past couple of years - a look that has trickled down to high street, giving rise to such elevated and cosy-looking seating options as the Homebase Lars boucle armchair.
These interior designer tricks are sure to help you in turning your abode into an elevated space similar to those of the rich and famous. But most importantly, one that you love and feel comfortable in.
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. Sara brings the Ideal Home’s readership features and news stories from the world of homes and interiors, as well as trend-led pieces, shopping round-ups and more, focusing on all things room decor, specialising in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices and dining rooms. Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others. She feels that fashion and interiors are intrinsically connected – if someone puts an effort into what they wear, they most likely also care about what they surround themselves with.
-
Why is my asparagus fern turning yellow? 7 possible causes and how to fix them
Stop your asparagus fern turning yellow with these seven quick fixes and expert houseplant care tips
By Holly Reaney
-
Painting the staircase black has taken this renter's hallway from drab to fabulous
The striking painted staircase takes pride of place in this hallway makeover and sets the scene for the rest of the stylish rental home
By Lisa Moses
-
Small pantry ideas that prove every kitchen can be organisation goals
No matter the size of your space, nail your storage and get that wow factor with these clever ways to create a larder cupboard
By Lindsay Blair
-
Tesco’s new F&F homeware launch is simple and stylish - has the supermarket finally cracked home decor?
Understated is clearly effective
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I had a sneak peek at Marks & Spencer new homeware and these are the pieces that should be on your radar for autumn
Marks & Spencer has some great new-season buys and this is my list of the ones you won't want to miss
By Laurie Davidson
-
'Let’s just bring some darker colours in’ – the queen of neutrals Stacey Solomon surprised us with her latest dark and moody George Home range
Stacey Solomon embraces her favourite season in her new George Home collab
By Sara Hesikova
-
Should you open windows when using a dehumidifier? Experts reveal how this small oversight can affect the efficiency of your appliance
Keep this simple tip in mind to ensure your home stays dry and comfortable
By Jullia Joson
-
John Lewis' online Christmas shop is open! These are the baubles we're sure will sell out fast
Is it ever too early for a little Christmas cheer?
By Sara Hesikova
-
How to style the minimaluxe trend in your home, according to a professional interior stylist
Trends might come and go, but get it right and you'll have a stunning look with timeless appeal
By Charlotte Boyd
-
Signs you need a dehumidifier – 6 things to look out for, from condensation on windows to musty odours
When is it time to finally invest in a dehumidifier? These tell-tale signs are the biggest indicators
By Jullia Joson
-
Shark's FlexBreeze fan is on sale for £50 off – here's why we're adding it to our basket in time for Bank Holiday weekend
Quiet, powerful, and easy to switch between modes – what's not to love?
By Jullia Joson