Decorating Tips to Make Your Home Look Expensive
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If you love finding bargains and get excited by the thrill of creating beautiful spaces on a budget like I do, then you are in the right place.
For those of you immersed in luxury design, you might assume that these designs always come with a hefty price tag. But guess what? Quite the contrary—I believe beautiful spaces don’t have to be expensive at all.
There are so many decorating tips and small changes you can make to your home to give it that luxurious feel without breaking the bank.
So I’m going to be sharing all my decorating tips with you so that you can replicate the same high-end look in your home.
By applying these decorating tips and tricks to your home you can absolutely elevate your space without blowing your budget. I think the secret to achieving that designer, magazine-worthy look in your space lies in the details and not how much you spend on individual pieces.
I’m sure we all want a high-end, beautiful, luxurious-looking home, but is it in the budget? PROBABLY NOT. Sure if you can go out and buy expensive furniture and décor, you’re halfway there.
But if it’s not in the budget, Relax, I’ve got this covered like a cozy blanket! 😉😉 You can use these decorating tips and tricks to help you achieve that luxurious look without having to splurge.
Mix Your Materials, Patterns, and Textures
The key to that designer look is having this collective really thought-out space that complements each other nicely, instead of directly matching each other.
Mixing patterns, textures, and fabrics is going to give you that designer look.
RELATED: How To Mix and Match Throw Pillows
Mix Materials
Something I think is very important to remember when furnishing your home or even furnishing a specific room of your home, is mixing materials.
Make sure you have at least three materials in one room, wood, linen, leather, that’s three right there. If you just have a wood table and linen furniture, it all just comes off a little bit flat and you are not going to get that elevated designer look.
If you love a specific material, like velvet, pick velvet furniture and then complement that furniture with other materials. It is going to make that furniture piece stand out more and highlight that material that you really love.
Mix Textures
A lot of high-end luxurious designs have tons of texture in them no matter what space. Bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, and living room, you will see a lot of mixed textures.
This is especially helpful if you want to go with the same color furniture. It gives you multiple materials going on, different textures, and adds a little interest to the place.
It sure does take a little bit more effort, a little bit more thought but it is going to give you that elevated designer look.
Of course, you can bring textures when it comes to those more solidified pieces around your home like backsplash, cabinets, and flooring or you can implement it in a very small way.
That could be through throw pillows. Mixing textures when it comes to pillows is going to create more of a luxurious look instantly. Rugs do the same so absolutely implement rugs that have texture and pattern to your design.
You can also bring in a small décor that has a different texture to it. So baskets, concrete sculptures, and smooth wood items. The more natural look you can achieve in your home the better because that is going to make it look the more high-end.
I think when spaces lack texture they don’t give much of a luxurious look, everything is a little bit flat, hard, and simple. As soon as you bring in textures you are going to create a luxurious look.
Mix Patterns
Color does one thing for sure but pattern adds such an amazing detail, and it really makes your design decision look bold and confident.
I’m not someone who is huge into patterns but I do love adding patterns in small touches around my home in different ways.
An easy way to do this is with a rug. If you are not feeling comfortable about adding patterns throughout your home, throw down a patterned rug. This will add the instant detail that you need.
Another simple way is through pillows and throw blankets, this is something that is very interchangeable, it is very easy to mix patterns when they have similar color schemes, and also when they vary in size.
And if you are looking to go bold, patterned wallpaper will take your space to the next level. This is super fun to do in a powder room, especially in a small space where you can make a big impact.
RELATED: Find Your Design Style
Scent Your Home
The first thing you usually notice when you walk into any home is the scent. It’s something that is memorable and lingers with you for a while so always be conscious of the scent of your home.
One of the easiest most affordable things you can do is open up your doors and windows when it is a nice day to let fresh air in.
***To leave a lasting impression, especially when expecting guests, keep linen and room sprays near the front door for a quick spritz. This is particularly useful if you have pets. I love incorporating scents into my home through candles and room sprays, creating an inviting atmosphere.***
You may have noticed when you walk into gorgeous hotels or even designer stores, they have a scent to them so I think scents matter.
When you walk into someone’s home and it smells a little musty, or just maybe doesn’t even smell like anything, it doesn’t create that homey experience that you may be looking for. I love using scent as another layer of design in my home to add to the experience.
I have written a post on how to make your home smell amazing, so if interested READ ON HERE. Lighting some scented candles and using your favorite room sprays are simple ways to start.
Stick to a Neutral Color Palette
Now let’s jump into paint colors because that’s where people usually start when it comes to redoing or freshening up a space in their home.
If you stick with a neutral color palette like white walls you will end up with a more high-end luxurious-looking space. It will give you the flexibility to add different colors and textures with rugs, furniture, and décor.
I love using warm white paints. I think white paints give a cozy luxurious look to your walls especially when paired with a crisp white for trim, doors, and molding. It is absolutely timeless, it will brighten up your home, and make it look new and fresh and it will definitely make it look a lot bigger.
White is sometimes tricky to pick since there are so many variations but I think simply white & chantilly lace by Benjamin Moore, and Swiss coffee by Bear & ultra-pure white by Bear are nice creamy warm whites you can go for.
If you are looking for the whitest of whites, I would say it is ultra-pure white. This is the perfect paint you would use for trim molding and doors.
Hardware or Pottery Barn, as well as many home design magazines, often feature a neutral color palette. This is a great starting point if you’re aiming for a more elevated look.
Even if you’re working with affordable pieces, choosing neutral colors will instantly give your space a more high-end feel.
Neutral tones are timeless, versatile, and easy to build around. You can always add pops of color with textures, contrasts, and accessories. But if you’re aiming for that luxurious feel, a neutral palette is a safe and elegant choice.
RELATED: The Best Affordable Area Rugs
Thrift and Shop for Designer Dupes
Every time you see a beautifully designed space, it is always very well-styled. The good news is, you can create that exact same look in your home and it doesn’t need to cost a lot.
When I style surfaces around my home, I often use thrifted décor. It doesn’t matter what you are using to style your space or how much it costs, it is all about how you place it.
*** One simple styling rule to follow is the rule of three. Use items that are different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors and group them in groups of three. This gives you dynamic angles and layers and creates an easy-styled space. For example, if you have a vase of stems going really high, pair them with something lower and add a mid-sized décor piece to balance the look. This technique works no matter what you’re decorating with, giving you that designer feel.***
When styling, consider the types of items you’re using. I love incorporating plants, whether that be stems, dried flowers, real flowers, or greenery.
I also like to use something that has texture and warmth like a basket or a woven tray, and maybe a ceramic piece. This adds a really cool architectural shape and a lot of texture as well.
If you’re aiming for a high-end look but can’t afford pricey designer furniture, shopping for dupes is a great alternative.
Many companies offer duplicates of popular pieces, like Restoration Hardware’s Cloud couch, at a fraction of the cost. There are always ways around budget constraints.
So again don’t waste money on expensive décor, buy the affordable décor and style it like a designer.
Layer Your Rugs
Another designer detail you should absolutely incorporate into your home to achieve a high-end look is layering your area rugs.
I love how layered rugs can instantly transform a space, making it appear larger while adding detail and interest. It is very easy to do all you need is one large rug and a smaller rug to layer on top, and you’ve got a designer look.
You can do this with your doormat to add some interest, you can do this with your living room rugs or dining room rugs and it is going to go such a long way.
I think it is a strategic way to bring in two different textures. You can lay down a larger, flat-woven natural fiber rug and top it with a smaller, more colorful, and patterned rug. The contrast creates some visual interest and texture without the rugs competing with each other.
One rug type you’ll notice in nearly every high-end design, whether large or small, is a good runner.
Runners are often overlooked, but they make a significant impact in narrow spaces like hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. A runner is an absolute must, and you can find beautiful, affordable options at places like Walmart.
*** No matter where you put a rug down make sure it is adhered to the floor so that it is not a tripping hazard and it stays right where it should be.***
Duvets and Pillows Decorating tips
There are a million ways you can make your bedroom look and feel more luxurious. And one of those is doubling up on your duvets.
If you’ve ever admired those fluffy, inviting beds in high-end stores and hotels and wondered why yours don’t look the same, it’s because they usually use two duvets on the bed.
They place one duvet flat to cover the entire bed for functionality and then add a second duvet on top, which can be folded over to create a thick, plush layer. So, if your bed is always lying flat and not looking plush like you imagined, it’s because you need a second duvet.
Another key element of a luxurious bedroom is having a king-sized bed.
So if you are upgrading your mattress from a double (a queen) to a king make sure you are also upgrading the size of your sleeping pillows.
These pillows should be the coordinating size to your bed, so they should be a king-size pillow. They are really going to take up the width of the bed and make it look finished and complete.
If you have a king-size bed with your standard-size pillows it looks a little small, it doesn’t look right, and it is not going to give off that luxurious high-end feel. So make sure you complete the look with coordinating pillows.
RELATED: How To Mix and Match Throw Pillows
Go Big with Throw Pillows
When it comes to styling your sofa, bed, and side chairs around your home, here’s another one of my decorating tips that can make a huge difference. Use larger throw pillow inserts with smaller pillow covers.
This trick tightens the fabric, making your pillows stand tall, look puffier, and appear more plush.
*** For example, if you have a standard 18×18 pillow cover, get a 20 by 20 pillow insert. All you have to do is size up by two inches and it will do the trick.***
And the best part? It’s not about spending money on expensive inserts or covers; it’s all about choosing the right size.
Another way to elevate the look of your bedroom, living room, or family room is by layering throw pillows. Large pillows, like Euro-size pillows (around 26×26), give a high-end appearance, especially when layered with smaller ones. This instantly adds a touch of luxury to your space.
Using large-scale pillows on your sofa or sectional not only adds comfort but also serves as a beautiful decorative element.
Throw pillows allow you to play with patterns and colors, adding balance, scale, and visual interest to the room. If you have a large sectional or sofa, pairing it with large pillows is essential to achieving that polished, high-end look.
I did do another post on mixing and matching throw pillows if you are interested you can CHECK IT OUT HERE.
RELATED: How To Mix and Match Throw Pillows
Decorating Tips for Window Treatments
Now let’s talk about window treatments because everyone has windows in their homes, large or small. Window treatments can add a luxurious touch to your space instantly or they can break your it.
One thing I think you should consider doing to add this luxurious feeling to your space is layering your window treatments. You will notice this done in high-end hotels and residential designs.
However, you may not want to be opening and closing your curtains every time for privacy.
That’s where layering comes in, using more than one type of window treatment on one window. By pairing your drapes with a second, more functional window treatment, you can achieve both style and privacy.
For instance, you can layer curtains with Roman shades, roller blinds, or even sheer drapes.
This combination allows for light filtering, privacy, and blackout capabilities, giving you flexibility and enhancing the design.
RELATED: How To Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
Decorating Tips for Hanging Curtains
There are so many ways to do curtains wrong, and so many ways to do them right and make your space look bigger, more luxurious, and a lot more high-end, no matter what curtain you choose. These decorating tips will help you achieve just that.
1. Hang your curtain rods high, about three or four inches from the ceiling then extend the bracket approximately 6 inches from the window frame to achieve added width and height.
2. Ensure your curtains are the right size to avoid both floor-length overflow and curtains hanging too high above the floor.
3. If your drapes are falling too short, use curtain rings to add extra inches to provide a high-end look, increased mobility, and a luxurious appearance.
Buy affordable curtains and enhance them with these simple decorating tips for an elevated high-end look without breaking the bank.
Mirrors
One of the best decorating tips to instantly make any space feel larger, brighter, and more expensive is the use of mirrors. Whether floor mirrors or wall mirrors just incorporate mirrors in any single space you can.
They bounce light around the space, eliminate dark corners, and add a gorgeous design element to any space.
If your space lacks natural lighting, bring in mirrors they are the perfect solution. They are going to create the look of more windows because they will bounce whatever light is available around the space and make it feel brighter.
RELATED: How To Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive
lighting
One element you can go oversized with, that will make a huge impact, is lighting. Oversized pendants, chandeliers, or ceiling fixtures can transform your space, making it look larger and brighter.
Lighting, much like a rug, anchors your space, only from the opposite side of the room.
Ensuring your lighting is proportional to the room not only unifies the design but also gives an expensive, designer feel.
By upgrading to larger fixtures, you can instantly elevate the look of your home. A common feature in high-end homes is the use of wall sconces. These provide a custom, high-end appearance without necessarily being expensive.
Wall sconces add beautiful detail to your walls, casting light that highlights key features while adding a decorative touch. If you’re considering any renovation, plan for wall sconces in places like the kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom. They can go just about anywhere, adding a designer element to your home.
*** If, like me, your home lacks the hardwiring for wall sconces, don’t worry—there are plenty of renter-friendly plug-in wall sconces that offer the same luxurious look without the hassle.***
Another luxurious lighting detail to incorporate is dimmable lights. Whether it’s dimmable lamps, wall lights, or sconces, being able to adjust your lighting creates an instant sense of luxury.
*** If you don’t currently have dimmable lights, you can easily make the change with dimmable wall plugs, allowing you to turn any bulb into a dimmable one.***
Decorating Tips for Practical Spaces
When decorating your home, don’t forget to extend your design touches into practical spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
These areas are often overlooked and can feel cold and hard compared to the rest of your home.
To make these rooms more cohesive and inviting, try adding small decorative accents. Bring in a vase of flowers, a stylish runner, beautiful hand towels, or even some art pieces and decorative lighting.
These touches will make your home feel more comfortable and elevate both the experience and overall look, creating a harmonious flow throughout all spaces.
Hone in on Your Design Style
Another great way to elevate your home is by honing in on your design style. Once you figure out what your style is and fully commit to it, your space will look cohesive, put-together, and elegant.
I did a different post on how to find your DESIGN STYLE covering everything from color schemes and textures to the furniture pieces needed to achieve that look. CHECK IT OUT HERE.
When you’re unsure of your design style, your home can start to look messy and chaotic. But no matter which style you choose, if you go all in with your home design, it will naturally create a cohesive, organized, and designer look.
RELATED: Find Your Design Style
Bring in Life with Plants
One of the easiest decorating tips and most foolproof way to decorate any space is by incorporating plants, florals, stems, or trees.
Greenery adds life to your home, but it’s important to choose plants that complement your overall design style. Certain plants have a distinct look, and sometimes they can clash with each other or with your decor, so it’s worth considering your “plant style” as part of your design.
For example, olive trees pair beautifully with eucalyptus stems because both have that muted blue-green, grayish tone, making them a seamless match. On the other hand, fiddle leaf figs have a more vibrant, bright green tone, which works well with tropical plants like monsteras.
These bright greens complement each other and create a lively, cohesive space.
Conversely, a tropical palm might clash with a more muted, neutral decor, so it’s important to consider the overall style when selecting plants.
Another designer detail you often see in high-end spaces is large-scale floral arrangements.
Oversized stems flowing out of a grand vase make a bold statement and act as a stunning focal point. You can achieve this designer look with fresh or dried florals.
Every room, big or small, can benefit from a pop of greenery. Whether you choose real or faux greenery, adding plants, branches, or flowers to spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and hallways will bring life and freshness to your home.
Today, there are so many high-quality faux plants and florals that look luxurious and require no maintenance, giving your space that designer touch with minimal effort. Check out my post on Faux florals HERE.
RELATED: The Best Faux Stems and Florals for Home Décor
Decluttering
An organized, clean home always feels more luxurious and high-end than one that’s cluttered or messy. A simple but impactful way to elevate your space is to declutter and organize.
Often, we don’t have enough storage, so things end up on countertops or other surfaces, which can make spaces look messy.
One trick I love is re-jarring products to turn them into decorative elements. You can do this in your bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room, and it will instantly make everything look tidier and more intentional.
Another tip is to remove packaging from items.
If you’re redoing your pantry or styling surfaces, getting rid of packaging with bold logos or colors can make a huge difference. It can make everything look more cohesive and less chaotic.
For areas where you can’t hide everything, decorative boxes are a lifesaver. They’re perfect for entryways and living spaces to store things like chargers, remotes, paperwork, kids’ toys, or pet items—all while adding a stylish touch to the room.
While I’m still working towards a more minimalist home, I find that minimalism often looks more luxurious.
The minimalist design feels intentional, with each item chosen for a specific reason, creating a strong visual impact.
What about you? Do you lean more towards minimalism or a more layered, decorative style? Let me know in the comments!
Match Your Hardware
A small yet impactful detail you can implement around your home is matching hardware.
If you have different door knobs, hardware finishes in your kitchen and bathrooms, or mismatched light fixtures, consider bringing consistency to the metal hardware throughout your home. Matching these details creates a cohesive, polished look.
The best part? Updating hardware doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s an affordable change you can make as a DIY project over a weekend to elevate your home.
Now, mixing metals can look great when done intentionally as part of a designed look.
However, when metals are mismatched accidentally, it can make your home feel a bit chaotic or messy. Taking the time to ensure consistency with these small details will make a significant difference, making your home feel much more put-together and luxurious.
RELATED: Find Your Design Style
Add Wallpaper
If you’re looking to make a big impact in your home, playing up your walls is a great place to start.
Walls have a huge influence on the overall feel of a room, and enhancing them can instantly elevate your space. If you’re not planning to add paneling or woodwork, wallpaper is a fantastic alternative.
Wallpaper has long been a classic way to introduce detail, color, and pattern, giving a space an elegant and high-end look. You can use it to add charm and sophistication to any room, whether it’s the dining room, bedroom, or living room.
If traditional wallpaper feels like too much of a commitment, peel-and-stick wallpaper is incredibly popular right now.
It’s much easier to apply, and best of all, it’s removable so if you want to change it down the road, it’s no problem at all!
So, if you’ve been staring at a blank wall, unsure how to make it stand out, start with wallpaper. It will instantly add atmosphere, interest, and a sense of luxury to your space.
Wall Moldings
Another one of my favorite decorating tips to instantly make a space feel high-end is adding wall moldings.
Whether it’s picture moldings, board and batten, or beadboard, any kind of molding adds detail and character to your walls, giving your home a more luxurious, custom feel.
You can spend a lot of money having moldings professionally installed, but you can also DIY it like I do. It’s a fun, cost-effective project that can save you a ton while still achieving that elevated, designer look.
If you’re looking for a way to take your home to the next level, adding wall moldings is a great option.
RELATED: How To Mix and Match Throw Pillows
Add Matted Frames & Go Large-Scale with Artwork
If you’ve been thinking about adding some wall art to your home, whether it’s a single large piece or a gallery wall, matted frames are a great option.
They give your artwork a more expensive, high-end finish compared to frames without a mat. Plus, you can save money by downsizing your prints and using a larger frame with a mat.
If you’re working with a variety of artwork in different colors or styles, matted frames help create uniformity without losing the uniqueness of each piece.
In addition to matted frames, another way to make a big impact is by incorporating large-scale artwork.
No matter the size of your home, large art pieces create a “wow” factor that instantly elevates your space. When artwork is too small, it can make your room feel cramped, but large-scale art opens it up and adds a sense of grandeur.
You can go for large canvases, textural art, or even create your own DIY artwork.
***While large pieces can be more expensive, a DIY method can be a fun and affordable way to get that high-end look.***
Large artwork is perfect for above a sofa, at the end of a hallway, or in an entryway. Its size alone makes a statement and gives your home that luxurious, designer feel.
Furniture Layout Decorating Tips
A well-thought-out furniture layout can transform a room from average to luxurious.
If your furniture is pushed up against the walls without consideration for conversation flow, focal points, or creating an inviting experience, your space might not feel as high-end as you’d like.
Be creative with how you arrange your furniture. It’s not permanent, and it’s fun to experiment with different setups.
***For example, arrange your living room furniture in a way that encourages conversation by pulling pieces away from the walls and creating cozy seating areas around a focal point, such as a fireplace or coffee table.***
The same principle applies to your bedroom.
Aim for a balanced, symmetrical layout to create a serene and open space. Make sure your bed is the centerpiece, ideally the first thing you see when you walk in, rather than pushing it into a corner.
It’s important to remember that creating a high-end look isn’t just about buying expensive furniture pieces; it’s about how you arrange and style them.
Thoughtful furniture placement can instantly elevate your home and make it feel more high-end.
Furniture Decorating Tips & Hacks
1. When it comes to making your space look and feel more high-end and luxurious, one of the most important things to consider is the scale of your furniture. The size and weight of your furniture should complement the dimensions of your space.
2. If you have a smaller space or lower ceilings, opt for lighter, smaller-scale furniture that fits the proportions of the room. Furniture that is too large can overwhelm the space and make it feel cramped.
3. On the other hand, if you have high ceilings or a larger room, you can go for more substantial, heavier furniture and statement pieces that fill the space appropriately.
4. The key is to shop with your space in mind. Choosing furniture that suits the scale of your room will instantly elevate the look and feel of your home, making it more balanced and luxurious.
That’s it for my decorating tips. Let me know in the comments which of these decorating tips you’ve already been using in your home and which one you absolutely need to implement next!