The value of your home is closely tied to its appearance and perceived quality. Investing in strategic home improvements can significantly increase your home’s value and make it look more high-end without breaking the bank. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 82% of real estate agents said that staging a home to look its best is an effective strategy to sell a home faster and for more money.
Making your home look expensive is about investing in the right projects that provide the most impact. Proper staging, fresh paint, updated lighting fixtures, and new hardware can go a long way to elevating the look of your home. Thoughtful renovations and décor also appeal to prospective buyers or tenants who are willing to pay more for a move-in ready, well-maintained property. The benefits of having an expensive-looking home go beyond increased property value – it also makes your home more enjoyable to live in on a daily basis.
Here are seven ways to make your home look more expensive without spending a fortune:
- Update Cabinets and Hardware for a Modern, Fresh Look
Kitchens and bathrooms can start to appear dated and worn if they still have old cabinets and hardware.
You can freshen up tired cabinets by painting or refacing them in a modern, crisp neutral color or swap out old handles and knobs for new hardware in current finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or nickel – this makes a big visual impact.
Also, change out laminate countertops to durable quartz or granite in a neutral tone. Adding discreet under-cabinet lighting illuminates tasks and showcases your updated kitchen.
Even small upgrades to cabinets and hardware lend a contemporary, expensive feel. If you’re looking for experts in this domain, Quality Craftsmen is a trusted name in the industry, given their reputation for precision and attention to detail. These professionals can help you elevate the overall aesthetic of your home, making it look even more luxurious.
- Declutter and Organize for a Streamlined Look
Clutter is one of the biggest factors that make a home look messy, dated, and cheap, as it distracts from and overwhelms beautiful features and finishes in your house.
Take the time to thoroughly declutter each room in your home and get organized. Sort through every closet, drawer, shelf, and storage area, and remove anything that is not needed or loved.
Store essential household items neatly in matching baskets or bins to create a uniform, streamlined look. Get rid of any unnecessary knick-knacks, old magazines, unused exercise equipment, or other random items that do not serve a purpose or bring you joy in your home.
Maintaining organization on an ongoing basis is key, so always put items back where they belong after use and do a quick tidy-up each evening to preserve the decluttered look. A home that is free from clutter and mess feels spacious and allows your elegant décor choices to take center stage.
- Illuminate with New Interior and Exterior Lighting for a Contemporary Feel
The lighting in a home makes a huge impact on how high-quality, expensive, and contemporary a space feels. Dated lighting fixtures with yellow, dim bulbs can make a home feel dark, dingy, and outdated.
Upgrade all bulbs in your fixtures to bright LEDs that provide clear, flawless illumination throughout your rooms. In each room, add layers of lighting for visual dimension and interest. Think accent lighting, under-cabinet lights, stylish floor lamps, and dimmers that allow you to set the perfect mood.
Outside, replace old exterior lighting with elegant new fixtures that showcase your home’s architecture. Wall sconces flanking an entryway, path lighting along walkways, and spotlights on architectural details create an upscale, luxurious look.
- Neutral Walls Conceal Flaws and Feel Fresh
Over time, walls inevitably accumulate flaws and colors that can make a home feel dated and dingy. Think stains, scuffs, nail holes, and mismatched paint colors that scream for a refresh. Painting walls in neutral, modern hues is a great way to conceal imperfections and give rooms a clean, crisp, contemporary look.
Soft whites, warm grays, and subtle blue and greens work well in most homes. Matte or eggshell finishes appear more expensive and current than shiny, glossy paints. For extra style, consider adding an accent wall in a bold, eye-catching color or textured wallpaper – this creates dimension.
Fresh wall paint helps conceal flaws in walls and makes the rest of your décor really stand out.
- New Floors Modernize the Look from the Ground Up
Worn, outdated carpet or vinyl floors can make an otherwise nice home look cheap and dated. Replacing old floors entirely with new options like hardwood, tile, stone, or high-quality vinyl plank flooring goes a long way toward modernizing the look and feel of a home.
Refinishing existing hardwood floors can often make them look brand new for a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Layering area rugs over new hardwood or tile adds warmth and style. New wood-look vinyl plank flooring realistically mimics the richness of real wood for less investment.
Any dated floors that are torn out should be properly disposed of, and new floors should be professionally installed for optimal, lasting results.
- Dress up Windows with High-End, Stylish Treatments
Windows are a focal point in every room, so dressing them up with elegant window treatments makes a big impact. Invest in high-end options like real wood blinds, natural woven shades, or luxuriously lined draperies made from rich fabrics.
Hang curtain rods extending a generous 6-12 inches beyond the window frame on both sides and make sure they are installed at the proper height to draw the eye upwards, making windows appear taller and larger.
Add stylish finishing touches like decorative finials on the rods, holdbacks to keep curtains open, and cascading drapes for an opulent feel. Beautifully framed windows that let abundant natural light shine in can transform a room.
- Incorporate Current, Stylish Décor Touches
A home with outdated décor screams for some upgrades. Evaluate each room and incorporate new pieces that reflect current color palettes and styles.
Add artwork, sculptural lighting, mirrors, fresh floral arrangements, and throw pillows in on-trend patterns. You can also repurpose and update existing furniture by reupholstering, painting, or rearranging pieces in new ways.
And if you’re looking for very affordable accents and accessories to refresh your rooms, look for discount home stores in your area. The goal is to add stylish touches that make each room look curated, fresh, and intentional – like you worked with a designer.
Conclusion
The right home improvements and décor updates can make a dramatic difference in the look and perceived value of your home. Careful planning allows you to tackle projects with the biggest impact first, on a budget that makes the most sense. Investing a little time and money into your home pays dividends when it comes time to sell or rent. With some decluttering, fresh paint, new lighting, and a few key finishes, you can enjoy an expensive-looking home every day.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
