8 Clever Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive

In an ideal world, we’d all have an unlimited budget to buy the home of our dreams and decorate it any way we choose. But the reality is that we all have budgets to work within. It is possible to get a high-end look on a budget, though! And one advantage to making your home look more expensive is that you’ll get a better return on your investment, should you ever decide to sell. Plus, who doesn’t want to feel a bit fancy and luxe, sometimes! So here are 8 ways to make your home look expensive without breaking the bank.

There are two main categories that make a home look expensive

• Bigger Size
• Custom Details

A bigger size, or the appearance of it, equals more square footage. Custom details help to set your home apart from others and give it a high-end look. So let’s explore each of these below.

BIGGER SIZE

1. Hang Window Treatments High & Wide

We don’t all have soaring ceilings or large, luxurious windows that flood our rooms with natural light, but we can fake that we do! By hanging your window treatments just below the ceiling (or crown molding), you create a tall vertical line that makes the ceilings seem higher and the window seem taller!

Also be sure to hang them so that they overlap the window by just a couple of inches to help make the window seem wider than it really is. Doing so will also help bring in more light, which also gives the illusion of more space.

If your budget allows, custom window treatments also give the feeling of a higher-end space, but even so, how you hang them really makes all the difference in terms of tricking the eye into feeling that the room is bigger than it really is.

2. Upgrade Your Lighting

Start by upgrading any fixture that looks dated or boring. Swap it out for something with an interesting shape or detail that will make it a statement piece in the room!

Consider adding a medallion to your ceiling light for a great architectural detail!

Next, be sure to add floor and task lighting so that you have more than one light source in the room. Doing so will help balance the light and soften the room, while creating a mix of interesting shadows that add depth to the space. And if you really want to take it up a notch, swap out the standard lampshade for a different option to create a custom look!

3. Use Mirrors

Mirrors help maximize light so a few strategically placed mirrors can do wonders to open up a space. Hung across from a light source (lamp or window), a mirror will reflect the light and brighten up a room. An oversized mirror reflects the room back to you and instantly makes the room feel larger! Either way, when trying to make a room feel bigger than it is, mirrors are key.

CUSTOM DETAILS

4. Incorporate Some High-End Materials

You don’t have to have an entire kitchen countertop made of marble or solid wood floors to create a luxurious feel. Touches of high-end materials, like leather, crystal, marble, and gold can add a sense of grandeur to any room.

5. Upgrade Your Hardware

Ready for a makeover that won’t break the bank? Consider replacing your hardware for an instant transformation! There are SO many options when it comes to door handles and cabinet pulls and knobs that it can be a bit overwhelming. Narrow your choices down by looking for ones that incorporate elegant details and look more unique than standard. For a real showstopper, use hardware that incorporates high-end materials mentioned above!

6. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Even just a few outdoor updates can instantly give your home a more expensive look. Consider updating your front door {even with just paint or new hardware}. Or maybe add large planters with topiaries or some uplighting. For more ideas, read {THIS}.

7. Bring the Outdoors In

Never underestimate the power of organic items. Plants and flowers are a detail that while often overlooked, make a home feel more inviting and complete. Fresh flowers are ideal, but anything organic will make an impact. You can read more about this {HERE}.

8. Add Architecture with Molding

Molding is a great way to transform plain walls into a custom showstopper! If you are ready for a DIY project, this is something you can try yourself. But even if you need to hire a professional, this is still a relatively low-cost investment for the return. It’s amazing how a few trim pieces added to a wall or fireplace can create a focal point. Similarly, larger baseboard and the addition of crown molding all give a custom touch while giving the illusion of a bigger space.