5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Make Your Home Look More Expensive
You don’t need a full renovation or a shopping spree at a luxury showroom to make your home feel more elevated. In fact, some of the most impactful changes are the easiest to implement. If you want your space to feel more polished, intentional, and effortlessly put-together, start with these five simple tweaks you can make right now.
1. Adjust Your Lighting (It’s a Game-Changer!)
Lighting can make or break the feel of a home. If your space feels dull, flat, or overly harsh, it’s likely because of the wrong bulbs or bad fixture placement.
✅ Quick Fix:
Swap out any cold, blue-toned bulbs for warm, soft-white LEDs (2700K-3000K)—this instantly makes your home feel inviting.
Layer your lighting. If you’re relying only on overhead lights, add table lamps, sconces, or floor lamps for a more dynamic, designer look.
Use dimmers where possible. Nothing says custom like lighting that adjusts to your mood.
2. Declutter and Style Your Surfaces
Nothing cheapens a space faster than clutter. Whether it’s a stack of mail, kids’ toys, or random odds and ends, too much “stuff” can make even the most beautiful home feel chaotic.
✅ Quick Fix:
Remove unnecessary clutter from coffee tables, kitchen counters, and entryway surfaces.
Keep styling simple but intentional—think a beautiful vase, a few coffee table books, or a sculptural object.
Group items in odd numbers (sets of 3 or 5) to make vignettes look effortlessly curated.
3. Upgrade Your Textiles
The quickest way to make a room feel more expensive? Better fabric choices. Cheap-looking, limp, or outdated textiles (think flimsy throw blankets or wrinkled bedding) can bring a space down fast.
✅ Quick Fix:
Swap out flat, lifeless throw pillows for larger, fuller ones (use a down or down-alternative insert that’s one size bigger than the cover).
Invest in real linen or high-quality cotton bedding for a luxe, hotel-like feel.
If your drapes are too short or thin, upgrade to floor-length, lined panels hung high and wide for a more custom look.
Home Goods can be a great place to find high quality, down-insert pillows that you can grab today. This is a great place to find pillows in a pinch.
4. Elevate Your Hardware
Outdated, builder-grade hardware can make an otherwise beautiful space feel basic. A simple swap can completely change the vibe of your kitchen, bathroom, or furniture.
✅ Quick Fix:
Replace standard cabinet knobs and pulls with sleek, modern options in matte black, aged brass, or polished nickel.
Swap out generic doorknobs for something with more character—leather-wrapped handles, vintage-inspired knobs, or minimalist levers make a huge difference.
Upgrade sink faucets if yours are outdated or look too “off-the-shelf.”
5. Hang Your Art the Right Way
Artwork that’s hung too high (or too small for the wall) instantly makes a space feel unbalanced. A well-placed, properly scaled piece can pull an entire room together and make it feel designer-curated.
✅ Quick Fix:
Hang art so the center of the piece is about 57-60 inches from the floor—this is the magic height that feels natural.
If your artwork feels too small for the wall, either scale up or create a gallery arrangement for better balance.
Lean larger pieces against the wall on a console or dresser for a casual, effortless look.
Don’t have anything on your walls at all? It’s time, honey! Adding artwork will bring personality and flair to your boring space.
The Bottom Line
Making your home feel more polished and intentional doesn’t require a massive budget—just small, thoughtful updates that add up in a big way. By adjusting your lighting, styling your surfaces, upgrading your textiles, swapping out hardware, and hanging art the right way, you can transform your space instantly.
Need help taking your home to the next level? Whether it’s a full-service design project or a virtual consultation, I’d love to help you create a space that feels both beautiful and livable.