Dreaming of a home that feels as curated as a celebrity’s sanctuary? You don’t need an Oscar-worthy budget—just a handful of daring design moves and the confidence to make them your own. Whether it’s dialing in the perfect ambient light, splashing a wall with a show-stopping color or carving out a snug reading nook, these seven ideas bring instant personality and style.
Some you can tackle yourself; others call for a specialist touch. Ready to infuse your space with a touch of red-carpet magic? Your next favourite room upgrade starts here.
1. Layered Lighting for That “Golden-Hour” Glow
Rihanna’s Instagram feed is awash in soft, flattering light—imagine a striking pendant balanced by under-cabinet LEDs. Create this vibe by swapping your basic ceiling fixture for a standout piece in brass, glass or crystal, then clipping battery-powered LED strips beneath cabinets or shelves.
You can handle most of the install yourself, but if you want hard-wired LEDs or need to relocate circuits, book a qualified electrician to ensure everything’s up to code.
2. One-Wall Color Statement
When Pharrell Williams refreshed part of his Palm Springs retreat with a chartreuse accent wall, he proved that one bold hue can redefine an entire room. To replicate this, tape off adjacent surfaces, lay down drop cloths and paint roughly 25–30% of your wall area in your chosen shade.
It’s a weekend-friendly DIY—just allow time for two coats and proper drying. For razor-sharp edges and flawless coverage, consider hiring a professional painter.
3. Floating Shelves as Mini Art Galleries
Miranda Kerr turns her kitchen shelves into curated displays of succulents, ceramics and books. Installing floating shelves yourself requires only a drill and a stud-finder: secure hidden brackets into wall studs, slide on your boards, then style to taste. If you have older plaster walls or heavy décor, a handyman can guarantee perfect leveling and long-term stability.
4. Mix Materials for Rich Contrast
High-end interiors hinge on textural contrast—warm walnut against cool metal, matte paint beside glossy tile. You can swap cabinet knobs for polished brass or swap a coffee-table top for reclaimed wood in an afternoon. But for more substantial updates—like a half-tiled backsplash or new hardwood floors—book a tiling or flooring specialist to ensure seams, grout lines and transitions are impeccably aligned.
5. Moroccan-Style Tile That Feels Luxe on a Budget
Kylie Jenner’s Calabasas bathroom wraps its floor and shower walls in bold, Moroccan-inspired glazed porcelain tiles, creating an immersive spa atmosphere. You can capture that graphic impact without splurging on imports by choosing locally manufactured cement-look encaustic tiles. For a small bathroom, opt for larger-format tiles (12×24 in.) to reduce grout lines and make the space feel more expansive.
In a larger room, mix in 6×6 or 8×8 patterned tiles as a feature band—around the vanity or inside the shower niche—to add detail without overwhelming the space. Sarah Lin of Channel Contractors, a general contractor in New Jersey, says, “Matching tile size to your room’s scale is the smartest way to get a high-end look on a budget.”
6. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flooring
Justin Bieber’s Palm Springs pad blurs boundaries with matching stone pavers inside and out. You can lay large-format porcelain slabs on your balcony yourself—set them in a mortar bed and align seams carefully—but raised patios and drainage concerns call for a landscape contractor who will prep the foundation and ensure proper runoff.
7. A Custom-Built Cozy Nook
Taylor Swift’s home tours often highlight built-in window seats complete with hidden storage and soft lighting. You can mimic the look by placing a sturdy bench or storage chest beneath a bay window, topping it with a custom cushion and layering on throw pillows plus fairy lights. For truly seamless cabinetry and integrated lighting, a carpenter will deliver a perfectly fitted nook that feels custom-made.
Ready to Give Your Home the A-List Treatment?
Pick the project that excites you, stock up on supplies (or secure your contractor’s number), and get started. With the right materials—and a little help where it counts—you’ll end up with magazine-worthy rooms that reflect your personal style and steal the spotlight.
