W e all want our homes to make a good impression – looking beautiful and feeling plush. The good news is you don’t have to spend tons to achieve a luxe ambiance. Knowing where to splurge and where to save is key.

Sharing this philosophy is Laura Hammett , creative director at the eponymous interior design and architecture studio, and founder of luxury homeware brand, Laura Hammett Living . Having curated award-winning, sumptuous spaces for over a decade, here are her tips for making your home look like you spent a lot more money than you actually did. “I usually start with a base colour scheme of layered neutrals – incorporating shades of ivory, beige, bronze and even rusts, browns, and navies – to create depth,” Hammett begins.

These hues set a tone of sophistication and serenity. “Layer luxurious textures like cashmere or alpaca throws, cushions, and wool rugs to add warmth and softness,” she continues. You should prioritise the things you touch often, making sure the materials feel good.

“Then, accent with metallics, such as shagreen or patinated pieces, as well as organic wood or hand-blown glass elements. These bring a touch of glamorous light reflection and tactile interest,” she tells me. Hammett recommends focusing on a few key areas where investment will have the most impact, saying, “splurge on high-quality, bespoke curtains and window treatments to frame your most-used spaces elegantly.

This will ensure a correct fit for a polished presentatio.