Picture yourself spending hours admiring the luxurious homes on “Selling Sunset,” only to glance around your own space and feel a hint of dissatisfaction. If that’s the case, there are simple adjustments you can make to infuse a sense of luxury into your home. The secret? It’s all about luxurious color schemes that elevate the appearance of your home without breaking the bank. Design enthusiasts know that color holds significant influence in interior design. It shapes your perception of a room, affects your mood, and reflects your personality. Essentially, anything related to sensory and visual appeal is conceived, infused, and expressed through color. Creating a sense of opulence in your home is no exception, and Erika Dale, Onions Australia’s interior design expert and founder of Erika Dale Interior Design, affirms this with confidence.
In an exclusive interview with Onions Australia, Dale explains, “Like any design and decorating project, there are budget-friendly ways to achieve any aesthetic, including the high-end luxe look. A well-crafted, balanced color palette and intentional design vision can accomplish this vibe, regardless of budget.” This naturally leads us to the question: Which color schemes embody a high-end look, and how can you incorporate them affordably into your home? Spoiler: Earthy and jewel tones exude a sense of glamour, but attention to finer details is essential.
Earthy tones complement minimalist designs, while jewel tones embolden rich luxury
Not everyone desires a home that looks like it’s straight out of “The Crown” — some prefer a more understated luxury. “For those who favor neutral palettes, crafting a curated and dynamic palette of mixed earth tones can achieve that upscale, quiet luxury look,” advises Dale in her exclusive chat with Onions Australia. Consider rich greens, burnished umber, or subtle clay. “To add a touch of drama, incorporate moodier colors for more striking impact and contrast, such as muted deep earth tones or medium-dark mid-tone shades,” she suggests. Pantone’s 2025 color, “Mocha Mousse,” exemplifies this, though terracotta, amber, khaki, and taupe remain timeless choices.
But if minimalism isn’t your style and you’re eager to embrace maximalism, turn to jewel tones to convey wealth in your home. “For those who love color, jewel tones scream opulence, so choose one or two you adore for a dramatic wow-factor,” Dale recommends. While amethyst purple remains iconic, ruby reds, sapphire blues, and emerald greens are also captivating choices. Enhance the space with cashmere or velvet. If decision-making feels overwhelming, consider color drenching. “When in doubt, color-drench the space with your preferred moody or jewel-toned hue to truly make a luxury statement,” Dale suggests. In essence, immerse everything — from walls and trims to furnishings — in the same hue. Just remember to introduce contrasting finishes to avoid monotony.
How to feature luxe color schemes in your rooms
Whether you opt for earthy or jewel tones, the challenge lies in incorporating these luxe color schemes into your home on a budget. “Using luxe color schemes in public entertaining rooms like the living room, dining area, powder room, and guest room is an excellent way to showcase your regal style to guests,” Dale explains in her exclusive discussion with Onions Australia. This approach suits homeowners who prioritize a relaxed, comfortable, and cozy atmosphere in their primary living spaces. However, if you thrive on extravagance, Dale suggests, “More private spaces like the primary suite, home office/library, and family room can also be ideal for enjoying the ritzy aesthetic daily.”
Regarding design specifics, Dale highlights, “Variation and balance are key to making any color palette appear more sophisticated. By skillfully mixing materials and creating enough contrast, you elevate your color palette from basic to an elegant scheme full of visual interest.” For instance, if you’re not color drenching your room with earthy greens, incorporating them into your ceiling, trims, or doors can work wonders if your room features brass or oak furnishings. In a minimalist design, adding neutral-toned biophilic accent pieces like pottery and planters can evoke understated sophistication.
