13 Simple Decor Choices That Instantly Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Want to give your home a luxury makeover without breaking the bank? Small changes can make a big difference in how expensive your space feels. I’ve gathered some simple tricks that interior designers use to create that high-end look without the matching price tag.

These easy updates can transform your home from ordinary to extraordinary in no time.

1. Layered Lighting Creates Depth

Fancy homes never rely on just overhead lighting. By adding table lamps, floor lamps, and sconces at different heights, you create a warm, inviting atmosphere that screams sophistication. The secret is using different light sources around the room rather than blasting everything from above.

My favorite trick? Put lamps on dimmers for ultimate control. The soft glow makes everyone look better and creates that cozy, expensive vibe.

2. Curtains That Kiss the Floor

Short curtains scream budget constraints. For an instant upgrade, hang your curtains high and wide, extending beyond the window frame with fabric that gently touches the floor. The height draws the eye upward, making ceilings appear taller.

Even inexpensive panels look luxurious when properly hung. My rule of thumb? Mount the rod 4-6 inches above the window frame and extend 8-12 inches on each side for maximum impact.

3. Oversized Art Makes a Statement

Nothing says luxury like a large piece of artwork commanding attention on your wall. I’ve found that one substantial piece creates more impact than several smaller ones cluttered together.

The size alone suggests value, even if you didn’t spend much. Look for canvas prints or frame vintage posters for an affordable option. The key is choosing something that speaks to your personality while filling that empty wall space confidently.

4. Thoughtfully Styled Bookshelves

Random stacks of books and knickknacks look messy, not luxurious. Taking time to arrange your shelves with intention makes a dramatic difference in how expensive your space feels. Mix horizontal and vertical book arrangements, leaving some breathing room between objects.

I follow the designer trick of grouping items in threes with varying heights. Adding a few special pieces – like a small artwork, a beautiful box, or an interesting object – creates focal points that draw the eye.

5. Plush Towels Upgrade Your Bathroom

Hotel-quality towels make your bathroom feel like a spa retreat. The weight and texture of thick, absorbent cotton signals luxury the moment you touch them. White towels create that classic high-end look, but deep jewel tones can be equally impressive.

I fold mine in thirds and stack them neatly or roll them in a basket. The presentation matters almost as much as the quality, transforming ordinary bathrooms into something special.

6. Strategic Mirror Placement

Mirrors do double duty – reflecting light and making spaces appear larger. Placing a substantial mirror across from a window multiplies natural light and creates the illusion of more square footage.

The trick is choosing mirrors with thin, elegant frames or going frameless for a modern look. I hung a floor-to-ceiling mirror in my narrow hallway, and visitors always comment on how much bigger the space feels. This one change can transform cramped rooms into airy retreats.

7. Unified Color Palette Creates Harmony

Budget spaces often suffer from too many competing colors. Limiting your palette to three complementary shades creates a cohesive, intentional look that feels professionally designed. Choose one neutral base, one secondary color, and one accent.

My living room uses warm gray walls, navy blue furniture, and brass accents throughout. This repetition ties everything together, making even inexpensive pieces look like part of a thoughtful collection rather than random acquisitions.

8. Fresh Flowers Bring Life

A vase of fresh flowers instantly elevates any room with color, fragrance, and organic beauty. You’ll find them in every high-end hotel and restaurant for good reason – they signal care and attention to detail.

Can’t afford weekly bouquets? I rotate a few stems between rooms or opt for flowering branches that last longer. Even grocery store flowers look expensive when you remove excess greenery and arrange them simply in a beautiful vase.

9. Matching Baskets Tame Clutter

Clutter is the enemy of elegance. By investing in a set of matching storage baskets, you instantly create a cohesive, organized look that feels intentional rather than haphazard. The uniformity suggests thought and planning – hallmarks of expensive design.

I use woven baskets in my living room for magazines, throw blankets, and kids’ toys. They hide everyday items while adding texture and warmth to the space without breaking my budget.

10. Hidden Electrical Cords Maintain Clean Lines

Tangled cords instantly cheapen even the most beautiful spaces. Taking time to conceal wires shows attention to detail that elevates your entire room. Use cord covers that match your wall color, feed wires through furniture, or install simple cord management systems behind entertainment centers.

My TV area used to be a mess of black cables until I spent one afternoon hiding everything. The transformation was immediate – suddenly the focus was on my decor, not the distracting tangle.

11. Substantial Hardware Makes an Impact

Those tiny knobs that came with your cabinets or furniture? Replacing them with larger, weightier hardware creates instant luxury. The feel of solid metal in your hand signals quality every time you open a drawer. Brass, matte black, or polished nickel options look particularly high-end.

I switched out the builder-grade pulls in my kitchen for oversized brass handles, and visitors always ask if I installed new cabinets. This affordable swap delivers serious bang for your buck.

12. Natural Materials Add Richness

Synthetic materials often look cheap no matter how they’re styled. Incorporating natural elements like wood, cotton, linen, wool, and stone creates depth and character that artificial alternatives can’t match. You don’t need everything to be natural – strategic pieces make the difference.

My synthetic sofa looks much more expensive paired with a real wooden coffee table and linen curtains. The contrast of textures tells a story of quality and thoughtfulness that elevates the entire room.

13. Empty Space Creates Breathing Room

Luxury isn’t about filling every inch – it’s about curating what deserves to be seen. Allowing for empty space on shelves, tables, and walls lets important pieces shine instead of competing for attention. This doesn’t mean minimalism, just intentional arrangement.

I removed 30% of my accessories during my last decorating refresh, and suddenly everything looked more expensive. The remaining pieces had room to be appreciated. Remember: if everything is special, nothing is special.