Ever walked into a posh house and wondered how they make it look so luxurious? The secret isn’t always a hefty bank account. With a bit of creativity and elbow grease, you can give your home a high-end makeover without breaking the bank. These clever tricks will help you transform your space from drab to fab, impressing your guests and making you feel like royalty in your own castle. Whether you’re looking to spruce up your living room or add a touch of elegance to your bedroom, these tips will help you achieve that expensive look without the eye-watering price tag. Ready to give your home a luxurious lift? Here are 15 simple ways to make your home look like a million quid.
Crown Moulding Magic
Nothing screams luxury quite like crown moulding. This simple addition can instantly elevate any room, making ceilings appear higher and spaces more finished. You don’t need to spend a fortune on ornate designs; even basic moulding can make a big impact. For a budget-friendly option, try lightweight foam moulding that’s easy to install yourself with some adhesive and a bit of patience. To really amp up the luxe factor, consider adding picture rail moulding about two-thirds of the way up your walls for a classic, high-end look.
Paint Like a Pro
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders, but the key is in the details. Opt for neutral, sophisticated colours like warm greys, soft whites, or rich earth tones. Don’t forget the ceiling – painting it a shade lighter than the walls can make the room feel larger and more luxurious. For a truly high-end look, consider adding an accent wall with textured paint or elegant wallpaper. Remember to use high-quality paint with a smooth finish – it might cost a bit more, but the result will be noticeably more upscale.
Declutter and Organise
Nothing says ‘expensive’ like a clean, clutter-free space. Take time to organise your belongings, investing in stylish storage solutions that blend with your decor. Consider woven baskets, sleek boxes, or elegant bookcases to keep things tidy. Remember, less is often more when it comes to creating a luxurious atmosphere. A good rule of thumb is to remove one-third of your accessories from each room – this will instantly create a more spacious, high-end feel.
Upgrade Your Hardware
Swapping out old door handles, drawer pulls, and light switch plates is a quick and easy way to add a touch of luxury. Opt for brushed nickel, aged brass, or matte black finishes for a high-end look. This small change can make a big difference, especially in kitchens and bathrooms where hardware is more prominent. For maximum impact, ensure all hardware in a room matches or coordinates – mismatched finishes can cheapen the overall look.
Layer Your Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for creating an expensive-looking home. Mix different types of lighting – ambient, task, and accent – to create depth and atmosphere. Invest in a statement chandelier or pendant light for your living room or dining area. Add table lamps and floor lamps for a warm, inviting glow that screams sophistication. Don’t forget about dimmer switches – they’re relatively inexpensive to install and can instantly create a luxurious, adaptable ambiance.
Dress Your Windows
Bare windows can make a room feel unfinished. Invest in high-quality curtains or blinds that puddle slightly on the floor for a luxurious look. Opt for natural fabrics like linen or silk, and hang them high and wide to make your windows appear larger. For added elegance, layer sheer curtains under heavier drapes. Consider adding tiebacks or holdbacks to your curtains for a polished, tailored appearance that exudes luxury.
Add Metallic Accents
A touch of metallic can instantly elevate a room. Incorporate gold, silver, or copper accents through picture frames, vases, or decorative objects. Don’t go overboard – a few well-placed metallic pieces can add just the right amount of glamour without looking gaudy. For a cohesive look, stick to one metallic tone throughout the room, or mix metals carefully for a more eclectic, but still high-end, vibe.
Invest in Statement Pieces
Every luxurious home has at least one showstopping piece. This could be a beautiful area rug, a striking piece of art, or an elegant coffee table. Choose something that reflects your personal style and draws the eye. Remember, it’s better to have one high-quality item than several cheaper pieces. When selecting your statement piece, consider its scale in relation to your room – an oversized piece can create a sense of grandeur and luxury.
Create a Focal Point
Every room needs a focal point to anchor the space and draw the eye. This could be a fireplace, a large mirror, or a striking piece of artwork. Once you’ve identified your focal point, arrange your furniture and decor to complement it. This creates a sense of purpose and design that’s often found in expensive homes. To enhance your focal point, consider adding accent lighting to draw even more attention to it.
Embrace Texture
Luxurious homes often feature a variety of textures that add depth and interest to a space. Mix smooth surfaces with rough ones, and soft fabrics with hard materials. Think plush velvet cushions on a leather sofa, or a chunky knit throw on a sleek armchair. This interplay of textures creates a rich, layered look that feels expensive. Don’t forget about walls and floors – textured wallpaper or a plush area rug can add another dimension to your room’s tactile experience.
Go Green
Nothing adds life to a room quite like plants. Incorporate a few large, leafy plants in stylish pots to create a sense of luxury and vitality. If you don’t have a green thumb, high-quality faux plants can work just as well. Choose pots in materials like ceramic, brass, or woven baskets to enhance the upscale look. For maximum impact, consider adding a tall plant like a fiddle leaf fig or bird of paradise – these statement plants are favoured in high-end interiors for their dramatic, sculptural qualities.
Update Your Towels and Linens
In the bathroom and bedroom, plush towels and high-quality linens can make a world of difference. Invest in thick, fluffy towels and crisp, white bed sheets. Display your towels hotel-style, neatly folded or rolled. In the bedroom, layer your bed with a variety of textures – think crisp sheets, a plush duvet, and a selection of throw pillows. Don’t forget about thread count – aim for sheets with a thread count of at least 300 for that luxurious, hotel-like feel.
Create Symmetry
Symmetry is pleasing to the eye and often associated with luxury. Try arranging your furniture and decor in pairs – two matching lamps on a console table, or identical armchairs flanking a fireplace. This creates a sense of balance and intentionality that can make your space look more expensive. For a more subtle approach, you can also create symmetry through colour or shape, even if the objects themselves aren’t identical.
Pay Attention to Scent
An often overlooked aspect of luxury is scent. A pleasant-smelling home feels more expensive and well-cared for. Invest in high-quality candles, diffusers, or room sprays. Choose sophisticated scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or fresh linen. Just be careful not to overdo it – a subtle fragrance is more luxurious than an overpowering one. Consider using different scents in different rooms to create distinct atmospheres throughout your home.
Don’t Neglect the Details
The devil is in the details when it comes to creating an expensive-looking home. Make sure your paint lines are crisp, your floors are spotless, and your windows are sparkling clean. Pay attention to often-overlooked areas like skirting boards, light fixtures, and door frames. These small details can make a big difference in the overall impression of your home. Consider adding decorative touches like crown moulding around doorways or installing elegant switch plates to elevate the overall look of your space.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
