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How to Get "The Look for Less”
Hire. A. Designer. Period.
Just kidding! How are you all? I hope you and your loved ones are safe, healthy, and happy.
Today, I am excited to share my collaboration with AllModern to bring you a well-designed bedroom under $5K!
Now, some of you may be thinking that is a lot of money, but I can assure you, when you start from scratch on a bedroom, $5K is considered a ‘low-end’ project. It’s difficult to create a bedroom under that amount without having some of the larger pieces in place already. Sometimes a bed alone can cost $3K, TRUST!
However, when I was a single woman living on my own in NYC, I practiced mixing high & low tag items, and making inexpensive things feel luxurious. Now, call me MASTER. As a designer who hasn’t personally experienced the other side of luxury, I have truly mastered the art of the “look for less”.
To create this look, I spent time searching for things that felt high-end at a lower pricepoint.
First and foremost, I always begin with the largest, most used pieces in a room. In this instance, the largest pieces were the bed, rug, and dresser, which were going to make the biggest impact. All other furnishings should complement and/or enhance the larger pieces! Deciding on a bed, I chose a luxurious channeled velvet platform bed. These types of tailored details are what make something appear to be custom-made. In fact, I have designed a custom-made bed like this in the past, and it was easily 10k for labor ONLY (no fabric)!
I then went for simple modern white lacquer, low nightstands, that could easily be accessorized and dressed up. I always have to add a metal accent in a room, of course, and I’m a sucker for brass…so I added these unique and interesting, tall, double-headed brass bedside lamps. One thing to understand about bedside table lamps—they should be narrow enough to allow for some surface space on your nightstand, and they should be tall enough that when you turn your head, you don’t bump into them. Because it’s discouraging to have a nightstand on which you can’t place a glass of water, or the latest book you’ve been reading. If there is enough wall space, I usually opt for sconces so there is nothing on the bedside surface, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to use these beauties!
Next, I felt the room needed an element of creative surprise. I chose an unusually shaped, brass framed semicircle mirror, paired with a classic mid century dresser that blends as a cabinet. And here’s another one of my tricks: choose a dresser that doesn’t actually look like a dresser to make the look upscale. No Raymour & Flanigan bedroom sets here guys! haha
ast but not least (for furnishings), everyone needs a bench for putting on shoes, or throwing your pajamas onto when changing… I chose this sleek, wooden tone bench to add to the warmth of the room, with a subliminal and easy to clean faux leather seat.
Now for decor—I chose a pair of simple curtains, ones that would lend as a backdrop to all of the beautiful elements in the room + block the light while sleeping. In addition, I chose some warm pillows to pick up and add to the warmth of the brass lamps and wood tones in the room. These particular tan corduroy pillows are from Woven Nook, and the oversized lumbar pillow is from The Citizenry.
Finally, I chose an effortless pair of abstract artwork, to frame the visually striking center piece of artwork I was really attracted to. I felt this piece encompassed all of the colors in the room and added interest + vibrancy.
I personally LOVE a masculine bedroom, even if it is shared with or owned by a woman. I think the balance of wood tones, brass and blue velvet headboard, make for an interestingly beautiful composition and I’m really happy with how this mood board turned out! What do you all think? Tell me below in the comments!
Want to inquire about getting a “Look for Less” in your space? Book a discovery call with me, and we can talk about all of your needs. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
