Getting a fancy look without spending a lot of money
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on repairs to make your house look expensive. In fact, smart, low-cost changes can give you a lot of stylish, high-end results. There are many easy ways to improve the look of your home without spending a lot of money, such as painting it or using simple decorations. The key is to pick projects that look great and don’t need expensive supplies or professional help.
Paint is the most cost-effective way to improve your home
One of the fastest ways to change the look of a room is to give it a new coat of paint. If you want to look expensive, pick shades like deep blue, charcoal, or subtle greens. Adding building interest can be as simple as painting the walls, doors, or roof a different color. Paint a main wall or use painter’s tape to make geometric patterns that look like wallpaper if you want to get creative.
Change out old hardware to add instant style
It can feel old in a room if the cabinet locks and drawer pulls are old. It doesn’t cost much to add a touch of class by replacing them with modern hardware in brushed brass, matte black, or old bronze. This improvement works really well in bathrooms and kitchens. A screwdriver and a few minutes are all you need to make a big change.
Add trim work or crown molding
Crown molding gives rooms a finished, handmade look that you usually find in high-end homes. Crown molding installation is a do-it-yourself job that you can easily handle, especially since most hardware shops sell lightweight molding materials. To make the look more clean and put together, you can also add trim around the windows, doors, and borders. For more flair, paint them white or a color that stands out from the rest.
Make Fake Built-In Shelving: Built-in shelving looks expensive, but the real thing can cost a lot. Putting two matched shelves next to each other and trimming the edges with molding is a smart way to make your own furniture look like it was always there. Fix them to the wall to keep them safe, and use books, art, and boxes to make them look like they were put together on purpose. You can use this great idea in bathrooms, living rooms, or even offices.
Change your light fixtures
Outdated lighting makes a room look old right away. Luckily, there are stylish light bulbs that don’t cost a lot of money that make a big difference. Change your plain ceiling light to a dramatic chandelier or hanging, or get a sleek, modern light for your bathroom sink. Consider plug-in lamps or stick-on battery-powered puck lights for under-cabinet glow if you rent or want to make a small change.
For fancy walls, use peel-and-stick wallpaper
Wallpaper gives any room depth and style, but regular wallpaper can be messy and hard to put up. Peel-and-stick choices are easy to use and often cost a lot less than other options. You can use it to make an accent wall, cover the backs of frames, or even improve old furniture. For a look that will never go out of style, choose designs like roses, damask, or herringbone.
Frame your mirrors to make them your own
Frameless mirrors made for builders are useful, but they look plain. Just by adding a frame, they look unique and expensive right away. To make a mirror look like it has a frame, you can use trim, wood molding, or ready-made mirror framing tools. For a unified look, you can match the frame color to the color of your cabinets or fittings.
Put in a stylish backsplash
You don’t have to be good at flooring or spend a lot of money on a border. Peel-and-stick wall tiles can be put up in just one afternoon and come in a range of high-end styles, such as marble and subway tile. They don’t get damaged by water, are simple to clean, and make kitchens or bathrooms look much better. They also look great behind a sink or on the wall of the laundry room.
Add more rugs for a designer look
Putting rugs on top of each other is a standard design trick that gives a room depth and comfort. Put down a big, cheap jute or sisal rug as the base, and then put down a smaller, patterned rug on top of it. This method lets you show off a bold pattern while saving money and covering more floor space. To make a more put-together, thoughtful look, it works best in living rooms and bathrooms.
Add your own style to the window coverings
A house can feel empty when it has no windows. To make it look like the windows are taller and bigger, put curtain rods higher and wider than the window frame. For a fancy look, choose lined floor-length curtains made of linen, silk, or cotton. When hung correctly and paired with fancy hardware, even cheap curtains look more expensive.
Bring in architectural details
Wall panels, board and batten, or picture frame molding are all small building details that can make a big difference in how a room feels. You can use cheap wood, MDF, or even foam trim for these projects, and you can put them together with glue and nails. You can paint them the same color as the wall for a soft look, or you can use a darker color to make them stand out and look more sophisticated.
Change the switch plates and outlet covers
It might not seem important, but outlet covers and light switch plates that don’t match can make your rooms look bad. Change them out for ones that are regular and clean, with finishes that match your hardware, like black matte or brushed nickel. It’s a simple improvement that makes your home look better all around.
Add stylish ways to store things
Another important part of a high-end look is organization. Get rid of unnecessary things and buy storage boxes, bins, and containers that match for rooms or open shelves. Tags or stickers on the bins to identify them give them a store look. Adding styled decor to open shelves and keeping basics in order can turn storage into a stylish design element.
Decorate with Thought
A big part of how high-end your room feels is how you decorate it. When it comes to style, less is more. Choose a few big pieces that make a statement instead of a bunch of small ones. Put in plants to make the space feel fresh and alive, and decorate the walls with candles, books, and colorful trays. Even if you are on a tight budget, well-placed art can make any room look like it was carefully put together.
In conclusion, cheap doesn’t mean affordable
Getting a high-end look doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. You can get beautiful, amazing results on a very small budget if you make smart choices, put in a little work, and pay attention to the little things. A little imagination can make any place look clean, stylish, and truly elevated. These easy, low-cost projects are proof of that.
