On real estate apps, we often see homes that look straight out of a magazine.
They feel luxurious, polished, and incredibly inviting. You might think that look costs a fortune. But what if we told you it doesn’t have to?
The secret lies in the details. Interior designers and real estate agents have mastered the art of staging.
They know how to create an expensive-looking home on a budget. They use clever, simple fixes that make a massive impact.
People who stage homes for a living swear by these cheap tricks to make your home look more expensive, and now you can too, with these expert-approved tips!
Contents
- 1 Start with the “Great Reset”: Clean and Declutter
- 2 Master Ambiance with Light and Scent
- 3 Small Upgrades That Make a Huge Impact
- 4 Add Layers of Luxury with Texture and Greenery
- 5 Style Surfaces Like a Pro: The “Less is More” Rule
- 6 Don’t Forget First Impressions: Curb Appeal and Tech
- 7 Your Luxurious Home, Now Made Easy!
Start with the “Great Reset”: Clean and Declutter
Before you add anything new, you must first subtract. The most important step is creating a clean, neutral canvas. This allows your home’s best features to shine. It also helps you (and potential buyers) see the space’s true potential.
1. Hide Unsightly Cords and Wires
Nothing cheapens a room faster than a tangled mess of cords. To handle unsightly cords with cable covers or decorative boxes to keep things neat. A simple cable management box is a game-changer.
It hides your power strip and all the connected wires. This instantly cleans up your desk or TV stand.
For outlets hidden behind furniture, the Sleek Socket is a brilliant solution. It plugs flat against the wall and extends to a power strip. This lets you run cables neatly behind your sofa or bed.
2. Make Your Windows and Mirrors Sparkle
You might not notice your windows every day. But clean glass makes a huge difference. Give all the mirrors, windows, and window screens a really good cleaning. It makes your home feel brighter and better maintained.
A professional-grade squeegee with a microfiber cloth gives you a streak-free shine. Don’t forget the screens.
A dedicated mesh screen cleaner removes dust and grime from tiny holes. Clean windows let in more natural light. This alone can make your home look more expensive.
3. Unify Your Space with a Neutral Rug
A well-chosen rug can tie an entire room together. A neutral or soft-patterned rug can unify a space beautifully. You don’t need a pricey antique.
A simple, woven rug in a neutral color works wonders. It can define a space, add texture, and create a cohesive look. Look for options with a nonslip bottom for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
Master Ambiance with Light and Scent
An expensive-feeling home appeals to all the senses. Creating the right atmosphere is crucial. This is where strategic lighting and pleasant scents come into play. These elements create an inviting mood.
4. Layer Your Lighting for a Warm Glow
Harsh overhead lighting can feel clinical and cold. Professionals create a layered effect with multiple light sources. Add under-cabinet lighting. Wireless LED light bars are an easy, affordable way to do this.
They brighten countertops and make your kitchen feel more custom.
In other rooms, think beyond the ceiling fixture. Adding different lights can make the room look fancy without costing much.
A wire-free wall sconce can add a touch of elegance without an electrician.
These battery-powered lights stick right to the wall. They provide that soft, ambient glow that feels so luxurious.
5. Set the Mood with Scent
How your home smells is just as important as how it looks. It’s a non-negotiable addition. A bad odor can ruin a first impression instantly.
A chic reed diffuser is a perfect choice. It provides a subtle, continuous fragrance.
Look for one with preserved flowers for a beautiful decorative touch. Flameless candles also set a cozy mood without any fire hazard.
I love them because you can live free of the stress of fire spreading. Many come with a remote to control brightness and set a timer.
Small Upgrades That Make a Huge Impact
The difference between a standard home and a high-end one is often in the details. Small, thoughtful upgrades can elevate your entire space. These quick fixes offer the most bang for your buck.
6. Refresh Your Hardware
Dated cabinet hardware can make a whole kitchen feel old. A simple change in hardware can instantly refresh the entire look. Swap out old knobs and pulls for modern shapes and finishes.
Matte black, brushed brass, or satin nickel are timeless choices. This simple DIY project takes an afternoon. It can completely transform your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.
Don’t forget to polish any existing metal hardware. For a final touch, I polish all hardware to make kitchens and bathrooms shine. A good metal polish paste can make old fixtures look brand new.
7. Use Paint Strategically
A fresh coat of paint is a classic trick for a reason. But you don’t have to repaint entire rooms.
Painting doors a new color is an easy way to quickly refresh a room’s look. A bold black or a soft gray on interior doors adds a custom, high-end feel.
For small scuffs and nicks on walls, refillable paint pens are a lifesaver. You can fill them with your wall color for quick, seamless touch-ups.
Also Read: 12 Stunning Frank Lloyd Wright Homes Across America You Can Visit That Feel Like a Step Back in Time
8. Hang Curtains High and Wide
The way you hang your curtains can change the feel of a room. Hang the curtain rod several inches above the window frame.
Extend it a few inches past the frame on each side. Then, use long curtains that just brush the floor.
This trick made the room feel more luxurious without spending much.
This technique draws the eye upward. It creates the illusion of higher ceilings and a larger space.
Sheer linen curtains are a great choice. They offer privacy while still letting in beautiful, diffused light. This is a simple way to make your home look more expensive.
Add Layers of Luxury with Texture and Greenery
A space filled with different textures feels rich and thoughtfully designed. Mixing materials like velvet, linen, and wood adds depth and warmth. This makes your home more inviting and visually interesting.
9. Play with Plush Textiles
A silky pillow juxtaposed against a coarse wool throw adds a layered richness. You can achieve this easily. Add velvet throw pillow covers to your sofa. Drape a soft, faux fur blanket over a chair.
These small touches add instant coziness and a sense of luxury. In the bedroom, a few extra pillows can make a big difference.
When your bed looks fuller, it makes it look more luxurious. Add a set of plush cooling pillows and a smooth silk pillowcase. Your bed will look and feel like a five-star hotel.
10. Bring the Outdoors In with Greenery
Plants and greenery add life, color, and a polished touch to any room. Eucalyptus, olive branches, or white hydrangeas are the best choices.
You don’t need a green thumb to get this look. High-quality artificial plants look incredibly realistic. Place a few stems of faux eucalyptus in a tall vase. Arrange a bouquet of artificial white hydrangeas on your coffee table.
This is an effortless way to add a touch of natural elegance.
Style Surfaces Like a Pro: The “Less is More” Rule
How you decorate your surfaces says a lot about your home. Cluttered shelves and tables can make a space feel chaotic and small. A curated, intentional display, however, feels calm and sophisticated.
11. Curate Your Decor
Keeping surfaces free of excess items and choosing simple, elegant decor like vases, candles, or a sculptural piece can create a high-end vibe. Instead of many small knick-knacks, choose a few larger, impactful pieces.
A beautiful ceramic vase set or a chic dough bowl candle can serve as a stunning centerpiece.
When it comes to wall art, go for neutral or contemporary pieces. Replace eclectic art with neutral, contemporary pieces that have a broader appeal. This creates a more universally appealing look. You can find affordable prints online and create your own gallery wall.
This is another great way to make your home look more expensive.
12. Embrace Natural Materials
Swapping out plastic for organic materials instantly elevates your decor. I recommend using natural materials like wood and linen.
A simple wooden digital alarm clock looks much chicer than a plastic one.
Linen throw pillow covers add timeless texture and style to a sofa or bed. These materials bring a sense of warmth to your home. This is a subtle change that contributes to a more expensive feel.
Don’t Forget First Impressions: Curb Appeal and Tech
The experience of a home begins before someone even steps inside. A welcoming exterior and modern conveniences set a positive tone. They signal that the home is well-cared for and up-to-date.
13. Boost Your Curb Appeal
One way to make a house look more appealing is what greets the prospective buyer’s eyes when they pull up: curb appeal!
This doesn’t require a massive landscaping project. Simple touches make a big impact. Line your walkway with affordable solar pathway lights. They add a beautiful glow at night.
Place a clean, stylish welcome mat at your front door. A little tidying with pruning shears can make your whole yard look neater.
14. Add Simple Smart-Home Features
Integrating simple tech can make your home feel modern and secure. A keyless entry door lock is a great place to start.
It adds convenience and a modern look. A smart video doorbell is another budget-friendly upgrade that adds security and appeal.
Even something as simple as smart plugs can add value. They allow you to control lamps and other devices with your voice.
Your Luxurious Home, Now Made Easy!
Creating a home that looks and feels expensive is within your reach. It isn’t about spending a lot of money, but being strategic and focusing on the details that matter.
Cleaning, decluttering, layering in light, texture, and scent, as well as small upgrades to hardware and textiles, can have a monumental impact. Remember that people who stage homes for a living swear by these cheap tricks to make your home look more expensive.
Now you have their playbook. Go ahead and create the beautiful, high-end home you deserve.