You read that right. It’s pretty much possible for you to build a house that has the characteristics of a Beverly Hills mansion, but thankfully you can do it for a cheaper price.

Almost everybody dreams of having a house on The Hills or a luxurious Manhattan flat. But the thing is, acquiring these properties would cost you a fortune (unless of course you’re a Hollywood star or a billionaire owner of a tech startup based in Brooklyn). Always aiming for the best when it comes right down to building your home is a great thing. But considering the costs of making that happen, you can always opt to design or refurbish your home for less.

It’s only a matter of following these tips to give your house or flat a decent makeover. And understated homes on the outside aren’t as easily targeted for the treasures they may hold inside either.

Invest in Paintings

Nothing screams high culture like hanging a Miro or a Rembrandt on a living room wall. But considering that these paintings are worth thousands or even millions of dollars, you might instead drop by the local gallery or art market to check out works by the local art community. Aside from giving your home the kind of aesthetic treatment it deserves, buying local artworks also shows your support for the community-at-large.

 

Consider Building a Pool

Luxury homes are not complete without a pool or a two. But investing in a swimming pool can actually exhaust you faster than a punctured balloon loses air. If you want to install an inground pool make sure you find a reputable pool builder. To be safe, get estimates as to the size of the pool, its design and shape, the finishes, and its layout. With comparable estimates in your hands, you can make an educated decision and pick the company which will build you the pool of your dreams.

 

Go Antique Shopping

Instead of spending time hopping from one furniture shop to another, you can hit your local antique stores for the latest secondhand finds. It works well if you have an eye for anything that possesses a luxurious and nostalgic feel. At least with antiques, you won’t have to pay too much for something as simple as an ornate paperweight. If your main aim is to make a good impression, then you won’t have to spend too much. Finding the right secondhand fixtures for your interiors is already enough to achieve the desired effect.

Do a Bit of Arts and Crafts

DIY is still a thing. In fact, it will remain a thing as long as homeowners are keeping the spirit of creativity alive. One way to go about this is to give a fancy and quirky feel to your home by getting arts and crafts ideas online. From marmalade jars that are recycled as vases to wicker chairs made by hand, being able to make your own decorations can help you give your home a personality as bubbly as Zooey Deschanel’s.

 

Get Creative Inputs

While you can’t get the best interior designers, at least you can ask creatives who are close to you for some friendly advice on giving your house the very treatment it deserves. What’s more, talking to these creatives opens up various opportunities for experimentation. There are tons of blogs online, Pinterest is overflowing with ideas and Instagram is full of amazing designers. Just search for interior design or a specific type of decor you like, and you’re sure to find tons of inspiration! Or share some of them below now!