An Architectural Digest Inspired Home Glow-Up (On a Real Budget)

This post includes affiliate links.

There’s something magical about an Architectural Digest home tour. The soft lighting. The impossibly tasteful objects. The layers of color, texture and personality that somehow look curated yet casual. You watch a few minutes and suddenly believe that maybe — just maybe — you, too, could live in a sun-drenched loft filled with sculptural furniture and expensive olives in handmade bowls.

Then reality taps you on the shoulder: rent, groceries, and the fact that your coffee table is currently a repurposed Ikea side table from 2014.

Here’s the good news: an AD-worthy home isn’t about budget. It’s about intention, curation and how you style what you already have. You don’t need designer furniture or a marble fireplace. You need vibe. You need warmth. You need texture, layers, and small moments of “oh wow, she really knows what she’s doing.”

Below is your Farm + Flora guide to creating an Architectural Digest–inspired home glow-up on a real-person budget. It’s modern, organic, feminine, and completely achievable.

1. Start With a Glow (Lighting Makes the Room)

Lighting is the biggest difference between a home that looks “fine” and a home that feels like an artfully styled sanctuary. AD homes glow — they never blast. They never glare. They simply radiate.

Try the 3-Point Glow Rule

To make any room feel expensive, you want lighting from three sources:

1. A floor lamp

2. A table lamp

3. A few candles or a small accent light

This creates depth instead of the flat, overhead brightness that makes everything feel like a doctor’s office.

This floor lamp looks so classic yet editorial. I don't even know how to explain it.

Warm, Not White

Swap any harsh, cool white bulbs with warm ones. Suddenly the room feels cozy, expensive, and like you drink herbal tea before bed (even if you don’t).

How cool is this retro/ mushroom lamp?!

It looks like it came straight from the set of Mad Men!

And speaking of retro/ cool look at these ceiling lights. I can see them styled in a bedroom too.

Candles = Affordable Luxury

A cluster of unscented tapers. One beautiful pillar candle. A glass votive on a coffee table. These micro-glows add warmth in seconds. Never underestimate the power of a candle. Martha never would.

Look at how perfect these candles are, they literally double as a little piece of are. AND there's seven of them!

2. Style “Organic Moments” Throughout Your Home

AD homes always have those little styled moments: a branch in a vase, stacked books, a bowl of fruit that looks borderline editorial. These small vignettes add sophistication without requiring a single renovation.

The Branch Trick

Forget store-bought florals. Clip a branch from outside and place it in a tall vase. It’s sculptural, minimalist and free.

One of the easiest way to add "that" organic touch quite effortlessly is with these faux branches. I also love the idea of adding very realistic

looking faux flowers on my dining table or kitchen island.

Decorate With Produce (Yes, Really)

A bowl of lemons or green pears on the counter instantly looks intentional. It’s functional decor — the best kind.

Stacked Coffee Table Books

You don’t need a massive library. A few books with beautiful spines stacked together produce instant design credibility.

I think we are all over the "famous designer" coffee tables book. I love to mix colors and topics, like cities or art! this Miami book is a perfect

example.

And If you are looking for "bespoke" coffee tables, check out this set of two wood nesting end tables. I love the darker version as well.

3. Upgrade Your Textures (Softness = Luxury)

Texture is the secret ingredient in every cozy-yet-chic home. It makes a space feel thoughtful, layered and alive.

Mix, Don’t Match

Try combining:

• Linen

• Rattan

• Wool

• Velvet

• Woven cotton

This creates depth even if your furniture is simple.

Style Your Sofa Like a Designer

For a glow-up that takes 5 minutes:

• Add a neutral throw with a soft, organic texture

• Mix two different pillow shapes (one square, one lumbar)

• Keep the palette soft, warm and layered

Suddenly your sofa looks curated instead of “I bought the cheapest pillow set available.” However, remember that we do not AND should not break the bank to style our space. Just look at these boucle pillows!

And if boucle isn't your thing - I love a floral accent. And flowers don't have to be overwhelming. This pillow is so good, like country-chic good.

I'm a sucker for either curved or structured beige couches. It gives modern mid- century but better. This sofa is such a good find/ example.

BUT if you are not ready to buy a whole couch or just don't have the space, a boucle accent chair like this one will just do!

4. Create a Signature Scent (The AD Secret Nobody Talks About)

Every high-end home has a scent identity. Not overpowering. Not aggressively seasonal. Just a soft, warm atmosphere that lingers.

Choose a Clean, Cozy Blend

Think:

• Sandalwood

• Amber

• Fig

• Vanilla musk

• Cedar + soft floral

You want something natural, subtle and quietly chic — not “mall candle store in November.”

My two holy grails are this Vitruvi diffuser (I actually have two, a terracotta one and a white one). This is not only the Chanel of all humidifiers, but if you add a few drops of essential oils you get a scented diffuser as well.

My other must have (even though I'm a new convert to this) is a Pura home diffuser. The app is incredible and yes, you do get that "fancy hotel" feel.

Diffuse, Don’t Drench

Use:

• A diffuser with essential oils

• A candle burning in the corner

• A small linen spray on pillows

Your home becomes instantly more inviting.

5. Edit, Don’t Add (Your Space Probably Needs Less Stuff)

One thing all AD homes have in common? They’re curated, not cluttered.

The 10% Edit Rule

Walk through each room and remove 10% of the objects. Yes, ten percent.
It could be:

• Random tchotchkes

• Extra frames

• Old candles

• That one decor piece you’ve been “meaning to replace”

The less visual noise, the more your remaining pieces shine.

Bigger Objects, Fewer Objects

AD styling leans on large-scale hero pieces, not tiny knick-knacks.
Think:

• One large ceramic bowl

• One beautiful vase

• One sculptural candle

• One stack of books

Your space instantly feels more expensive.

I love hunting for vases and have enough options to swap them every once in a while and change the mood. This vintage/ floral vase is such great one to own.

I also find myself always going back to a more neutral aesthetic. Like this set of three textured ceramic vases.

6. Style Every Surface With Intention

Every AD home has styled surfaces — but not in a cluttered, "too many objects from HomeGoods" way. More like “this person knows balance, symmetry and softness.”

Use this simple Farm + Flora formula for any surface:

The 4-Element Styling Rule

Every surface should have:

• One tall piece (a vase, a lamp, a sculpture)

• One horizontal piece (a tray or book stack)

• One organic piece (greenery, fruit, dried florals)

• One decorative/feminine piece (a candle, trinket dish, perfume bottle)

Stop there. Anything more becomes clutter.

7. Add One Unexpected Object (Your Personality Moment)

Beautiful homes have personality — something a little funny, a little chic, a little unexpected.

This could be:

• A vintage ceramic animal

• A quirky match holder

• An heirloom ribbon draped over a frame

• A feminine floral print

• A pop of color in an otherwise neutral room

This is how your home goes from “pretty” to “oh my gosh, this is so you.” It's actually my favorite part of decorating a space.

I love to add fun/ artsy/ one of a kind items here a there, and oh my goodness look at this abstract face sculpture.

Even everyday items can become statement pieces without going all out. This velvet mirror is IT.

Or this glass vase + carafe set. So colorful and fun. Not to mention: useful!

I fell in love with this swan painting the moment I saw it. It adds that chic/ feminine touch without being too serious.

8. Curate Your Entryway (First Impressions Matter)

Think of your entryway as the thesis for your entire home. It sets the tone within one glance.

Entryway Checklist

• A small lamp or candle

• A bowl or dish for keys

• A simple mirror

• A small branch or greenery moment

• A neutral runner

Suddenly your home feels intentional from the moment you walk in.

This marble bowl can elevate ANY surface you'll put it on. It's just so aesthetically pleasing and the design makes it so unique.

9. Upgrade Your Everyday Items (The Subtle Luxury Trick)

AD homes feel elevated because even the everyday objects are beautiful.

Try upgrading:

• Your hand soap bottles

• Your woven baskets

• Your glassware

• Your dish towels

• Your storage containers

These smaller swaps have a huge visual payoff because they’re items you see every day.

Did someone say marble mixing bowls? I mean, how can you ever look back.

I also love using elevated materials for accent pieces, like this curved silver vase. Which literally looks like it belongs on AD.

10. Style Your Home Like It’s a Photoshoot (Because… why not?)

You don’t need a real photoshoot. Just the mindset.

Ask yourself:

• What would AD highlight in this room?

• Where would the camera naturally land?

• What’s the “hero object” here?

• If this were a movie set, what feels off?

This mindset helps you style with clarity instead of guesswork.

The Heart of an AD Glow-Up: Warmth, Intention, Personality

An Architectural Digest–inspired home isn’t about owning designer furniture or living in a massive space. It’s about the feeling — comforting, curated, feminine, calm, and wildly you.

With a few thoughtful touches — soft lighting, organic textures, styled surfaces, intentional objects — your home becomes a place that feels as good as it looks.

You don’t need a celebrity budget. You just need taste, intention, and a pinch of Farm + Flora magic.

Shop the Post: