Making your home look more expensive is a goal of many homeowners, and there are certain ways of doing it that are budget-friendly and simple. With the right approach, affordable decor ideas can transform your space into a sophisticated retreat that exudes both elegance and style.
From simple design adjustments to clever style tricks, it can be easy to make your house look expensive with some thoughtful planning and a quick eye. The key lies in strategic decisions that emphasize quality materials, cohesiveness, and the display of personal flair, demonstrating that luxury is more about perception than price tag.
Creating a home that embodies good taste and refinement does not have to be expensive; with a few strategic tweaks and careful purchases, you can ensure that your house presents a style that punches above its weight.
Decluttering and Curating
Decluttering and curating your home’s furnishings and decor is the simplest and most inexpensive way to make your home look and feel more expensive. The goal is to remove unnecessary items and leave only the things that will present the look you want to project.
Start by cleaning off visible surfaces like coffee and side tables, counters, and shelves. Clear them of unnecessary items, leaving only those that add beauty or serve a purpose. Try to balance the newly cleared space with a few carefully selected items, such as a decorative tray, a stylish bowl, or a favorite book. For a more intentional and cohesive appearance, display only pieces that are similar in color and style.
Statement Lighting
A luxurious-looking room is incomplete without a statement light fixture, but this does not have to be expensive. Look for distinctive lights at thrift or antique stores, which are less expensive than high-end lighting stores. These will add vintage charm and character to your room. To elevate their style, you can give them a fresh coat of spray paint or replace standard lampshades with raffia or printed cloth options.
You can also find eye-catching lighting fixtures at lower-cost online stores. To make the most visible statement in your room, opt for architectural and bold lighting styles. Install a dimmer switch on any light you choose so that you can adjust the lighting level to better suit the variety of events you host in the space.
Add Mirrors Strategically
Incorporating mirrors into your room design is a simple and budget-friendly way to make your space feel lighter, brighter, and more elegant. Strategically placed mirrors adjacent to or across from windows are an excellent way to reflect natural light and expansive views. Large mirrors, particularly floor-leaning or wall-mounted, are striking visual statements.
If you are on a budget, look for smaller mirrors that you can group together or keep an eye out for mirrors with interesting frames at thrift or vintage stores. Gold-leafed frames are particularly useful for giving your home a more sophisticated style.
Incorporate Molding or Trim
You can add architectural interest to your room using molding and trim detailing, which will give a polished look without a hefty price tag. While some types of trim and molding are expensive in terms of materials and labor, if you have some DIY skills, you can do this job yourself. Consider adding crown molding and high baseboards to give any room a more custom look. Other options include picture frame molding and bead board to give your walls more depth and texture.
If you are on a tight budget, consider using PVC or foam moldings, which mimic the look of hardwood once painted. For a more elevated and cohesive look, paint the molding and trim the same color as the walls. Even if all you can swing right now is a can of paint, you can use this to paint faux molding that looks surprisingly sophisticated.
Bring the Outdoors In
Adding natural elements to your home will instantly refresh and elevate your space. One easy and inexpensive option for doing this might include incorporating plants, fresh flowers, and architectural branches. To do this on a budget, purchase a few large houseplants for visible areas. If you don’t have a natural green thumb, choose low-maintenance plants that will survive less than ideal conditions. You can also forage flowers and branches from the outdoors.
Natural textures, such as wood, stone, leather, metal, and woven objects, can enhance the organic warmth of your room design. These components will give your design a grounded, layered appearance and are reasonably priced at thrift and vintage stores.
Layer Lighting
Professional interior designers understand the importance of layering lighting in room design to make it more functional while also looking luxurious. The trick to achieving this is to combine different types of lighting throughout the room so that you illuminate all the dark corners. Consider incorporating ambient, task, and accent lighting into areas such as overhead lighting, table and floor lamps, and wall sconces.
Begin by assessing your room’s main light fixture; it may be time for an upgrade, so consider replacing it with a statement chandelier, pendant, or flush-mount option. Add table and floor lamps so that you provide adequate light for the purposes of your room. Decorative lights above wall art or bookcases are not strictly necessary, but they will make your room look more curated and custom.
Change Out Hardware
Consider how hardware plays a part in the room you want to upgrade. Kitchen hardware is one of the most visible, and replacing this will instantly elevate your cabinets, but you can also replace hardware on furniture to refresh their style.
For the most refined and stylish look, choose options like polished nickel, brushed brass, and aged gold. You can find affordable hardware options if you want to replace all your kitchen hardware, which will quickly add up. For smaller hardware updates, such as for a piece of furniture, you can afford to use statement hardware, which is potentially expensive but gives it a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Hang Your Curtains High
Hanging your curtains high on the wall will create the illusion of higher ceilings, making any room feel more spacious and elegant. To achieve this, buy simple curtain panels made from a natural material like cotton or linen and mount them at least 6–12 inches above the window, or just below the ceiling. Choose curtains that just brush the floor or pool slightly for a luxe effect.
Lightweight curtains add an airy feel, whereas heavier fabrics, such as velvet, provide a dramatic touch. Layer the curtains with a woven or fabric shade to add depth. This also allows you to leave the curtains drawn away from the window while adjusting the shades for privacy and light control.
Strategically Incorporate Luxury Decor
A few luxury decor elements can make your room look more expensive without causing you to overspend unnecessarily. Focus on purchasing items that have high-end style, like a marble vase, wool throw blanket, velvet cushions, or leather chair that can also play a prominent role in your room design. Thrift stores and discount home stores have unique pieces that are available at a good price if you just keep an eye out throughout the course of daily life.
Strategically place these elements in visible locations like on a coffee table, kitchen island, or on the most visible sofa where they can serve as focal points in the design. These subtle touches of luxury will give weight to your design without overwhelming it.
Layer Rugs
Layering your rugs is an effective interior designer trick to make any room feel more luxurious. Start with a large, inexpensive flat rug option like one made from jute, sisal, cotton, or wool. Whatever one you choose, make sure that it has a flat rather than high-pile weave. Layer a smaller rug on top. This one can be whatever type you choose, either high pile or low, colored or plain. This is also a great way to save money because your expensive top rug does not have to be as large as it would if you were just using a single rug.
Color Drench the Room
Color-drenching, the process of painting the walls and the trim the same color, creates a bold and enveloping effect that feels upscale and intentional. Painting the walls and the trim the same color will visually expand the space and make it feel instantly more cohesive.
To begin, select a color you love. This can be either rich or desaturated, depending on the look you want to create. Dark colors like deep blue and gray are popular for making your room feel moody and cozy. Lighter colors will make your room feel larger and more airy.
Add Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a powerful tool for elevating the look of a room design and creating a statement. Wallpaper is not always a budget item, but you can use it strategically in smaller spaces like the back of a bookcase or in a small bathroom to lower the cost. You can also find less expensive options like peel-and-stick patterns. Choose bold abstracts, distinctive botanicals, delicate toiles, or bountiful florals that will give your room a designer style.
