Renovating a home can be expensive and stressful, but luxury doesn’t always mean tearing down walls or starting from scratch. As a London-based interior designer, I often work with clients seeking an affordable luxury renovation for London homes. They want their homes to feel sophisticated and modern without the cost and disruption of a full renovation. For those looking for affordable luxury renovation options in London houses, small but impactful changes can breathe new life into a space.
By focusing on a few strategic architectural updates, you can dramatically elevate your space and create a lasting impression. Additionally, you can even increase your property’s value. Here are my top five ways to make your home feel luxurious. All are achievable without a full renovation and without breaking the bank when aiming for an affordable luxury renovation for London homes.
1. Flooring: Restore or Refinish for Maximum Impact
Flooring sets the tone for any room. In many London homes, original wood floors or stone surfaces are hidden under years of wear. Refinishing hardwood floors with sanding, staining, and polishing can make them look brand new. Meanwhile, professional cleaning and sealing of stone or marble flooring restores its natural shine.
Even a modest update like buffing scratches or cleaning grout lines makes a world of difference. A well-maintained floor instantly elevates the entire space. This gives the impression of a luxury home without replacing a single plank. This is a key element in achieving an affordable luxury renovation for London homes.
Example: Restoring Wood Flooring Instead of Replacing
In one of our recent London interior design projects for a private client, we decided to keep the existing wood flooring rather than replace it. By sanding, refinishing, and adding a protective finish, the floor looked as good as new. As the before-and-after photos show, the result was impressive. With a large area rug layered on top, there was no need for a costly replacement. This simple restoration gave the space a refreshed and luxurious feel without a full renovation. See the full project here
2. Walls: Paint or Textured Finishes
A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room. I often recommend matte or eggshell finishes for a subtle, sophisticated look. For a more luxurious feel, consider textured finishes like Venetian plaster, lime wash, or subtle decorative plastering. These add depth without structural changes.
Even introducing an accent wall in a rich, muted colour can create a focal point that feels expensive and curated. This is a common goal in affordable luxury renovation for London homes. Choosing the right tone and finish is key — London homes often benefit from warm neutrals or soft, layered greys. These complement natural light.
Example: Transforming Walls with Fresh Paint and Finishes
In another dining area project in London, we kept changes minimal yet impactful. By simply updating the wall colour, the whole atmosphere of the space shifted. As the before-and-after photos show, the room now feels contemporary, fresh, and almost brand new. A carefully chosen paint finish — whether a soft matte shade or a textured application like limewash — can dramatically lift a room. This proves you don’t always need major work to create a luxury interior. See the full project here
3. Upgrade Doors & Hardware
Doors are surprisingly influential in how a home feels. Rather than replacing internal doors, painting or refinishing them in an elegant, contemporary colour can transform the look of a space. Adding moulding, panels, or trim details makes standard doors feel bespoke.
Upgrading handles, knobs, and hinges to brass, bronze, or matte black gives an immediate luxury upgrade. Small details like these may seem minor, but they create a polished, cohesive finish that clients notice — and appreciate. With these tweaks, even an affordable luxury renovation for London homes becomes a reality.
Example: Doors & Handles
In a recent country mansion project, instead of replacing the doors we repainted them in a neutral shade and added new brass handles. This simple update completely transformed the look. It proves that even small details like doors and hardware can make a home feel more refined and luxurious. See the full project here
4. Reface or Spray Existing Cabinets
Kitchens and wardrobes are highly visible areas that can make or break a space. Instead of replacing cabinetry entirely, refacing or spraying the doors and adding new high-quality handles is a cost-effective way to modernise the space.
This approach allows homeowners to refresh their home’s style while keeping functionality intact. It serves as a practical solution for London properties where full-scale renovations can be disruptive and costly. It’s a perfect solution for those seeking affordable luxury in a renovation for London homes.
Example: Cabinets
This isn’t one of our projects, but it’s a great example of how spraying existing cabinets in a new colour can completely refresh a space. With just a change of paint and updated handles, the kitchen feels brand new without the cost of replacing the joinery.
Conclusion
Luxury doesn’t have to come with a hefty renovation bill. By focusing on these four strategic architectural changes — flooring, walls, doors and hardware, cabinetry, and lighting — London homeowners can achieve a high-end, sophisticated look without starting from scratch. This ensures an affordable luxury renovation for London homes.
If you are looking to renovate, upgrade, or furnish your home, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@rosenarmani.com to discuss your project.