Stephen Anderson
Table of Contents
A beautifully designed home is a joy to live in and can truly elevate your lifestyle. However, high-end interior design can come with a hefty price tag that leaves many of us dreaming instead of doing. The good news is there are small, simple changes you can make that create the look and feel of an expensive space without breaking the bank.
As interior design enthusiasts, we’ve experimented with easy upgrades that make our homes appear far more luxe. From clever furnishings to strategic layouts, it’s incredible what a difference subtle shifts can make. We’re excited to share our favorite tips and tricks to take your home decor from basic to beautiful on a budget. Keep reading for 15 easy ways to make your home look expensive!
Carefully Curate Your Furniture
The furniture in a room has a huge impact on the overall aesthetic. Focus on choosing key pieces that look high-quality and luxe. Opt for soft fabrics, refined shapes and clean lines. Metal legs, polished wood finishes and marble accents add interest while appearing upscale and timeless.
Look for gently used vintage and antique finds to score statement pieces on a budget. And don’t be afraid to mix price points – pair that salvaged sideboard with a velvet sofa from a contemporary retailer. The juxtaposition looks purposeful and unique.
Incorporate Thoughtful Accent Pieces
Those special extras that reflect your personal style have the power to elevate a basic room. Make sure to include layers of accent pieces that catch the eye, like a bold piece of art, gleaming table lamp or sculptural bookends.
Display collections like decorative boxes, agate slices or brass objets d’art for an expensive feel. And don’t forget about textiles – pillows, throws and rugs in luxe materials such as velvet, wool and leather make furnishings feel richer.
Frame Your Artwork Properly
You don’t have to spend big on fine art to make it look that way. Less expensive prints, photos and paintings gain a polished appearance when properly framed using high-quality materials. Opt for wide, ornate frames with clean lines in metals like brass or silver. Crisp white and black also look chic.
Hang artwork at a consistent height and in groupings for a gallery wall effect. And don’t forget about lighting – illuminate pieces with adjustable spotlights or picture lights to display them like fine art.
Upgrade Your Window Treatments
An often overlooked area, your windows deserve special attention. Dress them up with treatments that look tailor-made for the space. FLOOR-LENGTH DRAPES instantly give rooms a luxurious feel. Opt for rich fabrics like silk, velvet or linen in neutral earth tones.
For a relaxed vibe, hang simple linen curtains in natural textures. Add stylish ROMAN BLINDS in living spaces for softness and privacy. Upgrade bargain finds with custom details like trim and tassel tiebacks for a personalized designer touch.
Set the Mood with Statement Lighting
Lighting makes a huge impact on the ambiance of a space. Look for fixtures that double as works of art, like an oversized pendant above your dining table or a sparkling crystal chandelier in an entryway.
Sconces flanking a bed, mirror or hallway create depth and interest. Dimmed lighting feels intimate while accent spots highlight furnishings and artwork. Smart lighting conveys sophistication and thoughtfulness.
Style Your Coffee Table
Your coffee table can be a focal point that elevates a living room. Opt for a substantial, sculptural base in a natural material like marble, glass or wood. Then add a stack of coffee table books related to your interests, a vase of fresh flowers and decorative boxes.
A tray is another way to pull the look together – use one large tray or a few smaller ones in metals, woods, marble or leather. Display candles, small sculptures or a table lamp for an inviting vignette.
Add Sophisticated Patterns and Textures
Incorporate visual interest through patterns and textures used intentionally throughout a space. Luxe patterns like herringbone floors, damask wallpaper or animal prints add depth. Mix and match patterns following the “less is more” rule to let each one make an impact.
Natural textures also help create a high-end feel – think cozy wool throws, soft velvet pillows and rustic wood accents. Contrast shiny and matte surfaces, like a polished tabletop with linen lounge chairs. Use silky and nubby fabrics alongside smooth porcelain and washed wood for sensory appeal.
Style Your Bookshelves
Filled bookshelves have a scholarly appeal that feels expensive, especially in lieu of a TV. Place votives, framed photos and decorative objects between books to finish the look. Group titles by color for a coordinated effect and display your favorite or most beautiful books facing outwards.
For a personal touch, add mementos, candles, plants or sculptures that reflect your style. Place books horizontally with vertical accents to create visual contrast. Illuminate from above with accent lighting and hang an oversized piece of artwork over the shelf for drama.
Create an Entryway Focal Point
Make a stellar first impression by designing a stunning entryway. A DAZZLING CHANDELIER draws the eye up, while a CONSOLE TABLE or OVERSIZED MIRROR anchors the space. Add GROUNDING elements like a PLUSH AREA RUG and FRESH FLORALS in a vase.
Hang an ARTSY MIRROR above the console to expand the room. Consider framing wallpaper as art for a cool effect. Place baskets for organizing keys and gloves so everything has a designated, clutter-free place.
Choose an Absolute Sofa
The sofa is often the star of a living room. Invest in the best quality you can afford and size up – oversized sofas feel luxe and welcoming. Choose a shape that flatters the room, like an L-shaped sectional for a cozy conversation area.
Stick to clean lines and neutral colors for timeless style. Plush down-blend cushions and support are worth the investment. Then layer with pillows in an array of shapes and fabrics for a designer look. A large-scale coffee table and lush rug anchor the space.
Select Statement Hardware
From cabinets to doors, hardware makes a big impact. Swap out generic brass knobs for custom, eye-catching handles that match your interior design style. Bold black and brass finishes feel contemporary and edgy, while polished brass skews glam.
Antiqued metals, crystal and marble knobs give a more traditional vibe. Extend the hardware style throughout the home for cohesion – match light fixtures and drawer pulls to door handles. It’s all about the details!
Incorporate Architectural Interest
Structural elements like millwork, moldings and medallions lend historical character and elegance. Add visual appeal with COFFERED CEILINGS, WAINSCOTING PANELS or CROWN MOLDING TRIMS. Refinish beams and ceiling details for contrast.
Frame doorways and accent walls with picture-frame moldings. Add depth with shiplap or beadboard wainscoting. Install a statement light fixture as a center medallion. Enhance architecture to feel luxe and polished.
Display Collections Throughout
Groupings of objects have an artistic, gallery-style effect that feels elevated and thoughtful. Display collections styled in interesting compositions – stacks of books, arrangements of art, or lush botanicals.
Create vignettes throughout your home to highlight favorite pieces. On shelves, curate objects related to hobbies or travels. Group antique glassware on open kitchen shelves, or stack hatboxes atop a bedroom dresser. Let your beautiful collections shine as works of art.
Final Touches
Tying everything together are those thoughtful details that make a house feel like home. Incorporate greenery with potted PLANTS, a fresh BOUQUET OF FLOWERS or simple HERB GARDEN.
Display photos in GILDED FRAMES for a personalized touch. Keep counters clutter-free and leave closets organized. The final polish helps a home feel like a sanctuary rather than just a place to live.
With clever tricks and a little elbow grease, you can transform ordinary spaces to feel spectacular without spending a fortune. Focus on curating furniture, adding luxe layers, improving architecture and styling with intention as you incorporate these tips. We hope you’re inspired to view your home in a fresh way and create an environment you’re proud of. Your dream home awaits!
FAQ on Creating Expensive-Looking Home Decor on a Budget
What are the best tips for making my home look expensive?
Some of the best tips include: selecting high-quality furniture pieces, hanging floor-length curtains, incorporating luxe lighting fixtures, styling coffee and console tables, adding patterns and textures, curating bookshelves, creating an elegant entryway, choosing a statement sofa, upgrading hardware, installing architectural details like molding and medallions, displaying collections and vignettes, and adding thoughtful finishing touches with greenery, flowers and organization.
How can I decorate my home without spending a lot of money?
Focus on buying key investment pieces slowly over time. Search secondhand stores and online classifieds for quality furnishings at reduced prices. Refresh existing items with paint or new hardware. Use small upgrades like pillows, throws, accent pieces and styling collections to elevate a space. Take your time finding special items you love.
What are inexpensive ways to upgrade the look of a room?
Some easy inexpensive upgrades include painting walls or cabinets, switching out lighting and hardware, framing artwork properly, hanging new window treatments like curtains or roman shades, styling your coffee table with books and flowers, incorporating textiles like pillows and rugs, adding molding, refinishing existing floors, decluttering and organizing.
How can I make cheap furniture look classy?
To make budget-friendly furniture look more upscale, stick to classic, simple silhouettes without too much detail or ornamentation. Neutral colors feel refined. Pair with pillows, throws and accessories in plush fabrics and natural materials. Add sculptural decorative objects and art for visual interest. Style with books, flowers and objet d’art.
What are the best neutral colors to make a room look expensive?
Popular expensive-looking neutrals include soft greys, warm taupes, creamy whites, light beiges and warm whites. Pair neutrals with natural wood tones and black accents for contrast. Use neutral walls as a backdrop for eye-catching art, mirrors, lighting and textiles in bolder colors.
With some creativity and smart shopping, elevating your home’s look doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Focus on the details that make a space feel finished and curated. Source special vintage and secondhand pieces paired with new accents. Take inspiration from luxury designs then re-create them affordably. Use these tips as a guide to take your home decor from basic to beautiful on a realistic budget.
