How To Make Your House Look Expensive: A Guide

Kara Porter

4 - Minute Read

UPDATED: Dec 28, 2023

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If you want to give your home a luxurious look without spending a lot of money, you're in the right place. We’ve put together the ultimate guide with tips and tricks to help you make your home look expensive without breaking the bank. Whether planning a complete renovation or a quick refresh of your interiors, we'll show you how to make your home look sophisticated on a budget.

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5 Tips To Make A House Look Expensive On A Budget

The following tips can give your home a new look with less stress on your finances.

1. New Paint, New Look

Transforming the look of your home can be as simple as getting a new paint job. A fresh coat of paint can refresh and update the appearance of a room, making it feel more inviting. How much it costs to paint a house will depend on the size of your project and the materials you choose.

A fresh coat of paint on the exterior of your home can also greatly enhance its curb appeal and make it stand out. You can choose to change the color or update the original color; the decision is ultimately up to you.

2. Accessorize With Art

Adding artwork to your home is an excellent way to add character and personality while creating an inviting atmosphere. A well-curated art collection can transform the energy of your home and make it appear more luxurious. One of the best ways to showcase your art collection is to create a gallery wall. This simple technique can create a focal point in any living space and impress your guests.

If you're on a budget, visiting thrift stores, flea markets and online marketplaces can be a great way to find unique and affordable pieces. You could also invest in emerging artists or support local art fairs and exhibitions to find one-of-a-kind artwork at an affordable price. Consider combining different art styles, mediums and sizes to create an exciting and diverse display when creating your gallery wall.

3. Less Is More: Minimize!

You know the expression “less is more.” When decorating your home with furniture and accessories and making it look more expensive, minimalism is a great approach to follow. The concept of minimalism emphasizes simplicity and the removal of unnecessary distractions to create a clean and serene environment.

When it comes to enhancing the interior of a home, minimalism offers numerous benefits. Minimizing furniture and focusing on a few statement pieces makes the room uncluttered and spacious, allowing natural light to flow freely. This enhances the feeling of openness and creates a sense of tranquility.

Additionally, choosing furniture with clean lines and neutral colors further contributes to the minimalist aesthetic. By embracing minimalism, you can achieve a chic and timeless look without spending a fortune on expensive pieces.

4. Use Mirrors To Accentuate

Mirror, mirror, on your wall, can enhance the appeal of your house once and for all. Adding mirrors in your rooms can create an illusion of a larger space. They work best when paired with proper lighting. Strategically placing mirrors across from a light source, such as a window or lamp, can make a room appear much larger than its actual size.

You can also hang an assortment of mirrors in various sizes and shapes to create an eclectic and artistic design on your walls. Alternatively, a single large statement mirror can add a polished and elegant touch to the wall.

Mirrors are not just decorative elements, but they also help create a brighter and inviting atmosphere. You can place them in areas where light is limited, such as corners or along walls, to help bounce light around the room. Mirrors can also enhance the decor by reflecting interesting design elements or artwork in the room.

5. Landscaping Is Key

Another effective way to give your house an expensive look is by boosting curb appeal and landscaping. Enhancing curb appeal focuses on the external appearance of the property. This can involve repainting the house, updating the landscaping and incorporating decorative features like stonework or iron railings.

A visually pleasing landscape can be achieved by planning ahead. Carefully consider the plant selection and placement of flowers and trees. Adding amenities like a pool, pond, fireplace or fountain can enhance the overall appearance of your landscaping.

The following are a few cost-effective ways to improve your home’s curb appeal: painting the front door, adding outdoor lighting, pressure washing walkways and replacing outdated house numbers. These improvements can be done for less than $100 yet significantly improve the overall look of the house.

Pricier Home Improvement Options

Large home improvement projects can add value to your home, but they’ll likely come with a higher price tag. The following are three pricier home renovation tips that can elevate the aesthetic of your home.

1. Kitchen Renovations

A kitchen renovation is the process of making significant changes to the design and functionality of a kitchen. This can involve replacing the cabinetry, countertops, appliances, flooring and lighting fixtures.

The kitchen is one of the most valuable rooms in a home as it brings people together, encourages laughter and provides good food. Whether you choose to revive existing pieces of your kitchen or you choose a start fresh with a brand-new look, you can significantly enhance the value of your home with kitchen improvements.

2. Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology integrates various devices and systems within a home that can automate and control various functions. This can include smart thermostats, security cameras, lighting systems, smart speakers, smart doorbells, and even smart kitchen appliances (that you can add if you renovate your kitchen).

You can control these devices remotely via a smartphone or a virtual assistant. One of the key benefits of smart home technology is its ability to add convenience to everyday living.

3. Flooring

Replacing flooring can be a great way to make your home feel more expensive. Installing new flooring can add character and personality to every room. There are a wide array of flooring options to choose from, such as hardwood, marble, vinyl, tile and even stone. With the right type of flooring, you can modernize the space and give it a fresh and contemporary look. With well-maintained floors, you can enjoy the benefits of beautiful new flooring for years to come.

The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to customize your space. Whether you’re contemplating a full home renovation or just looking to elevate your aesthetics, making home improvements you love will make living in your space a luxurious experience.

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Kara Porter

Kara Porter is a writing intern. She is a junior at Southern University and A&M College earning her B.A. in Mass Communications.