11 Genius Tricks to Make Your Home Look More Expensive
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Crafting a luxurious, visually appealing home doesn't have to blow your budget. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or have a spacious family home, complete with an airy primary bedroom and stunning backyard, there's a lot that can be done to pull off a high-end look without a luxe price tag.
To help you out, we checked in with some of our favorite interior designers to find out the decorating tricks they rely on how to make a home look more expensive (and yes, it's not just picking the right paint color). Some ideas, like hanging statement lighting and infusing a home with pattern and texture, have long been favorites of design pros. However, others may surprise you — one expert recommends ditching store-bought window treatments, for example. Read on for more of their best advice.
Splurge wisely.
Every room deserves a piece or two that feels extra special, whether it's a gem of an antique find or a piece of furniture you discovered on a trip abroad. For this dining room, designer Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors focused on the seating. “We did nice custom chairs at the head of the table and saved a little on the side chairs,” Engelberg says. “It’s all about balance, and a few really nice things in a space elevates the items around them.”
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Create a focal point.
Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors vividly remembers a tip from her mother, who was a floral designer for lavish Boston weddings: “She always said that rather than sprinkling a dusting of roses all around the seating area, it was better to concentrate them down the aisle leading up to the altar, where guests' eyes focused.
The same is true in a house — invest in the focal point and the rest will fade away. For example, the showstopper in this girl's bedroom we designed was the arched window, so we concentrated resources there — with a blue accent ceiling, custom drapery and bench made loveseat. We used more affordable stock case goods elsewhere in the room, but these custom accents concentrated at the focal point make the entire room feel more expensive.”
Highlight statement greenery.
Don't feel forced to break the bank to create a luxurious environment. Sometimes, all it takes is bringing the outdoors in, according to designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs.
“Having things like a tree in a nice pot, real or faux, can elevate any space to another level because a tall plant can bring height and help with your line of sight and interest in a room.”
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Hang statement lighting.
From modern floor lamps to striking chandeliers, you can't go wrong with statement lighting in any room. “It can dramatically elevate the appearance of a home, making it look more expensive and sophisticated,” says Sarah Waldo of Washashore Home.
“These fixtures act as focal points, drawing attention and adding a touch of luxury to any space. A well-chosen chandelier can serve as a dazzling centerpiece, while a stylish floor lamp can provide both functional illumination and a chic design element. By incorporating high-quality, eye-catching lighting, you not only enhance the overall ambiance but also create an impression of opulence and refinement.”
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Showcase meaningful art.
Express your style with art that's been collected over time. It pays to think outside the box too!
“A well-curated art collection is a great way to make a home feel more luxe,” says Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors. “The most important thing to consider is meaning: a page from a book, a framed piece of jewelry and a commissioned watercolor from a sought-after artist are all of equal value as long as they’re well-loved and have significant meaning. The biggest trick I’ve learned is that properly framing your art automatically elevates it, no matter what you’re actually framing.”
Lean into rich textures.
Designer Lorna Gross has one rule: “Rich textures are just that — rich! They add so much depth and character to a space. Don't be afraid to layer them atop each other for added excitement. A leather sofa against a red brick wall alongside a lacquered wood coffee table — each element adds dimension but still stands apart on its own.”
Incorporate custom window treatments.
Whether your space is big or small, there's no denying the impact of custom window treatments for a sense of elegance — and privacy. A living room design is a good place to start.
“Spend on these. End of story,” says Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors. “Custom window treatments are pricey, but worth every penny. They need to be high and wide — high above the window trim to give the room an expansive feel, and wide enough to give the window more prominence. The pleating and draping of the fabric add instant elegance. The fabric itself doesn’t have to be over-the-top expensive. A moderate-priced linen will add texture and luxury to a room.”
Play with pattern and texture.
One tried-and-true interior design tip? Play with pattern and texture, says designer Nina Grauer of Dekay & Tate Interiors: “It's the easiest way to make a room feel more interesting and elevated. Also, don't be afraid to mix and match new with the vintage for some extra character and an overall luxe lived-in feeling.”
Place an emphasis on scale.
Furniture of the right scale is key in any interior. What's the secret to choosing the perfect size? Here's what Karen Wolf of K+Co. Living suggests: “Furniture scale maintains balance and harmony within a space, ensuring that each piece complements the room's proportions rather than overwhelming or underwhelming it.
Choosing furniture that is too large can make a room feel cramped, while undersized pieces may create an awkward, disconnected look. Thoughtful scaling allows for a cohesive flow, and makes a room feel well-appointed and also welcoming.”
Pick complementary hardware.
Small design details, like hardware, can enhance a room. Stick to complementary styles, though, says Antonio Matres of Antonio Matrēs Design.
“Connecting hardware throughout your space is an easy yet elegant way to add a sense of cohesion and luxury. In this instance here, we leaned into the use of copper and rose gold tones, and wove them throughout the space in the lighting fixture, the bar stools, the dining chairs, and even in decor accents like the artwork. Weaving tonal elements throughout is interesting to the eye, but still retains consistency throughout.”
Hang elegant drapery.
Add quiet elegance to any room by hanging draperies, says Connie Vernich of Vernich Interiors.
"They soften curves and make a large space feel more intimate. We love a good drapery wall that not only adds privacy to your suite but becomes a major focal point that emphasizes your headboard," says Vernich.
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