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You love your house and have no intention of moving, but it could use a whole new look. The carpets are worn, the bedding is threadbare and the yard is patchy. What you need is an extreme makeover that makes you feel like you’re living in the lap of luxury without spending a king’s ransom on upgrades. Here’s how to make your home look expensive on a budget and take your residence from ordinary to extraordinary.
1. Add Crown Molding
Adding crown molding is one way to elevate a room from basic to beautiful. This woodwork is installed where the wall meets the ceiling and adds visual interest, style and class. You can stain it like your baseboards and other trim, paint it the same color as your ceiling or match it to your walls. Add corner blocks to really make your crown molding stand out. Make a weekend project of it and revel in the difference it makes.
2. Install a Tile Backsplash
Make your home look expensive by installing a tile backsplash in your kitchen. You can find many price-friendly options, such as subway tile, that look beautiful and offer a timeless design. Subway tile is available in many colors, so you’re not limited to white. You can also stick with the classic look but try a deep-toned grout. Create interesting patterns, such as chevron or herringbone, to make your room stand out.
3. Paint Your Front Door
Consider your entrance. Paint your front door a rich, deep color that contrasts with your light exterior, or opt for a glossy black to stand out against brick. You can never go wrong with red, which is also a sign of a welcoming home. Another option is to research historically accurate shades if your home is older. Upgrade your hardware and add a seasonal wreath to complete the look and boost your curb appeal.
4. Use Mulch
Don’t forget about your lawn when planning how to make your home look expensive. Upgrade your landscaping by planting flowers, shrubs and ornamental grasses. Take it to the next level by adding mulch, which is multipurpose. It helps soil retain moisture in summer, protects plants’ roots in winter and prevents weeds from growing. Mulch also provides a clean, cohesive look that’s pleasing to the eye and makes your yard look lovely.
5. Design a Gallery Wall
Art can elevate your home, and there are no rules about what to put on your walls. Choose paintings, prints or pictures you love to reflect your personality and individuality.
A great way to showcase your artwork is by creating a gallery wall. Start with a focal point and radiate out from there, adding pieces as you collect them. Tie them together with similarly colored frames if you want a cohesive look, and feel free to move things around as you add more.
6. Luxuriate in White Bed Linens
Ever wonder why luxury hotels use plush, white bedding? It is an easy way to make your home look expensive. Invest in high-thread-count sheets in crisp white, and add a thick down-filled or down-alternative comforter. Add tons of pillows to increase the decadent feel of your room and sink into a restful slumber every night. You can continue the white linen theme in your bathroom and add thick towels and bath mats for post-shower pampering.
7. Lay Down a Runner
Do you have a ho-hum hallway? Spice it up by adding a runner. These rugs add color and personality and also provide softness underfoot. The options are endless, and you can find styles that match your home’s decor. Try nautical stripes, classic oriental, casual jute or handwoven wool. Runners are just the touch bare floors need and are a great way to welcome you home and warm up your feet.
8. Hang a Chandelier
A stunning, showstopping lighting fixture is a classic way to make your home look expensive. It doesn’t have to be an extravagant, crystal-laden chandelier, although that’s certainly an option. Go modern with a starburst, rustic with luxurious lanterns or simple with traditional candleholders. Place one over your dining room table, or opt for an attention-grabber in your entryway. It’s sure to make a statement anywhere in your house.
9. Change Out Hardware
Hardware can lose its polish over time. Kitchen and drawer pulls, interior doorknobs and plumbing fixtures are all worthy upgrades that will make your home look expensive. These items take a beating over the years, and sometimes all the cleaning in the world is not enough to save them. Install glass or ceramic door knobs, or try adding classic black pulls or even jeweled styles in the kitchen. Class up your bathroom faucets with brushed brass or nickel.
10. Wallpaper Your Bathroom
Bathrooms are ideal spaces for wallpaper. You can go bold in a powder room or soothing in your spa retreat. Consider deep, rich florals in a room with lots of light, stripes to add a casual beachy feel or a quiet pastel pattern. Gather samples and see what will works best in the space and will provide the unique look you’re after. You can opt for peel-and-stick paper so you can change things up, or go for a traditional installation if you want something more long term.
11. Go for Greenery
Plants can make your home look expensive if you use the right varieties. Try a fiddle leaf fig, which can grow up to 6 feet tall and does best in a sunny spot. Another stunning variety is the black velvet elephant ear, featuring dark green leaves with white veins. It can grow yellow flowers with the proper care. Speaking of yellow, why not cultivate a lemon tree? Dwarf versions are ideal for indoor growth and will transport you to sunny destinations without leaving your home.
How to Make Your Home Look Expensive
Your home is your castle, and you deserve to live like royalty. Once you learn how to make your home look expensive, you can incorporate the elements that make you feel like you’re living in luxury. You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the good things in life.
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About The Author
Rose is the managing editor of Renovated and freelance writer with over 5 years of experience.
She's most interested in researching topics on sustainable construction, such as new technologies and innovations in the built environment. She also loves sharing home projects and inspiration for the most novice of DIY-ers, values she developed growing up in a family of contractors.
When she isn't writing, you'll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth. For more articles from Rose, you can follow her on Twitter.
