Whether you’re redecorating your long-time home or decorating a new one for the first time, it’s an exciting endeavor! And we’ve got good news—even if you have no interior design experience at all, you can use simple elegant decor ideas to make it look like a professional designed your home.

Even better, it doesn’t have to break the budget. In this guide, we’ll share 13 ideas we think you’ll love to create spaces that are sophisticated, elegant, and uniquely you.

Quick Takeaways

• A top tip for added elegance in the home is to make every space feel finished (crown moldings, window treatments, etc.).

• Intentional paint color choices are one of the simplest and most impactful ways to transform a room.

• Hardwood floors with area rugs on top can give your home a traditional, elegant feel while maintaining comfort.

• Nothing minimizes elegance like clutter. Commit to minimalism to keep your home feeling clean, fresh, and enjoyable to live in.

• Artwork, unique furniture, and throw pillows can add a pop of color and make a statement for your elegant decor.

• Plants add a natural element to your decor and have beneficial air purifying effects.

13 Elegant Decoration Ideas for Your New Home

Paint color

Paint is one of the simplest and affordable ways to transform any room. When you’re going for an elegant look, be intentional about your paint colors. Both bold and understated hues can create an elegant ambiance, but it’s usually best to choose one or the other.

If you go with the understated option, you can add accessories (and change them as often as you want) to build a color palette and add personality to your room. Bold hues, on the other hand, typically are the personality in your room. A painted door or dark accent wall can make your room feel totally different.

Window Treatments

Window treatments are not a thing of the past! Definitely don’t overlook them if you’re trying for an elegant feel in your space — and definitely don’t skimp on the quality, either. Flimsy or see-through linens can look just as cheap and unfinished as having none at all. Instead, for more elegance, try out lined linens that make a statement.

You’ll be surprised at the budget-friendly options you can find at many department stores. They feel luxurious (and make your room look that way, too!) without breaking the bank.

Light Fixtures

What’s more elegant than a fancy chandelier or ornate sconces? Adding these to your rooms gives them a touch of elegance you may have never known it needed. The lighting itself often helps, too — flameless candles in sconces or dimmer lights in overhead fixtures can give your room a warm feel.

Important tip: Chandeliers and other detailed light fixtures are not just for the dining room. Try them out in the bedroom or even the bathroom to give those rooms instant glam!

Hardwood Floors

Carpets might be cozy, but hardwood floors give your rooms a more classic, elegant feel. If you’ve got original hardwoods lying underneath your carpets, it’s not too expensive to rip them up and refinish what you already have.

If you don’t have hardwood floors, you have options that fit a wide range of budgets. True hardwoods, of course, are most expensive. But high-quality laminate and vinyl options can be found that provide the same aesthetic at only a fraction of the price.

Area rugs

…and once your hardwoods are in, you can add area rugs for added elegance and comfort in your space. Again, there are a plethora of options to choose from here depending on the look you’re going for but all add the same level of elegance to your room. Fur or shag can add a softer kind of elegance to your room, which oriental patterns can give off a more expensive vibe.

Either way, area rugs are the perfect way to strike that balance between classic hard floors and keeping your rooms comfortable.

Crown Molding

Crown molding is one of those details that you don’t realize makes such an impact until you have it! Without crown molding, the room can feel unfinished. Crown molding brings together your walls and ceilings, and gives your room a detailed touch that makes it feel more elegant and expensive.

Crown molding is a fairly affordable project and, if you’re handy, it’s not difficult to install yourself.

Hardware

Can knobs and handles really make that much of a difference? The answer — a resounding yes. Elegant and more expensive hardware (although not too much more expensive) can give older cabinets and drawers a new, shinier look. Better materials last longer and are easier to clean, too, keeping your room looking fresh and elegant.

Minimalist Décor

Nothing combats an elegant feel in your home than an overload of clutter. Keeping your spaces neat and tidy goes a long way to keep clutter away. Even more effective is to take a minimalist approach to decor and in every part of your home. Hanging on to less stuff — keeping only what you need and making sure everything has a place — will keep your rooms feeling open, airy, and pleasant to spend time in.

Statement Artwork

Make a bold statement in your home by incorporating large, eye-catching artwork or wall sculptures. These pieces can become the focal point of a room, commanding attention and adding a touch of sophistication and personality to your decor. Whether you prefer abstract paintings, vibrant prints, or sculptural masterpieces, choosing artwork that resonates with your style can elevate the overall ambiance of your living space.

Mirrors

Mirrors are not only functional but also versatile decorative elements that can enhance the elegance of your home decor. Placing strategically positioned mirrors can create the illusion of more space, making rooms feel more open and airy.

Additionally, mirrors reflect natural and artificial light, brightening up your spaces.  To add a touch of elegance, opt for decorative mirrors with unique frames that complement your interior design. Whether you prefer vintage, modern, or ornate styles, there’s a mirror to suit every aesthetic and elevate the overall charm of your home.

Accent Pillows and Throws

Elevate the comfort and style of your living room or bedroom with decorative accent pillows and throws. These textiles not only provide additional comfort but also introduce color, texture, and pattern to your decor.

Choose pillows and throws that coordinate with your existing color palette and furniture. Consider mixing and matching different fabrics and patterns to create an inviting and visually appealing arrangement. Whether it’s plush velvet pillows, bohemian-inspired throws, or chic faux fur accents, these textiles offer an opportunity to infuse personality and elegance into your home.

Indoor Plants

Embrace the beauty of nature within your home by incorporating indoor plants into your decor. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, indoor plants bring a natural and refreshing element to your living spaces. They contribute to a sense of calm and tranquility and can even have air purifying effects.

To enhance the elegance of your interior design, choose elegant pots and planters that complement your decor style. Consider tall potted plants, such as fiddle leaf figs or snake plants, to add vertical interest and a touch of sophistication to your home.

Unique Furniture Pieces

Elevate your home’s elegance by seeking out unique or vintage furniture pieces that serve as conversation starters. These distinctive items can become focal points within your decor, adding character and personality to your living spaces.

Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind coffee table crafted from reclaimed wood, an antique accent chair with intricate detailing, or a statement-making sideboard, unique furniture pieces inject a sense of history and individuality into your home.

Mastering Elegance in Your Home

Having an elegant home doesn’t have to mean overspending! You can add elegant touches to every room simply by making intentional choices, paying attention to small details, and making everything feel finished. A few DIY projects, some new decor additions, and your visitors will hardly believe they’re in the same space!

If you’re moving to the Dayton area, Oberer Homes can help you find (or build!) the home that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started!