Design Secrets to Make Any Home Look Expensive with Vinette Diab-Nicholls

Design doesn’t have to be expensive to feel expensive. With an expert eye and a few clever tweaks, even the most modest home can radiate elegance. Interior designer Vinette Diab-Nicholls, CEO and founder of GIAVA INTERIORS, shares her favourite styling secrets for creating a luxurious look without spending a fortune. From sophisticated lighting swaps to strategic scenting, this cheat sheet is your shortcut to high-end style—on a realistic budget. Be inspired with Giava Interiors.

Let’s dive straight into these top designer secrets…

Go for a Timeless Colour Palette

Nothing elevates a space faster than a well-chosen palette. Forget colours that are on trend and go for neutral tones instead. Think warm greys, soft taupes, creamy whites, and earthy hues. These timeless hues create a refined foundation that screams sophistication. The secret? Layer textures to avoid flatness.

Designer Tip: Use matte or eggshell paint for walls. It reflects light softly and disguises imperfections, giving your space a more expensive feel.

Let There Be (Better) Light

Lighting is crucial for any space—it’s foundational to your home’s mood and style. Ditch builder-grade fixtures and opt for statement pieces like sculptural pendants, chic sconces, or dramatic floor lamps.

Designer Tip: Use warm-toned LED bulbs and layer your lighting—overhead, task, and ambient. Dimmers are a small upgrade with a major impact.

Dress Your Windows Right

Skimpy curtains are an instant giveaway. Floor-length, quality drapes in linen or linen blends instantly elevate any room. Mount them higher and wider than your windows to give the illusion of grander space.

Designer Tip: Can’t afford custom? Buy long panels and have them tailored to just kiss the floor—it’s a small investment with major payoff.

Edit Like an Art Curator

An expensive-looking home isn’t cluttered. It’s curated. Pare back your décor and display only meaningful, beautiful pieces that tell a story. Quality over quantity is key.

Designer Tip: Style with odd-numbered groupings and mix textures and heights. Three thoughtfully chosen objects often look more impactful than ten.

Invest in the Essentials

Spend where it counts. One beautifully made sofa, a solid wood table, or a natural fibre rug will elevate your entire room far more than a dozen lower-end items.

Designer Tip: Support local makers and artisans—you’ll get unique pieces with superior craftsmanship and better value.

Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff

Details matter. Swapping out plastic switch plates, builder-grade knobs, or dated cabinet handles with metal or ceramic versions instantly refines your interiors.

Designer Tip: Coordinating your hardware finishes throughout the home (think brass, matte black, or brushed nickel) creates visual harmony and luxury.

Master the Art of Styling

Layering is what separates amateur interiors from designer ones. A simple coffee table stack with books, a candle, and a bowl? Chic. A made bed with crisp linens, plumped pillows, and a throw? Boutique-level polish.

Designer Tip: Stick to neutral, tonal bedding. White sheets with a textured blanket can make even an affordable bed look hotel-worthy.

Choose Art That Speaks

Skip the mass-produced prints and lean into large-scale, statement art—be it photography, abstract pieces, or line drawings. Art adds depth, drama, and personal flair.

Designer Tip: Even a budget-friendly print can look luxe when professionally framed. Invest in proper framing—it’s worth it.

Go Green—Naturally

Real plants breathe life (literally) into a room. From tall leafy stunners in the living room to small tabletop succulents, greenery softens your space and adds freshness.

Designer Tip: Choose simple, cohesive pots in natural materials. Not a plant expert? Try low-maintenance varieties like snake plants or ZZ plants.

Don’t Forget the Fragrance

Scent is the most underrated design element. A subtle, consistent fragrance makes your home feel thoughtful and put-together.

Designer Tip: Opt for refined scents like sandalwood, fig, bergamot, or linen. Avoid anything overly sweet or synthetic—luxury lives in subtlety.

Closing Thought: Style is in the Intention

Creating a luxurious home isn’t about pretending—it’s about being intentional. Thoughtful choices, a restrained palette, and attention to detail will make your space feel curated, calm, and undeniably stylish.

Vinette Diab-Nicholls, founder of GIAVA INTERIORS, believes great design is for everyone—and with this guide, your home can be a testament to that philosophy.

Contact them for a consultation and let the team help you maximise your home into a lux retreat.
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