Design Tip: Grouping items in threes—like candles, books, or vases—creates visual balance and instantly makes any space feel more styled.
Introduction
Have you ever walked into a space and just felt different—like the stress melted away and you could breathe again? That’s the magic of thoughtful design. And the truth is, luxury doesn’t have to mean marble floors and million-dollar budgets.
As an interior designer and real estate expert who’s worked with everyone from young professionals to high-profile clients, I’ve learned this: true luxury is about how a space makes you feel. It’s livable, layered, and deeply personal.
Whether you’re staging your home to sell or simply craving a refresh, here are five simple design tweaks that will elevate your home immediately—no renovation required.
1. Create a Signature Scent
Luxury homes don’t just look beautiful—they smell amazing. Scent is a powerful emotional anchor, and it sets the tone for your entire space.
Try this:
Add a diffuser in your entryway with notes of sandalwood, citrus, or lavender.
Use matching candles in the living room and bedroom for continuity.
Spray linens with a calming mist of eucalyptus and rosemary.
Design Tip: I always recommend eco-friendly, non-toxic options like Pura or Vitruvi for scenting your home with style.
2. Stick to a Soft, Layered Color Palette
Nothing says "custom home" like a well-curated color scheme. But here's the secret: keep it soft, layered, and consistent.
Choose 2–3 neutral base colors (think warm white, greige, or soft taupe), then add subtle contrast with texture—linen, leather, velvet, or matte ceramics.
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3. Kitchen Textiles
Tea Towels and Aprons
Kitchen textiles are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your culinary space. Tea towels and aprons are not just practical items; they're an opportunity to infuse your kitchen with personality and charm.
Choosing the right tea towels and aprons:
- Look for absorbent materials like linen or cotton for tea towels
- Consider patterned options that hide stains while adding visual interest
- Choose aprons with adjustable straps and pockets for comfort and utility
- Opt for a mix of everyday basics and seasonal designs to refresh your kitchen's look
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Our Rosewood Linen Tea Towel Set combines functionality with cottage-core charm. Made from 100% linen, these tea towels become more absorbent with each wash, making them a long-lasting addition to your kitchen.
Table Linens
Table linens are the finishing touch that can elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. They not only protect your table but also set the mood for your dining experience, whether it's a casual family dinner or a formal gathering.
Types of table linens to consider:
- Tablecloths: Offer full coverage and dramatic impact
- Table runners: Provide a decorative strip down the center of the table
- Placemats: Protect the table while defining individual place settings
- Napkins: Essential for both practical use and aesthetic appeal
3. Functional Accessories
Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils are a staple in any well-appointed kitchen. They offer a perfect blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, adding warmth to your culinary space while being gentle on your cookware.
Essential wooden utensils for your kitchen:
- Spoons of various sizes for stirring and serving
- Spatulas for flipping and scraping
- Cutting boards for food preparation and serving
- Salad servers for tossing and presenting salads
Wooden Utensils
Non-reactive: Won't impart metallic tastes to your food
Gentle on cookware: Won't scratch non-stick surfaces or delicate pots
Heat-resistant: Comfortable to use even with hot dishes
Antibacterial properties: Natural wood has inherent antimicrobial qualities
Storage Containers
Proper storage is key to maintaining an organized and efficient kitchen. The right storage containers not only keep your ingredients fresh but also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your space.
Choosing the right storage containers:
Material: Consider glass for durability and easy cleaning, or BPA-free plastics for lighter weight
- Size variety: Select a range of sizes to accommodate different ingredients
- Seal type: Look for airtight seals to ensure freshness
- Compatibility: Choose containers that stack well and fit in your cabinets or pantry
- Labeling: Opt for containers that are easy to label for better organization
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Our linen bread bags keep your loaves away from sunlight and allow them to breathe while keeping them cool. When it comes to quality, we don’t cut corners. Our linen bread bags for homemade bread are made using 100% Linen that’s strong, breathable, and lightweight.
The strong stitching add another layer of durability to the bread bags to make sure they can handle daily use even in the long run. The linen bags for bread are just as easy to clean as they are to use.Â
5. Edit, Don’t Add
Luxury isn't about having more—it’s about having less, but better. That means editing your space with intention.
Clear the clutter.
Keep only what you love.
Create negative space that lets your best pieces breathe.
💬 When clients ask me what to buy to make their home feel better, I always say: “Let’s first decide what to remove.” That’s when the magic happens.
Let's Connect
It doesn't take much to fall back in love with your space. These five simple tweaks are about creating a home that reflects your best self—calm, intentional, and beautiful.
If you’re ready for more personalized help designing a home that feels like you, I’d love to connect.
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đź’Ś Free Resource:
Download my🌿Livable Luxury: Your Spring Home Styling Checklist to go room by room and instantly elevate your space.
🎙️ Listen next:
Tune in to TLL Talk this week for our new Spring Refresh Series on “Awakening your Soul and You Space.Â
📸 Let’s connect:
Tag us in your design updates onÂ
The author : Sandra Mccullough
With nearly two decades of experience in design and real estate, she helps clients create spaces that feel as good as they look. Through her work, her podcast, and her passion for wellness and beautiful living, Sandra inspires others to live fully, love their homes, and embrace the art of livable luxury.
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