Cheapism / Grigorev_Vladimir/gamespirit/istockphoto
If you want your home to feel like you're sitting in the lap of luxury, there are some smart yet cheap ways to achieve an expensive look. From your window treatments to paint choices, check out these affordable tricks to achieve a high-end aesthetic.
While lots of stuff might cost more than a minimalistic approach to interior decorating, it doesn't exude the same expensive-looking elegance. You'll want to declutter and organize your space to achieve that sleeker look. Cling to a "less is more" mentality.
You don't have to sip champagne at some snooty art gallery and pay thousands of dollars on paintings to decorate your home. Hit up your favorite thrift store or flea market, check Facebook Marketplace, or check on Etsy to find passable pieces you won't have to spend a fortune on.
Painting your doors is a simple yet effective way to add contrast to your interior. Try something striking like black or charcoal or experiment with bolder hues if you want a more eclectic aesthetic. Painted doors will appear more customized, giving them an expensive illusion.
Neutral paint colors, furniture, and decor create a sophisticated and elegant look, so implementing these simple schemes is a surefire way to achieve a more high-end vibe.
Furniture is the priciest part of interior decorating, but you don't have to go broke trying to achieve a luxurious look. Shopping for used furniture is the way to go, especially since reupholstering or DIY ideas can transform pieces that are more worn.
Related: 6 Ways You're Probably Wasting Money When You Buy Furniture
When you're looking for cheap wall art to decorate your home with, opting for larger pieces is a good way to make your space look grandiose. Plus, sticking with one affordable statement piece is minimilastic, and we mentioned earlier that that's ideal.
Part of making your home look expensive without actually spending a ton of money is faking it until you make it. Real built-ins can be super pricey, but there are plenty of dupes to DIY, including some Ikea hacks.
Crown molding is another feature that gives off a luxurious vibe and isn't too difficult to tackle DIY-style.
Light fixtures can be pretty expensive, but there are also tons of affordable options to be found and you'd be surprised how much updating your lights can transform the aesthetic of your interior.
Changing the nobs on your cabinets and handles on the drawers in your kitchen is a subtle, simple, and easy hack to make your home look more expensive. The best part is that this hardware can be cheap, and it doesn't take much time at all to execute. Opting for something with a bronze or gold finish will give you a particularly high-end look for less.
You can find some attractive, expensive-looking accent pillows and throws at discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshall's. Including these on your couch will add more texture to your living room and enhance your expensive illusion.
Consider this the Golden Rule of making your house look expensive without breaking the bounds of your cheapskate confines. Go to the thrift store. Be best friends with the thrift store. You will find hidden gems. We promise.
For more smart and thrifty tips, sign up for our free newsletters.
Large statement windows are a great way to make your house look expensive, but guess what? That grandiose glass is expensive. Instead of refinancing your house just to be able to afford new windows, try the high and wide curtain trick. Install your curtain rod higher and wider than the actual window and hang the curtains accordingly, effectively creating the illusion of vast windows.
Backsplash doesn't have to cost a lot of money and you also don't necessarily need to hire a contractor to get the job done. Installing backsplash is something you can approach DIY style to add a little luxury to your kitchen.
Related: 20 Ways to Upgrade Your Home That Will Save Money in 2024
Putting a frame around your mirrors is a good way to create contrast and achieve a little bit of a "fancier" appearance.
Area rugs are another type of decor that can be costly, but there are plenty of cheaper alternatives to explore, so, explore them. Rugs are a great way to add more texture to a room and the right pattern can give your space a high-end appearance.
Related: 11 Photos of Funky '70s Living Rooms That Give Us Fuzzy Vintage Vibes
Swapping your old faucets is a relatively simple task and it can be done affordably too. Like changing your hardware out, faucets with a gold or bronze finish are a particularly useful high-end hack.
Refinishing furniture, whether it's a table, china cabinet, or couch, is a good way to revamp your interior without having to spend a lot of money.
Plants are essential if you're after an expensive-looking interior, and you can opt for stylish pots to go the extra mile.
Overhauling your landscaping can be a monumental task that costs a lot of money, but if you go about it the right way, it can be easy and affordable. Spread some mulch, plant some perennials, and accentuate with potted plants where you can to kick your curb appeal up a notch.
Tray decor is trendy and entirely customizable. Pick up a couple of affordable pieces that look expensive and you're good to go.
Gallery walls exude a sense of elegance and they don't have to cost a lot of money to create either. You can do your own prints and grab some cheap frames. Don't forget to level everything out and measure effectively to achieve a uniform appearance.
Accessorizing with silvers, golds, bronzes, and copper is a good way to accomplish an expensive-looking aesthetic and since this type of decor is particularly trendy right now, it's easy to find. If you find something at a thrift store that can be repainted, you can also try giving the piece a makeover with metallic spray paint.
Since your entrance is the access point to your house, it's important to use it to make a statement. Spend some time curating your entry, whether you're painting the door, placing planters, or installing mounted lights.
Related: 5 Projects That Boost Home Value — and 5 Cheap Alternatives
There's something about white bedding. It gives off a lush and luxurious look remniscent of a high-end hotel. Opting for white bedding is a good way to emulate that same essence.
While you're grabbing some white bedding, you might as well round everything out and get some white towels for the bathroom. You've got to feel like you're in a classy hotel no matter what room you're in, after all.
Creating an accent wall either with paint, wallpaper, or panels is a good way to infuse some visual interest and contrast into any room, and it can make everything look more elegant.
Nothing says "drab" like a dated, dusty lampshade. Swap your tired shades out with new ones every once in a while as a subtle yet impactful way to refresh the room.
Floating shelves are affordable and pretty easy to install. Decorate them with subtle accents like small succulents, classic novels, and thrifted decor.
If the only thing you do to update your interior is swap your switches and outlet covers, you're probably not going to fall right into an expensive-passing interior, but it's definitely a good, small thing to do as you travel down that path with other endeavors.