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11 Designer Tricks That Make Any Home Look More Expensive

Here's how to make your home feel elevated without being fussy.

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Open plan living space in residential house with natural light and retro furniture
10'000 Hours//Getty Images

If you've ever scrolled Instagram or flipped through a magazine wishing your home looked just as elevated, good news: We've got all the tips you need on how to make your home look expensive, according to designers. And the best part is that you don't need to spring for major upgrades to make your space feel more luxe. These simple tips — like hanging meaningful art, highlighting statement greenery, and incorporating patterns — don't require you to break your budget.

We've got ideas for making every room in the house look expensive, from the bedroom to the bathroom to the kitchen. Avoiding design mistakes and making unique choices for each space will ensure your home looks and feels more elevated.

Here's how to make your home look expensive, according to designers.

1

Splurge wisely

blue dining room
Sarah Voigt Photography

Every room deserves a piece or two that feels extra special, whether it's a gem of an antique 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.”

2

Create a focal point

room with pink sofa and mint green walls
Victoria Gloria

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 was the arched window, so the team concentrated resources there.

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3

Highlight statement greenery

living room with white couch and piano
Lauren Taylor

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.”

RELATED: Tall Indoor Plants That Make a Statement

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4

Hang statement lighting

neutral living room
Grattan Imaging

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.

“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,” she says.

5

Showcase meaningful art

gallery wall in living room
Photo: Kirsten Francis, Styling: Katja Greeff

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. The biggest trick I’ve learned is that properly framing your art automatically elevates it, no matter what you’re actually framing.”

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6

Lean into rich textures

living room with chesterfield sofa and dog
William Waldron

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.”

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7

Incorporate elegant window treatments

luxury living room with white sofa, armchair, coffee table, two big windows and baseboard on the wall 3d render image
izusek//Getty Images

Whether your space is big or small, there's no denying the impact of custom window treatments for a sense of elegance — and privacy.

“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.”

8

Play with pattern and texture

living room with patterned sofa and orange accent chairs
Carmel Brantley

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.”

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9

Place an emphasis on scale

all white living room
Raquel Langworthy Photography

Furniture of the right scale is key in any interior. “It maintains balance and harmony within a space, ensuring that each piece complements the room's proportions rather than overwhelming or underwhelming it,” says Karen Wolf of K+Co. Living.

“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.”

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10

Pick complementary hardware

chelsea dining room with copper accents
Courtesy of Antonio Matrēs Design

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.”

Headshot of Monique Valeris
Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

Headshot of Jamie Ballard
Jamie Ballard
Contributing Writer

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.

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