How to Master High-Low Interior Decorating Without Sacrificing Style

What High Low Interior Decorating Really Means

Essentially, mastering high-low interior decorating works when your items are a mix of some high-end, some low, so the room feels balanced instead of staged. Nothing in your home needs to look showroom perfect. The key is pairing a few well-designed investment pieces of furniture, lighting and cushions with budget-friendly finds like rugs, coffee tables, accents and objects. That balance keeps the room stable, and you avoid overspending without sacrificing style.

The methodology behind this type of styling is best seen in examples such as when choosing a lounge, an armchair, ottoman and dining chairs. These pieces are most likely going to be used everyday and durability is essential, so this is where a less expensive option will not serve the purpose. Then again, a budget-friendly coffee table or side table will do the job just fine.

What About Decorative Objects

Sourcing for useful and attractive accessories that will not break the budget is not always easy when you want style to match. There are some fantastic homewares on the market that are affordable and look high-end, while others feel cheap and tacky, and you run the risk of taking the whole look down. Those are the ones worth avoiding.

How to Master the Mix

Good taste and a good eye will come into it, but unfortunately not always second nature for some, which is exactly why I have pulled together a few key points to guide you.

·      A replica mirror can look almost identical to a designer version where much of the cost is tied to the name rather than the design

·      Invest in canvas art work and prints in the upper-mid-range price point (keep an eye out for sales of your favourite piece)

·      Avoid cheap lighting and go mid-to high-range if your budget allows. If it does not, opt for replica lighting or dimmable down lights if you already having the wiring

·      Select vases or vessels in the accessible mid-range pricing without tipping into the luxury bracket, especially if they are going to be living on a shelf and not handled.        A quality crystal, glass or stone vase for fresh flower arrangements is advisable.

·      Invest in an upper-range sofa/lounge suite and enhance with a simple and budget friendly coffee table and side tables

·      Pet and child-friendly rugs can still look great if they are washable and manufactured with materials that reduce cost (avoid synthetic latex backings)

·      Cohesive colour palettes can help less expensive items look intentional and well matched. If you love bright colour be sparingly and only use as accent or for impact

·      Re-arrange and rethink what you already have and throw out what you no longer need, less is more and one high mid-range vessel or accessory will look more        stylish than three budget friendly ones

When to Spend and When to Save

One exception I always point out to my clients is cushions: Avoid mass produced options that use synthetic materials and lack durability. I recommend spending a little more on them and ensure they have feather inserts. You can find good quality cushions in the $150-200 range. At this price point they usually feature quality textiles and sit better, hold their shape and they feel far more comfortable behind your back. Even so, avoid designer brands charging over $400, take it from me it is often not worth the $200 jump, which is mostly carrying the designer’s name as part of the price.

Rugs on the other hand can be chosen without overspending. A lower price does not always mean lower quality, some (not all) budget-friendly rugs are washable and made with durable fibres and materials that reduce cost. Low-pile options are not only easier to maintain in homes with pets or children, but they also hold up well over time. With many attractive designs available online, a carefully chosen rug can elevate a sofa or table setting and give the room a high-end finish without the high-end price tag.

Replica homewares, furniture and artwork let you enjoy famous designs without the out of reach price tag, which is perfect for high–low decorating.

When chosen carefully, replicas can capture the feel of the original design while still being durable and iconic at the same time. How perfect is that!

Avoid going cheap on artwork. There are many types of canvas art and prints that present beautifully, for instance high quality Giclée prints. These are created from high-resolution images of the original and still give the depth and clarity you expect from a quality piece of art. Canvas transfers and other reproductions also achieve the look of a painted work on canvas, offering strong visual impact without the high price tag.

With some research, you will see that some suppliers and artists now offer reproductions for high-end art, as this approach keeps costs lower without sacrificing quality. When it comes to artwork, always invest as high as your budget allows.

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Bringing High-low Home

When it comes down to it trust your own sense of style when choosing your high-low pieces and do not rush your purchases, remember to give thought to your space and your lifestyle needs. Keep it simple by focusing only on the key pieces you need, this makes balancing quality and cost easier.

Conclusion – Here Is My Take

To nail it, invest at the top end for anything you sit on, lie on, or use daily, as comfort and durability matter most, as quality will reflect the price. For decorative pieces that are rarely handled, mid-range or lower is fine, the exception is artwork, which is always worth investing in, as already discussed earlier in this blog.

If hiring an interior decorator is not in the budget many interior consultants now offer affordable services online such as mood boards or uncomplicated decorating packages that provide a clear plan to follow without the need of a full in-home consultation.

While you are here, why not explore my own services, which are designed to give you the right level of support if you feel you need some help. Otherwise, I hope this blog has been useful and that you can apply the ideas with ease to make your project a success.

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Article Written by Marina Mura

Moodboards curated by Author

Find your ideal style | E: marinamura@moodblogs.com or visit my inspiration page in the Menu bar.

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Moodboard image credit:

Walter G, Miss Amara, Trit House, Lighting Illusions, Antoinette Ferwerda Art, James Lane, Temple and Webster, L3 Home, Horgans, Cafe Lighting & Living.

If you are interested in purchasing any of the pieces featured on my mood boards, feel free to contact me directly for product details, sourcing information or styling support.