In this blog post, I’m focusing on 10 inexpensive hacks tips and tricks to basically make your home look more expensive. Completely different than the 10 Pieces of Home Decor For Cheap From Wish.com blog post, lol.
If you’ve just moved into a new space or maybe been struggling with your current space, or even if you just want to amp up the look of your space a little bit more these tips are sure to help.
Make Sure Your Home Smells Nice
When you walk into somebody’s home, the first thing you tend to notice (aside from the viewpoint) is the smell.
I think a great way to overall captivate somebody when they walk into a space is have a really nice smell going whether it be a wall plug-in, a candle, or a diffuser. There’s a ton of options to make sure that your home is always smelling nice.
If you have a nice smelling space it’s just going to make your house feel nicer and just well thought out and more expensive.
Add Art to Your Walls
I know blank space is great when it comes to design but I also think sometimes people leave all their walls blank and I think that’s something that can cheapen up the look of your home.
I also want to preface that if you have a lot of blank walls in your home and you like that, that is totally fine. These are just little tiny tips and tricks and things that I’ve picked up when it comes to design. I personally don’t really like having any blank walls. I love using up all of my space–maximizing it.
If you have a huge blank wall in your living room that you have no idea what to do with that is a great opportunity to add a gallery wall which is perfect to add some artwork some color texture and visual interest you can go in with a little bit of paint you could paint that wall for a more focal pop or you can also go in with some large scale art pieces to fill in the wall these are all super affordable options you know a can of paint doesn’t cost too much creating a gallery wall doesn’t have to cost a lot there’s diy alternatives.
Layer It Up
A little tip when it comes to styling is that its all about layering. For example, having a chunky knit throw blanket and a couple of cute throw pillows on your sofa/couch makes it look more plush and luxe. It also adds interest and texture with the throw blanket.
When you walk into a high-end furniture store or you see a space you really love, a lot of the times the bed is made up of layers. For example, there might be a sheet layer, quilt, duvet, comforter, and multiple sets of sleeping pillows.
Layering up doesn’t have to cost a lot, but it really does make an impact a lot of the time. It makes the space look so much more expensive in the end and it’s definitely something to consider.
Replace Old Light Fixtures
Swapping out unattractive or unappealing light fixtures is a great way to make your home look more expensive. First of all, it doesn’t look basic and renter grade. Second, you can ensure that you have the correct light bulb in them as you replace them.
Light bulbs can change the color of a space depending on the type of light bulb you have installed. A lot of people like daylight bulbs or like a soft warm light depending on the space. But, warm toned light bulbs can make a white sofa start to look orange whereas cool toned light bulbs could make it look blue.
I recommend a smart light bulb, like these Philips Hue White Ambiance bulbs from Amazon. This way you can control the light temperature with your phone.
Once you’ve decided on the bulbs you want to use, I recommend replacing the old dingy crusted, dusted, and busted light fixtures for an affordable and cute one. Places like Ikea or Amazon, have a ton of cute and affordable light fixtures.
They’re not hard to install and can be easily installed at home by watching a YouTube video. By changing out the light fixtures, you’re adding something that is a bit more personalized. You can even DIY a light, if you wish. There are a ton of videos on YouTube on how to DIY pendant lights.
Have Two Nightstands
So, this might seem kind of random but I wanted to throw it in here as something to keep in mind. I remember when I used to be in college in my old apartments and bedrooms, I would just have one night stand on the side of the bed I would sleep on because no one else was sleeping in the bed. Therefore, I didn’t need two night stands.
I technically still don’t need two night stands, but having two night stands I think really elevates a bedroom. If you have space for two night stands on either side it’s going to make such an impactful change to your bedroom. Two night stands balances out the bed and gives it symmetry. Let’s just make sure that they’re not too matchy matchy. Give some interest to your pieces.
Add Plants or Flowers
Let’s add a breath of fresh air to your space either by adding plants or flowers. They can totally be artificial if you want them. I think real plants add a bit more of a better vibe, but if you’re like me and don’t have a green thumb, then faux plants are fine too.
House Plant Box – $15.99
from: Cratejoy
I do add in fresh flowers every week from my local farmers’ market. I’ve also bought plants through the House Plant Box from Cratejoy. They’re a great way to add color to a space without adding color to a space.
New Hardware
If you want your space to look more expensive, swap out the hardware where you can. Swapping out the hardware can make such a humongous impact at a really reasonable and inexpensive price point.
You can also add new legs to anything really. If you go on Amazon, you can search for a ton of different leg options such as hairpin legs, acrylic legs, etc. This is a great affordable hack to make your home and furniture look more expensive!
Upcycle Existing Pieces
There are a ton of do-it-yourself ideas that you can do to pieces you already own so you don’t have to go break the bank buying something new.
You can take a not so cute accent chair and you could paint it. There are a ton of videos on YouTube on how to paint fabric accent chairs. One such video shows you how to paint a fabric chair to look like a vintage distressed leather chair.
You can also upcycle other pieces to look like those gritty ceramic pieces that are in style by mixing baking soda with your acrylic paint before painting it on.
Add Molding to Your Walls
This one may sound like a lot of work, but in reality it’s not. Plus, you can make it as renter friendly as possible by using command strips. It’s also a reasonably priced DIY and gives you a luxe expensive result with an affordable budget.
There are a ton of different styles you can do such as: board and batten, beadboard, wainscoting, etc.
Wall molding doesn’t have to cost a lot at all. Amazon has some renter friendly options such as this one here. Or if you want, you can go to Lowe’s and buy molding there and then use a small nail to nail them in.
I personally think this is the most inexpensive thing that gives you the most expensive looking results because it looks like the architect that built your home put time and effort into what they designed in the space and it looks like it may have cost you a small fortune. But, in the end, you really did it yourself with a small budget.
Add Window Treatments
This is seriously the craziest before and after that I’ll be sharing with you. One thing that a lot of people don’t think about is how impactful curtains can be to a space.
I mount my curtain rod almost all the way to the ceiling, that way when the curtains are closed, it appears that the window is taller. When your curtains are open, it makes the wall appear much higher as well. The fabric above your window also adds a nice bit of texture to the space as well.
I think that if you were to splurge on something, it should be proper curtains or proper blinds. Whatever you want to add to your space.
Those were all ten of my inexpensive and affordable ways to make your home look expensive. If you’d like to see more tips like these, or if you know of some similar tips, make sure you’re subscribed to the blog.
Do you have any tips or hacks to add? Comment below!
