Top 12+ Affordable Ways to Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Upgrade Lighting Fixtures for Instant Glamour

Swapping outdated or cheap-looking light fixtures for stylish alternatives can dramatically change the mood and appearance of any room. Modern pendant lamps, elegant chandeliers, or even sleek wall sconces are now available at budget-friendly prices from popular retailers.

According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders, 71% of homeowners noticed a significant improvement in their home’s perceived value after updating lighting. Warm-toned bulbs and dimmers can also create a cozy, upscale ambiance that feels inviting.

For those on tight budgets, thrift stores and online marketplaces often have high-end fixtures at a fraction of retail prices. Installing a statement light in the entryway or above the dining table delivers a strong first impression.

Swapping out basic switch plates for decorative ones further enhances the overall effect.

Add Crown Molding for Architectural Sophistication

Crown molding instantly elevates the look of any room by adding depth and architectural interest. It’s a detail often found in luxury homes, yet today’s lightweight foam and PVC moldings are affordable and easy to install.

A 2023 Remodeling Impact Report found that 62% of buyers associated crown molding with high-end properties. Even if you’re not handy, hiring someone to install crown molding in one or two main rooms can be budget-friendly, especially when compared to larger renovations.

Painting the molding in a crisp white or a contrasting color helps it stand out and frames your walls beautifully. Many home improvement stores offer pre-cut kits and tutorials for DIYers.

This small investment makes rooms feel finished and intentional.

Use High-Impact Paint Colors Strategically

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home look more expensive. Neutral hues like soft grays, creamy whites, or deep navy create a timeless, upscale foundation.

According to Zillow’s 2024 Paint Color Analysis, homes with living rooms painted in rich, neutral tones sold for an average of $1,500 more than those with bright or outdated colors. Accent walls in bold colors or dark shades—such as charcoal or emerald green—add drama and luxury without overwhelming the space.

Choosing a matte or satin finish can give walls a velvety, high-end feel. Painting trim and doors in a contrasting color, like black or deep brown, introduces a sense of custom design.

Testing paint samples in various lights ensures the color feels both current and sophisticated.

Incorporate Large-Scale Art for a Luxe Look

Large-scale artwork creates a focal point and makes a room feel curated and expensive. You don’t need to spend a fortune on original paintings—many retailers and online shops sell affordable prints and canvases.

According to a 2024 Interior Design Trends Report, oversized wall art is one of the most desired features among millennial homeowners. DIY options are also popular, with people creating abstract canvases using simple materials.

Hanging art at eye level and using matching frames can tie a space together and mimic the look of a gallery. If you’re feeling creative, grouping several smaller pieces into a gallery wall can achieve a similar impact.

Art isn’t limited to paintings—consider framed textiles, photography, or even sculptural wall hangings for added texture.

Replace Hardware for an Instant Facelift

Swapping out outdated cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and door handles is a simple trick that designers swear by. Sleek gold, matte black, or brushed nickel hardware can make even basic furniture and cabinets look custom and expensive.

The 2024 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study revealed that 69% of homeowners noticed a big difference in their kitchen’s appearance just by replacing hardware. Most hardware can be found online or at hardware stores for a few dollars per piece.

Coordinating hardware throughout a space creates a unified, designer look. For bathrooms, new faucets and towel bars in trendy finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or champagne gold can elevate the whole space.

Taking the time to align all handles and knobs properly ensures a polished, high-end finish.

Layer Rugs for Richness and Comfort

Layering rugs is a stylish technique used in many high-end interiors to add warmth and visual interest. Start with a large, neutral rug as a base, then add a smaller, patterned or textured rug on top.

According to the American Society of Interior Designers’ 2023 survey, layered rugs were linked to increased comfort and perceived luxury in living spaces. This approach also allows you to use more affordable rugs, as the base layer can be inexpensive while the top layer adds personality.

Faux fur, jute, or vintage-inspired rugs are popular choices for layering. This technique works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining areas.

Mixing textures—such as wool and sisal—brings depth and a sense of designer flair to any room.

Hang Floor-to-Ceiling Curtains for Drama

Curtains hung high above windows and all the way to the floor create the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows. Floor-to-ceiling drapes, especially in luxurious fabrics like linen or velvet, add a sense of drama and elegance.

A 2024 report by Home Staging Resource found that homes with full-length curtains in living and dining areas sold 7% faster on average. Even inexpensive curtains look more expensive when hung properly—place the rod close to the ceiling, and let panels gently pool on the floor.

Choose solid colors or subtle patterns for a timeless look. Layering sheer curtains behind heavier panels can add depth and softness.

Using uniform curtain rods and rings throughout the house enhances the cohesive, upscale effect.

Declutter and Embrace Minimalism

A clutter-free home always looks more spacious, calm, and expensive. Professional stagers emphasize that decluttering is one of the most important steps in making a home appealing.

The 2023 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Staging reported that 95% of staged homes, which focus on minimalism, sold faster and at higher prices. Removing excess furniture, clearing countertops, and keeping decor simple can make rooms look bigger and more luxurious.

Stylish baskets, trays, and decorative boxes provide storage while acting as attractive accents. Minimalism doesn’t mean bare—carefully chosen decorative pieces, like a vase of fresh flowers or a stack of elegant books, add personality without chaos.

Regularly editing your belongings keeps your space feeling fresh and high-end.

Upgrade Textiles with Plush Fabrics

Swapping out basic or worn textiles for plush, high-quality fabrics instantly makes a space feel upscale. Velvet, silk, and linen throw pillows and blankets add richness and tactile comfort.

The 2024 Good Housekeeping Home Report found that homeowners who invested in upgraded bedding and throws rated their bedrooms as 40% more comfortable and attractive. In the living room, mixing different textures—like a chunky knit throw next to smooth velvet pillows—creates visual interest and a sense of luxury.

Inexpensive pillow covers and throws can be found online or at discount stores, making this upgrade accessible to any budget. Layering textiles in similar tones or complementary colors ensures a cohesive, designer look.

Even a simple area rug swap can dramatically change the atmosphere of a room.

Add Greenery for a Fresh, Lively Atmosphere

Plants and fresh flowers have the power to make any space feel more vibrant and alive, echoing the look of high-end homes and hotels. Research from NASA has shown that indoor plants also improve air quality, contributing to a healthier, more pleasant environment.

Large-scale plants like fiddle-leaf figs or snake plants make a bold, expensive statement, but even small succulents or bouquets can have a big impact. According to a 2024 survey by Garden Center Magazine, 78% of homeowners said adding greenery made their homes feel more luxurious.

Stylish pots and planters—in ceramic, brass, or woven textures—add another layer of sophistication. Regularly replacing fresh flowers or rotating plants keeps your décor feeling current and intentional.

Use Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space

Mirrors are a favorite designer trick for making rooms feel larger, brighter, and more expensive. Strategically placed mirrors amplify natural light and visually double the size of smaller spaces.

The 2023 Home Design Forecast noted that homes with larger mirrors in entryways, living rooms, or bedrooms were rated as 30% more stylish by survey participants. Oversized mirrors with elegant frames can stand alone as statement pieces, while smaller mirrors grouped together create a gallery effect.

Placing a mirror opposite a window maximizes light and greenery views. Antique or vintage mirrors add character and charm, often at a lower cost than new ones.

Even mirrored trays or furniture accents bring a touch of glamor and sophistication.

Create Consistency with Cohesive Color Palettes

Choosing a consistent color palette throughout your home creates a sense of flow and high-end design. Luxury homes often feature carefully chosen hues that repeat in different rooms, tying the space together.

According to the Interior Design Society’s 2024 Color Trends Survey, 82% of designers recommend limiting main colors to three or four per home for the most elegant look. This doesn’t mean every room should look the same—accent colors and patterns can provide personality—but the overall palette should feel harmonious.

Paint, textiles, art, and accessories should all echo the chosen colors. Consistency makes even budget furnishings feel intentional and curated.

Small changes, like matching picture frames or using similar tones for pillows and throws, reinforce the sense of unity and sophistication.