Making your home look like a million bucks doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity, elbow grease, and a keen eye for thrifty finds, you can elevate your living space without breaking the bank. Here are 19 cheap ways to make your home look more expensive.
Swap Out Hardware
Upgrading the hardware on your cabinets and doors is like giving your home a mini facelift. Think of it as Botox for your kitchen and bathroom—less invasive and much cheaper. Sleek, modern handles and knobs can instantly modernize a space, making it look more polished and expensive.
Add Crown Molding
Putting crown molding in your rooms is like accessorizing a basic outfit with a statement necklace. It draws the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and architectural interest. Plus, it’s a project you can DIY on a weekend, proving you’re both handy and stylish.
Paint Your Rooms
A fresh coat of paint can transform a room from drab to fab. Opt for neutral, light colors to make spaces feel larger and more airy. Style at Home says, “Cream and off-white are soft colours, but it’s important to choose a warm shade for a more expensive look. Make sure the paint is matte for that extra luxurious touch.” Consider it make-up for your walls—it covers imperfections and gives everything a fresh, new look.
Don’t Get Real Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors scream luxury, but their price tag can scream even louder. Look for laminate or vinyl flooring that mimics the look of real wood. Also, make sure the material you pick fits well with how the room is used; rooms with high traffic and playing kids will need something tougher than the sitting room no one goes into.
Dress Your Windows
Naked windows are a missed opportunity to add texture, color, and sophistication to a room. You don’t need custom drapes; even inexpensive curtains from a discount store can look elegant if you choose the right fabric and hang them high and wide.
Try Mirrors
Mirrors aren’t just for checking your outfit. They can make a small space feel larger and brighter by reflecting light. Senior vice president of industry relations for Ronati Kelli Ellis says that a mirror isn’t “a certain style or color, it’s versatile. I’ve seen it used in traditional looks as well as modern. It doesn’t matter; it creates the same effect of luxury.” She suggests using them on ceilings, walls, and even as tiles.
Declutter Like a Minimalist
No one has walked into a home full of junk and been like, “This place screams money!” Clutter is the enemy of chic. By keeping surfaces clean and organized, your home will feel more open and serene. As Marie Kondo says, “To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.”
Artfully Arrange Bookshelves
Bookshelves aren’t just for books; they’re an opportunity to display art, photos, and collectibles. Arrange items in a way that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing, proving that yes, you can judge a book by its cover (or at least its spine). If you aren’t a big reader but want to look like one, take a tip from interior decorators and buy books by color schemes and display them as their own form of art.
Add Some Greenery
Plants add life and color to any room, and they don’t have to be expensive. Even a few well-placed succulents can make your home feel more lush and inviting. Who doesn’t love an indoor garden? Just make sure you maintain your plants because dead plants will give off the opposite effect you desire.
Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point, whether it’s a piece of art, a beautiful piece of furniture, or a fireplace. It draws the eye and adds interest. Think of it as the main character in the story of your room, and everything else should be supporting it.
Update Outlet Covers
Old, discolored outlet covers can make a room look dated. Replacing them is a small, inexpensive change that can make a big difference. It’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s necessary for a polished look. And remember, white isn’t your only option; if you feel like splurging a little, look into metallic ones that enhance your décor.
Style Your Coffee Table
A well-styled coffee table can be a work of art. Use books, candles, and small decorative objects to create an arrangement that’s both beautiful and functional. It draws people in with a sense of luxury, like you have time on your hands to sip coffee and contemplate over the beautiful pictures in that well-placed photography book.
Hang Artwork at Eye Level
Artwork hung too high is a common mistake. Hang it at eye level for maximum impact. Like good eye contact, it makes a lasting impression on those who connect with it. Plus, you don’t want people straining their necks trying to see your latest masterpiece.
Use Trays to Corral Clutter
Trays are a stylish way to keep small items organized. Use them on coffee tables, dressers, and counters to keep everything looking neat. Even things that could look messy, like jewelry, can suddenly look polished and in place with the correct tray to hold them.
Layer Your Lighting
Use a mix of overhead, task, and accent lighting to create depth and warmth in a room. It’s like having a lighting crew for your home, making sure you always look your best. If you want to double the beauty of your lighting, a mirror can add a wow effect.
Refresh Your Bathroom
A few simple changes can make your bathroom feel like a spa. Replace old towels with fluffy white ones, add a new shower curtain, and declutter the countertops. Also, make sure your bathtub and shower are clean with well-maintained caulk and fixtures.
Invest in Large Art Pieces
Large art pieces can make a bold statement and make your space look more expensive. Be sure the art not only connects with your space but also speaks to your soul; nothing is as tacky as having art that you don’t like looking at and can’t understand.
Create an Illusion of Higher Ceilings with Low Furniture
High ceilings are one thing that people look for in a home, but can’t really change once they are there without an expensive overhaul. “Low-profile furniture avoids making your room feel cramped and closed in,” says Inspire Me! founder Farah Merhi. It can help give the illusion of higher ceilings because of the space between the furniture and the ceiling. Then, you just have to make sure the walls are giving the same length with color and wallpaper choices.
Upgrade Your Bedding
Luxurious bedding can make your bedroom feel like a five-star hotel. And with this tip, even if no one else notices, you’ll get the comfort of going to sleep in your own personal resort every night.
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