15 Simple Home Decor Updates That Look Expensive

Imagine walking into your home and feeling like you’ve stepped into a chic boutique hotel – stylish, inviting, and effortlessly luxurious. The good news? You don’t need a massive budget to get that high-end look. With a few intentional updates, you can transform your space into something that feels polished and designer-approved – without spending a fortune.

Ready to elevate your home? Here are 15 simple home decor updates that instantly make any space look expensive.

1. Upgrade Your Lighting – Think Statement, Not Basic

Lighting sets the mood, and cheap builder-grade fixtures can instantly cheapen a space. Interior designers swear by swapping standard lights for sculptural or oversized fixtures to add drama and sophistication.

Pro Tip: Replace a basic flush-mount with a sleek brass chandelier or a modern sputnik pendant. Dimmable bulbs will give you that warm, ambient glow found in luxury hotels.

Example: A matte black linear chandelier above a dining table instantly feels architectural and high-end.

2. Swap Plastic Hardware for Metal Finishes

Cabinet pulls and doorknobs are like jewelry for your home. Shiny chrome or outdated brass screams budget-friendly, while matte black, brushed gold, or antique bronze scream luxury.

Pro Tip: Focus on high-touch areas—kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and dresser drawers.

Example: Brushed brass handles on a white shaker cabinet instantly elevate a basic kitchen.

3. Incorporate Large-Scale Art

Small, scattered wall decor can make a room feel cluttered. Large-scale artwork feels curated and expensive because it mimics what you’d see in galleries or designer showrooms.

Pro Tip: If original art is out of budget, order oversized prints or DIY a minimalist abstract piece using neutral paint swirls on canvas.

Example: A 40×60 black-and-white abstract in a thin gold frame above a sofa transforms a living room from basic to bold.

4. Layer Luxurious Textiles

High-end interiors rely on layering different textures to create depth. Soft throws, velvet pillows, and plush rugs add instant richness.

Pro Tip: Stick to a cohesive color palette—neutrals with one or two accent tones for a designer look.

Example: A beige textured rug paired with chunky knit throws and velvet cushions turns a simple sofa into a cozy, upscale nook.

5. Hang Curtains High and Wide

One of the oldest interior design tricks: mount your curtain rods closer to the ceiling and extend them beyond the window frame. This makes ceilings look taller and windows appear grander.

Pro Tip: Choose floor-length drapes in linen or velvet for a luxe feel. Always steam or iron them for crisp, hotel-worthy pleats.

6. Stick to a Cohesive Color Palette

Luxury spaces feel intentional, not random. A harmonious color palette—especially neutrals with subtle pops of color—creates that expensive, magazine-worthy vibe.

Pro Tip: Pick 3–4 main colors (one dominant neutral, one secondary neutral, and one or two accent tones) and stick with them across your home.

7. Swap Cheap Plastic Decor for Natural Materials

Natural textures—wood, stone, ceramic, linen—scream quality. Avoid shiny plastic or faux finishes that instantly look budget-friendly.

Pro Tip: Replace plastic planters with ceramic pots or wicker baskets, and swap glass coffee tables for wood or marble-look options.

8. Style Your Coffee Table Like a Designer

A thoughtfully styled coffee table feels intentional and luxe. Use the “rule of three”: stack coffee table books, add a sculptural object, and include something organic like flowers or a small plant.

Pro Tip: Invest in a couple of oversized design or travel books with beautiful covers. They act as instant conversation pieces.

9. Add Wall Molding or Trim

Architectural details are a hallmark of expensive homes. Simple picture-frame molding or wainscoting adds depth and character—even in modern spaces.

Pro Tip: Paint molding the same color as the walls for a subtle, sophisticated look.

10. Use Oversized Mirrors to Reflect Light

Mirrors create the illusion of space and bounce light, making rooms feel airy and luxurious.

Pro Tip: Opt for floor-length mirrors with thin black or gold frames for a modern touch. Position them opposite windows to maximize natural light.

11. Update Throw Pillows with Designer-Like Covers

Instead of buying new furniture, refresh your sofa with high-quality pillow covers in linen, velvet, or boucle. Stick to larger, overstuffed inserts for that plush designer look.

Pro Tip: Mix solid colors with subtle patterns, and always chop the pillows in the center for a high-end finish.

12. Hide Clutter with Chic Storage

Luxury homes never look messy because everything has a place. Stylish baskets, decorative boxes, and ottomans with storage keep things tidy without sacrificing aesthetics.

Pro Tip: In open living rooms, use woven baskets to store blankets or kids’ toys—function meets beauty.

13. Display Fresh Greenery or Faux Stems

A single statement plant or tall faux stems instantly brings life and sophistication to a room. Designers often use oversized vases with eucalyptus or olive branches for that organic-luxe vibe.

Pro Tip: Place a large fiddle leaf fig or olive tree in a woven basket for a designer-worthy corner accent.

14. Upgrade Bathroom Accessories

Swapping cheap plastic soap dispensers and mismatched towels for sleek, coordinated sets instantly elevates a bathroom.

Pro Tip: Choose glass or matte ceramic soap dispensers, rolled white towels, and a wood or marble tray to corral essentials.

15. Layer Rugs for a Boutique Look

Designers often layer a neutral jute rug under a patterned or textured rug to add depth and visual interest.

Pro Tip: In small living rooms, this trick defines the space and makes it feel thoughtfully styled.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a full renovation—or a designer’s budget—to create a home that feels luxurious. Small, intentional updates can completely change the vibe of your space, making it look curated, cozy, and expensive.

Which of these would you try first? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to know!

Try one of these ideas this week, snap a before-and-after photo, and share it with us. We love featuring our readers’ transformations!