"Being bougie on a budget is my love language. I love finding ways to make my home feel cozy, welcoming, and luxurious without spending a fortune. Because the reality is: I am by no means a wealthy woman, and I know firsthand how quickly the costs of decorating a home can add up. While I’m always on the hunt for affordable decor, I don’t want it to look affordable if you know what I mean. So, I’ll take any and all tips for making my home feel put together and appear more high-end than it actually is. If you, too, want a luxe look without the luxury price, read on for a few simple ways to make your home look expensive on a budget.
Run, don't walk.
1. Upgrade your lighting
Although it’s often overlooked, lighting makes an incredible impact on how your home looks and feels. Banish the overhead light (it doesn’t make anyone look great, trust me), and instead use a variety of standing and table lamps to brighten your space in the evenings. Choose warm white bulbs over cool ones, and you’ll have a cozier space in no time. Smart bulbs are also a worthy investment that isn’t too expensive. They dim, change colors, and can be put on a schedule so you never have to think about turning them off or on again.
2. Hang your curtains extra high
Curtains will give any space a lift. They make a room feel finished and polished, and your choice of pattern and texture can add to the overall aesthetic of your room as well. Luxe fabrics like velvet and linen will always feel fancy, but one trick that will make your home feel more expensive is to hang your curtains extra high. This creates height and makes it seem like you have higher ceilings. Not to mention, it will create a sense of grandeur without any extra cost to you. Either hang your curtains about 4 to 6 inches above your window or mount the rod right below your ceiling for maximum impact. Just be sure to measure properly so your curtains reach all the way down to the floor.
3. Style with trays
Ah, the magic of decorative trays. I remember when I was staying with a friend years ago, I noticed she had her toiletries displayed on a tray in her bathroom. I fell in love. Something so simple can make your collection of items appear more organized and add a touch of style. Marble trays can feel especially luxurious—keep one in your bathroom or on your vanity to display perfumes, toiletries, and decorative items. Small wooden trays look fantastic in a kitchen, and woven trays are great for coffee tables.
4. Display fresh flowers
I think everyone can agree that fresh flowers feel like a luxury. Having a vase of flowers on any surface in your home will add beauty and an expensive-looking touch in an instant. My go-to spot for flowers is Trader Joe’s—they always have a wide variety, and the prices simply can’t be beat. Your vases don’t have to be expensive either—a simple glass or ceramic vessel is perfect for letting the blooms shine.
5. Swap plastic for natural materials
Plastic home goods are often inexpensive and convenient to purchase, but they have a tendency to look cheap. By swapping those plastic items for natural materials like wood, glass, or metal, you can instantly make your space feel more high-end. Have a plastic trash can? Switch it for a metal one. How about a plastic laundry hamper? Try a woven material instead. If you keep toiletries on your bathroom counter, try hiding your plastic items in a drawer for a week and see how it elevates your space. You don’t have to get rid of any and all plastic, but notice where you can make small upgrades to achieve the luxurious look you’re going for.
6. Add a signature scent
One of my favorite parts of staying at a nice hotel is the scent. Many hotels have a signature fragrance they pump into their lobby, and it makes the experience feel curated and lush. You can create the same experience at home by choosing a favorite scent and making it your everyday home fragrance. After all, scent is just another layer of luxury that will add to the overall experience. Place a reed diffuser in your bathroom, light a candle in your living room, or keep a plug-in diffuser in your entryway. You don’t need to have fragrance pumping all day, but it does feel extra special when your home smells fresh, clean, and dare I say, expensive.
7. Change out your hardware
The little details matter. Especially if you live in a rental, you probably have beige light switch covers, run-of-the-mill cabinet pulls, and plain brushed nickel door knobs. While all of these things are certainly functional, they lack personality. Swapping your hardware is an easy fix that can completely change the look of a room, taking cabinets, drawers, and doors from basic to high-end. It may feel extra to swap your hardware, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. The cost is also relatively low, so you’re bound to get a good bang for your buck!
8. Splurge on fancy hand soap
To me, the peak of luxury is when you can turn mundane moments into memorable experiences. One easy way to do that? Upgrade your hand soap. In the grand scheme of home purchases, soap is fairly inexpensive, so if you find a fancy scent you love, it’s worth the splurge every now and then. However, if you just want to make your basic Target-brand soap feel a little more luxurious, simply upgrade the container it comes in. It may seem unnecessary to purchase a soap dispenser when soap already comes in one, but this small touch elevates the experience and makes washing your hands just a little more special.
9. Install wall molding and ceiling medallions
Parisian-style interiors always look so chic, and one thing they all have in common are wall moldings and ceiling medallions. Both add so much character to a room and can completely transform your walls. You can easily install your own wall moldings using supplies from your local home improvement store, or you can make it renter-friendly by opting for the peel-and-stick variety. Ceiling medallions are also easy to install and add a beautiful vintage touch to any ceiling light fixtures you may have. Do yourself a favor and search for a secondhand chandelier, then install it with a ceiling medallion for luxe vibes on a budget.
10. Utilize your smart home device
It seems like everyone has a smart home device these days, but chances are, you’re not using yours to its fullest potential. When you take advantage of all their features, these things can easily make you and your home feel a little fancy. Devices like Amazon Alexa make fantastic speakers for music and podcasts, but they can tell you the weather, set timers, order online purchases, and generally make your life easier. They can also connect to other devices in your home, like your smart light bulbs or coffee maker to automate your everyday rituals. Plus, most smart home devices now sell for less than $50, which is a true steal!
11. Declutter
The easiest and most cost-effective way to make your home look expensive is to simply keep it clean and tidy. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve convinced myself I needed to give my home a makeover only to discover I really just need to declutter. Take the time to take care of your home—stay on top of chores, put your things away, and create systems so it’s simple to stay organized. A deep clean will do wonders for your home and your spirit and will no doubt make your space feel calmer and more luxurious.
Kristen Garaffo, Contributing Home & Living Writer
Kristen Garaffo is a Washington DC-area-based freelance writer. She specializes in home and lifestyle content and loves helping others live their best lives at home and beyond.