Refuge Interiors by Casey

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5 Ways to Elevate Your Space

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What elevating a space means?

There are lots of pretty spaces out there, but elevated spaces are the ones that rise above - where thoughtful design and timeless style blend seamlessly to create a masterpiece.

The beauty of elevated spaces is in the details and they are not created by happenstance. Creating an elevated space is about intentionality and patience.

In this post, I give you five ways that you can level up your space, and gain confidence with your styling and decorating.

Learn how to take an ordinary space and transform it into a beautiful artistic expression of you and the life you love with these tips.

Let’s get started!

1. Add antique and vintage accents. It’s no mystery that I love vintage and antique interiors, but more than just a love of old things, I believe the best way to elevate your space is to add a little bit of found charm.

The interest that vintage and antique accents bring to a space is simply unmatched. Pieces with history and character add depth and curiosity to a space.

Curating your own collection of vintage and antique pieces takes time, intentionality, and discernment. A collected interior is more personal and meaningful, and communicates a more elevated expression overall.

>>>Find out more about my tips for curating antique and vintage interiors here.

Visit the online shop to view our exclusive collection of antique and vintage accents and start curating your collection now:

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2. Have lighting options.

Nothing can make a home look more basic and sterile than when all of your lighting is coming from above. Adding accent and task lighting are great ways to bring in warmth.

You can add accent lighting over a piece of artwork or architectural feature to help highlight the elements. You can also consider adding some task lighting. Task lighting on nightstands is rather obvious, but worth mentioning; you can also consider tasks lighting in your kitchen, or living room. A floor lamp or small table lamp placed next to a cozy chair helps a space communicate thoughtfulness, purpose, and intentionality.

Looking for quality lighting options that bring character, interest, and unmatched vintage appeal? Browse the online shop for our collection of beautifully sourced vintage lamps.

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3. Burn a candle.

Want to instantly elevate your home? Burn a candle. The psychology of scents and smells evoking a memory or feeling is well documented. But, even more than the feeling it gives us, I believe that burning a candle is like the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence - it completes the thought, the look, the room, and the home!

No matter what design magazine or photo you look at, you’ll almost always see at least one candle (or more) burning. Candles bring movement, warmth, and life to a space, making the space feel lived in and welcoming.

Looking for a simple option, opt for a jar candle. Or, romanticize your space with a classic candelabra or taper candle holder. Browse the shop for our beautiful candle holder collection.

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4. Artwork and Wall Hangings.

This may be controversial, but if you look at your walls and all of your wall decor is canvas photographs and wooden signs, you’re space probably isn’t going to look very elevated. My point here isn’t about getting rid of photographs - I love them (although the wooden signs can go in my opinion) - it’s about thoughtfulness and intentionality with decorating, and elevated spaces will have more to offer than just wooden wall decor and photos.

There is artwork available for every budget. From budget-friendly printable artwork on Amazon or Etsy to original antique heirloom pieces. No matter what your budget or style, there really is something out there for everyone.

As a vintage curator and collector, I love seeing pieces that bring quality and old world charm. Vintage artwork, especially a moody landscape or still life are some of my favorite art to decorate with. If you have a large wall to decorate, an old tapestry can bring texture, and stunning visual interest to your space.

Visit the shop to browse our collection of antique and vintage paintings and prints.

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For a more custom look, check out our new Artisan Collection for original oil paintings beautifully paired with vintage and pre-loved frames:

For a more budget friendly option, shop some of my favorite printable options here here.

5. Add a quality piece of antique or vintage furniture.

Want to level up your space in a big way? Invest in a piece of antique furniture! Antique and vintage furniture will truly be just that - an investment. While you might be able to snag a quality piece from a local thrift store, most times quality vintage and antique pieces come with a higher price tag, but these pieces can be a game changer when it comes to elevating your space.

We recently purchased our first piece of antique furniture, an Irish-pine hutch that is hundreds of years old. The character on this piece is extraordinary and simply unmatched. We also recently found this 1800s coat rack and I love the way this piece accents the hutch.

While I’m always on the hunt for a good piece of antique furniture, it’s important to be selective when it comes to a large purchase of this nature. Do your research and trust your instincts.

If you’re looking for a piece that tells a story, then vintage pieces are for you. We offer a variety of vintage furniture pieces to help you jump start your collection. Browse the shop to see our entire furniture collection.

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Looking for more home decorating tips? Read about my 5 tips for better decorating. Find out my quick tips for shelf styling or my go-to tips for selecting realistic floral stems.

Looking for a little inspiration? Check out my personal design portfolio to see room transformations I’ve worked on and find out more about how I can help you on your next project.

Shop my LTK or visit my Amazon Storefront for more of my finds and favorites.

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