23 Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive



If you've ever wondered how to make your home look more expensive, it's totally doable! You don't need a massive budget or a full-on renovation to make your space feel luxurious. You just need to focus on a few smart design choices and some clever tricks. Let's get into it and transform your home into a place you truly love.



01 |. Upgrade Your Window Coverings






You can start by getting rid of those basic plastic blinds that aren't doing your room any favors. Swapping them out for curtains or Roman shades instantly adds a high-end feel. For that truly elegant look, hang your curtains as high and wide as they can go—this simple trick makes your windows look bigger and the whole room feel taller.



02 |. Add Architectural Details






Architectural details like trim work or molding can give your walls a quick and stylish upgrade. Adding crown molding, wainscoting, or even just a simple chair rail provides visual interest and texture. If you're not ready for trim, you can use textured paints like Roman clay or lime wash. These paints give your walls a beautiful, old-world vibe that adds a ton of depth.



03 |. Layer Your Lighting



If you’re still relying on just one overhead light, it’s time for a change. Layering your lighting is how you create that cozy, professional-looking space. Think about adding a beautiful chandelier, some stylish wall sconces, or even some simple table lamps. This lets you set the mood and highlight different areas of your room.



04 |. Don't Forget the Details






You know those little spots in a home that feel a bit empty? That’s what we're talking about here. You don’t want any blank or sad corners. Look for "blind spots" like the space above a doorway or an empty corner and turn them into a "small moment." Put a beautiful vase on a pedestal, add a floating shelf, hang a piece of small, striking art, or even use a tall floor lamp. It’s about decorating with intention and making every single part of your home feel styled.


However, decorating these can also end up looking too cluttered, so it needs to be done strategically.



05 |. Use Symmetry to Your Advantage





Symmetry is key to making a space feel balanced and put-together. It just looks so clean and intentional. A great way to do this is to use matching lamps on either side of a bed or sofa, or to place two identical side chairs across from each other. You could also hang a pair of matching mirrors, wall sconces or identical art pieces to create balance. When a room feels balanced, it automatically feels more intentional and more expensive.



06 |. Pull Furniture Off the Walls





This is such a simple tip, but it’s a game-changer. Stop pushing all your furniture right up against the walls! By pulling your sofa and chairs even just a few inches away, you create depth. This small space makes the room feel bigger and gives it a way more luxurious look.



07 |. Mix the Old with the New





A home that's filled with all new furniture can feel a little flat. The most expensive-looking homes are the ones that look collected over time. So, bring in some thrift store finds, antique pieces, or things you've had for years. This mix adds so much personality and character and gives your home a truly unique look.



08 |. Double Up on Your Duvet



If you want to give your bed that plush, hotel-like look, here's a secret: use two duvets. One can be laid flat on the bed, and the other can be folded over at the end. It adds this amazing fluffiness and weight that makes your bed look and feel so much more expensive.



09 |. Create a Monochromatic Look





An easy way to get a sleek, high-end feel is to use a single color on your walls, trim, and ceiling. This technique, sometimes called “color drenching,” creates a beautiful, immersive feeling. You can keep the space from feeling flat by using different shades of the same color or by adding lots of textures.



10 |. Fluff Up Your Pillows





This is so simple, but it makes a huge difference. You can totally refresh your living room by just changing the pillow inserts. For a super plush look, use a pillow insert that's one or two inches larger than your pillow cover. This little trick makes your pillows look and feel full and plump. You can even swap pillows with other rooms to create a new look.



A diagram showing that a pillow insert should be two inches larger than its pillow cover for a plush, full look.




11 |. Upgrade Your Hardware



This is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to instantly upgrade your home. Get rid of that basic builder-grade hardware on your cabinets and doors and swap it out for something more custom. A simple matte black or brass pull can make a huge difference in how a room feels and looks. It’s all about the details!



12 |. Add Pedestals





You know those cool, artistic pieces you see in galleries and museums? That's what a pedestal is all about. You can use them to elevate a simple vase or sculpture in a corner, a hallway, or between two sofas. It’s a great way to add an unexpected, artistic touch that feels really high-end.



13 |. Rearrange the Coffee Table





Your coffee table is a great place to create a beautiful vignette. Clear everything off and then add a few select accessories. Think about using a large marble bowl, a stack of beautiful books, or a simple vase. Having fewer, larger accessories often looks more expensive than having lots of small, random things.



14 |. Use Repetition






Repetition is a simple but powerful design tool. By repeating elements like a specific color, a certain shape, or a texture throughout a room, you create a sense of order and cohesiveness. This ties the whole design together and makes it feel unified and well-planned.



15 |. Use Black and White Photos





If you're displaying family photos or personal pictures, a great way to make them look more polished and cohesive is to print them all in black and white. It creates a uniform, clean look that feels more sophisticated than a bunch of different colors and tones.



16 |. Go Big with Your Lamps



The scale of your decor is probably the most important thing to get right. If you have a large sofa or bed, you need a lamp that can hold its own. Using a big, sculptural lamp with a substantial base and shade helps to fill out the space and looks so much more luxurious. It’s about getting the proportions right.



17 |. Prioritize Comfort





A home that looks expensive should also feel comfortable. The most luxurious-looking spaces are the ones you actually want to relax in. So, focus on adding plush fabrics, soft rugs, and comfortable seating. A home that feels good is the ultimate luxury.



18 |. Add a Runner





Runners are a designer trick that can make a huge impact in small, narrow spaces. They can define a hallway, add warmth to a kitchen, or make a statement in a long entryway. This simple piece of decor adds instant texture and style. Just be sure to use carpet tape to keep it from slipping.



19 |. Start with One Wall at a Time



If redecorating feels overwhelming, just focus on one wall. Pick a wall you want to transform and add a few key items—like some new art or a new lamp—and get that wall just right. This gives you a quick win and the motivation to keep going with the rest of the room.



20 |. Add a Tree or Greenery






Bringing a little bit of the outdoors in is a must. Every space can benefit from a pop of green from plants, branches, or flowers. You can use anything from a large potted tree to a simple vase of fresh flowers. Faux greenery and florals are also a great option, providing a no-effort way to add that designer touch and make a space feel complete.



21 |. Switch Out Your Entry Rug






Your entryway is the first thing people see when they walk into your home. A dingy doormat or a worn-out rug inside the door can bring the whole look down. Swapping it for a fresh, welcoming rug is a quick and inexpensive way to make an amazing first impression.



22 |. Declutter and Organize



This might seem obvious, but a cluttered space can never look luxurious. Make sure you're putting things away on counters and using baskets for storage. When a space is clean and organized, it immediately feels more intentional and aesthetically pleasing. Less really is more here.



23 |. Add Unexpected Color





Don't be afraid to go beyond plain neutrals. Using an unexpected or moody color in a small space, like a mudroom, bathroom, powder room or a pantry, can make the area feel like a truly curated space. Choosing a beautiful, intentional color makes a space feel much more designed and sophisticated.




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