To interior designer Ali Budd, there's nothing worse than a 'big, white box.' Every home needs character, and every detail counts. But when embarking on a brand-new renovation, remodel, or spruce, it can be quite difficult to know where to begin. Transforming a blank slate into a high-end home isn't simple, after all.
President and principal of Toronto-based Ali Budd Interiors and host of TV series House of Ali, Ali has designed luxurious homes all around the world – and has picked up quite a few time-honored tips. She's no stranger to multi-million-dollar projects, but will 'always mix high and low' along the way.
For projects of any kind and any budget, certain design features always do the trick. Here, Ali shares six high-end spruces that'll make your home look expensive and feel timeless.
'People don't just want a gray and white house, or a house that looks like everybody else’s,' Ali tells H&G. 'People are engaging us to hopefully push them a bit in their own creative style, and give them a space that's truly reflective of things that they love – even when it's a bit scary.'
1. Add architectural interest
Elegant architectural features often add value (and always add charm) to a home, but newer buildings are regularly boxy and bland. That's why Ali often adds details like crown molding and plasterwork in during the renovation process – and she suggests you do the same.
Rather than struggling to work around preexisting architectural details like lofted ceilings or awkward angles, Ali embraces them – also working more into the design scheme when possible.
'It's hard to have character in a brand-new build. We're always trying to use character and I like when things feel a bit quirky and just off. It feels artful and lived in, so it's something we definitely embrace and lean into versus wanting to eliminate,' says Ali.
2. Experiment with textured paint
Limewash is having quite the moment in 2024, but Ali agrees that the textured paint finish is timeless. Her firm has been experimenting with the finish for years and plans to continue for years to come.
'We're playing a lot with limewash paints and colors for texture, which I think is so beautiful, and really softens a space,' she says.
Even in spaces that take on a monochrome color scheme, a bit of added texture creates depth and visual interest. A sleek, glossy finish contrasted with the cozy, imperfect look of limewash makes a pared-back design scheme pop.
3. Mix metal finishes
'You know when you walk through a spec house, and everything is chrome, or everything is white porcelain? That's the anti to what we're trying to do,' says Ali.
Although she's anti-trend when it comes to interior design, Ali's on board with mixing metals (and more generally, mixing finishes), a timeless yet trendy design feature. By thoughtfully integrating a wide variety of finishes into her design schemes, she develops interest and character with ease.
Try pairing shiny metal light fixtures with an earthy grasscloth wallpaper, or marble countertops with natural wood-clad cabinetry for a mixed-material look like that demonstrated beautifully throughout Ali's spaces. 'I think people get scared and think everything has to be one finish, but we like to mix it all,' she says.
4. Integrate natural stone
'Natural stone is a big one for us – I feel like it's art. We're trying to push clients in the direction of more interesting slabs often,' says Ali.
Using natural materials like marble, granite, and limestone is a beautiful way to bring the outdoors in and inject extra charm into a space. In this bathroom, pictured above, a black-and-white bathroom benefits from the extra kick of bold veined marble countertops.
Wood is another natural material that Ali says 'gives a space character and makes it feel interesting.' Whether you invest in some natural-wood-finish furniture or restore your home's hardwood floors, the more nature-inspired features you can pack in, the better.
5. Don't shy away from color
Ali admits that color can be intimidating – it's a decorating challenge for even the most seasoned pros. But bright, bold colors scattered throughout the home add life and energy to design schemes of any style. Ali says sometimes, she pushes clients to use more color in their homes, often in places where they spend a bit less time. One of her favorite places to integrate color is the powder room.
'That should be a wild moment, whether it's a conservative moment or a completely in-your-face moment. I do think there are opportunities in your home and spaces that you might not exist in for extended periods of time to do some really interesting things,' Ali tells H&G.
6. Design with things you love
'I hate the word trend because I feel like it's such a transient notion, whereas interior design is not transient. Fashion is fast – you're wearing this today, you're wearing that tomorrow. In interior design, you should really be focused on things that you love and what brings you joy, because you're gonna be living with it for the foreseeable future, at least,' Ali tells H&G.
Perhaps Ali's most important piece of advice for home renovations and remodels of all kinds is to stick to the color schemes, materials, aesthetics, and features you love – don't let yourself get sucked into the never-ending cycle of trends. Whether your personal style leans toward all-out maximalism, or finds peace in pared-back minimalism, staying true to your preferences is key.
'I love seeing all of the different ways that designers are expressing themselves, and the chances that people are willing to take at this point. I think we're in an amazing time right now, where it used to only be celebrities or high-profile people that were willing to take chances with their homes – arguably because they had the financial infrastructure to do it again.'
'But now, we're seeing a lot of people – normal people – taking cool risks, which I love. The maximalism that I'm seeing in so many spaces right now is really cool and interesting, and it gives it this collected feel,' says Ali.
As Ali says, 'good design is good design' – design schemes that look beautiful and bring you joy won't go out of style anytime soon. Opt for all things characterful, bring a bit more color into your space, and don't be afraid of texture – you'll be well on your way to design success.
