I’m An Interior Designer, And This Is How To Make Any Space Look High-End For Less

Ever walk into a room and think, “How does this look so polished without looking overdone?” As an interior designer, I can tell you, elevated design doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

With the right details and a bit of intention, any space can feel refined, pulled-together, and far more expensive than it actually is.

These simple tips focus on small upgrades that deliver big visual impact without stretching your budget. Design results may vary depending on space, existing finishes, and individual style preferences.

1. Hang Curtains High And Wide

Nothing screams ‘amateur decorator’ louder than skimpy curtains hanging right at the window frame. Hanging curtains at least 4-6 inches above the window and extending the rod 10 inches beyond each side creates the illusion of larger windows and higher ceilings.

This designer trick instantly elevates any room’s appearance. Choose curtains that kiss the floor or puddle slightly for that custom, tailored look that expensive designers always incorporate.

Even inexpensive panels look luxurious when properly hung!

2. Upgrade Your Hardware Game

Hardware is like jewelry for your home, small but mighty impactful. Swapping out those builder-grade knobs and pulls on cabinets, dressers, and nightstands can transform basic furniture into custom-looking pieces.

Brass, matte black, or aged bronze options offer instant sophistication. My clients are always shocked at how this $50-$100 investment completely transforms their kitchen or bathroom.

Remember to choose consistent finishes throughout a space for that cohesive, thoughtful look that screams ‘professional designer was here.’

3. Create A Layered Lighting Scheme

If you’re still relying solely on overhead lighting, we need to talk. Proper lighting transforms spaces from flat to dimensional. Aim for three light sources in every room, ambient (overhead), task (reading lamps), and accent (table lamps or sconces).

Thrift stores are goldmines for affordable lamps, just upgrade with new shades. Layer in some candles for that warm, flickering glow that makes even pizza nights feel fancy.

Lighting creates atmosphere, and atmosphere is what separates basic spaces from breathtaking ones.

4. Go Big With Oversized Art

Small, scattered artwork is the fastest way to make a space look cluttered and underdeveloped. One large statement piece creates focus and drama that instantly elevates a room.

Can’t afford massive art? I’ve got you covered. Download high-resolution images from copyright-free sites, send them to a print shop for large-format printing, and frame them with simple frames. Engineering prints offer another budget-friendly option.

My favorite hack? Framing beautiful fabric or wallpaper samples as instant, affordable oversized art.

5. Bring Life With Greenery

Every high-end space shares one secret ingredient, plants. Living greenery adds texture, color, and that indefinable energy that makes a room feel complete. Even the most basic rooms instantly look more expensive with strategically placed plants.

Low-maintenance options like snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos thrive with minimal attention. Not blessed with a green thumb? High-quality faux plants have come a long way.

Place them in stylish pots or baskets to elevate their look further. The organic shapes of plants soften rigid architectural lines.

6. Add Architectural Interest With Molding

Flat, featureless walls scream ‘builder-grade.’ Adding simple molding transforms ordinary spaces into custom-looking rooms with architectural character. Picture frame molding, board and batten, or even a simple chair rail can be DIY projects that cost less than $100.

White paintable molding from home improvement stores is surprisingly affordable. The trick is measuring carefully and using a level obsessively.

This weekend project yields permanent results that will have friends asking for your contractor’s number. They’ll never guess you did it yourself with basic tools.

7. Embrace A Neutral Color Palette

Though I love bold colors, the truth is that cohesive, neutral palettes make spaces look more expensive. Luxury homes typically feature sophisticated, restrained color schemes that flow seamlessly from room to room.

Choose three to five complementary neutrals for your main spaces. Add interest with texture rather than wild colors, think linen, velvet, rattan, and wood tones.

My designer secret? Paint baseboards, crown molding, and walls the same color for a modern, high-end look that also makes ceilings appear higher.

8. Ditch Builder-Grade Light Fixtures

Those standard-issue flush-mount lights and basic pendants are the quickest way to date your space. Light fixtures are the earrings of a room, and they should make a statement! Replacing just your dining room and entryway fixtures delivers maximum impact for minimal investment.

Look for dramatic shapes, interesting materials, or vintage-inspired designs. Many affordable retailers offer convincing dupes of high-end designer lighting.

The visual weight of a statement fixture draws the eye up, making ceilings feel higher while adding that custom touch that elevates the entire space.

9. Strategically Place Mirrors

Mirrors are a designer’s secret weapon for making spaces feel larger, brighter, and more expensive. Placing a large mirror opposite a window multiplies natural light and creates the illusion of another window or doorway.

Oversized leaning floor mirrors instantly add drama while making ceilings appear taller. Check secondhand shops for large mirrors with good bones, you can always paint dated frames.

My favorite trick? Grouping smaller vintage mirrors as a gallery wall creates a collected, curated look that adds character while brightening dark corners.

10. Style With Intentional Accessories

Random knickknacks scattered about scream ‘bargain basement.’ Curated, intentional accessories whisper ‘luxury.’ The secret is fewer, larger items rather than many small ones. Think substantial coffee table books, oversized bowls, and sculptural objects.

Group items in odd numbers and varying heights for visual interest. Quality over quantity applies here, one striking vase makes more impact than five mediocre ones.

Rotate seasonal items from your existing collection rather than constantly buying new. This creates fresh looks while maintaining that curated, collected-over-time aesthetic that defines high-end spaces.