Cheap Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive
Renovating a home can come with a high price tag if you’re not budgeting and deciding which updates bring the best return on investment. After selling our updated first home in just 4 years, we bought an even bigger house that needed a lot of updating. With these simple and affordable hacks, you can transform your home into a stylish sanctuary that feels expensive and inviting without spending a fortune. If you enjoy updating your home, want to increase your home value or just want your home to look better, here are 10 Cheap Home Hacks That’ll Make Your House Look So Much Better.
1.Update Hardware and Door Handles
The first thing we do when buying a new home is change the door handles on the entryway doors. This ensures only you have the keys and you can opt for a universal key lock. Updating doorknobs throughout the house is a bit time-consuming but it provides a few benefits for an ROI. It also creates consistency throughout the home.
Not only will all the hardware on the doors match, but you can match ALL the hardware throughout the home (faucets, cabinet knobs, light fixtures etc). I recommend picking one type of hardware and keeping it consistent throughout the house.
If you have basic builder-grade cabinets and drawers, chances are they don’t have hardware other than the hinges. Depending on your choice of hardware and number of cabinets, the cost is minimal with a high ROI. Adding hardware to your kitchen cabinets will instantly update the room.
Swapping out old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for modern, sleek hardware is an easy and inexpensive upgrade. Choose finishes like brushed brass, matte black, or polished nickel to instantly elevate the look of your kitchen or bathroom.
✅ We updated our home with doorknobs from this company and they were super cheap and offered fast shipping!
Paint Colors | Modern Door Knob
2. Update Electrical Outlets or Covers
Updating electrical outlets and light switches is just as time-consuming as changing door knobs but brings an easy ROI. Updating electrical outlets helps you keep consistency (same look and color throughout the home) and allows you to update old or non-compliant outlets.
If you aren’t familiar with how to change an electrical outlet, check out YouTube or take some classes to learn the proper safety for electrical work. I changed my first outlet recently and although it was easier than I thought, I’d rather the hubby stick with tasks like that since he is a lot more experienced than I am.
Pantry Remodel with Electrical Installed
3. Paint
Painting is the easiest way to update any space in your home. You can paint the walls, ceilings, trim, baseboards, cabinets, built-ins, and furniture to improve the look of your home. Paint supplies are minimal and can drastically change the look of your home. Be sure to check out my popular post, How to Choose Interior Paint Colors and 7 Amazing Bedroom Paint Color Combos for inspiration!
A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a room. Opt for neutral tones like soft grays, whites, or beige to create a sophisticated backdrop. If you’re feeling bold, consider an accent wall in a deep, rich color like navy or emerald green to add depth and interest.
✅ These specific paint colors are the most popular with my readers.
Use Peel & Stick Wallpaper for an Instant Update
Peel and stick wallpaper has become very popular recently since not everyone has access to tools to build their own Shiplap walls (thanks Chip and Joanna) or wants to tile an entire wall with subway tile. I love tiling but if I could slap up some wallpaper and call it a day, that would make me, the hubby, and my wallet happy!
You can find peel-and-stick wallpaper online at Target, Amazon, Home Depot, and more! I’ve linked my favorite peel and stick wallpaper and the ones I’ve used personally below.
4. Add Molding or Trim
Adding simple molding or framework in your home takes little effort and creates dimension to a room. Crown molding adds a touch of elegance to any room. It’s an affordable way to create a high-end look. You can even find peel-and-stick options that are easy to install for a quick upgrade. We added board and batten in our bathroom to give a finished look.
5. Refresh Your Linens
Update your bedroom with new bedding in luxurious fabrics. Opt for crisp white sheets, a plush duvet, and a mix of decorative pillows. High-quality linens can make your bedroom feel like a five-star hotel.
High-quality textiles can make a big impact. Add throw pillows, cozy blankets, and area rugs in luxurious fabrics and textures like velvet, faux fur, or silk. These small touches can make your living space feel more sumptuous.
Beddy’s Bedding | Primary Bedroom Remodel
6. Update Light Fixtures
One of the first projects we completed in our second home was to update the light fixtures. We installed recessed lights in the kitchen and main level hallways. Then we updated the dining room chandelier, the breakfast table pendant, and added a beautiful chandelier in the stairway. We replaced the ceiling fan light fixtures in the family room and the master bedroom and the lighting in the bathrooms. Each light fixture replacement cost anywhere between $50-$150 each but completely updates each room. Bonus if you can match your hardware and light fixtures.
Lighting can dramatically change the ambiance of a room. Combine different types of lighting such as ambient, task, and accent lighting. Use table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lights strategically to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
✅ We purchase light fixtures from this store, which is offers classic, modern, and farmhouse-style lighting options.
7. Update Window Coverings
Window blinds and curtains in many homes are usually neglected. At least, in both of our homes, they were awful when we bought them. In our second home, the blinds were torn apart and falling off the windows. There weren’t any curtains on a single window. Blinds can be expensive depending on the style you choose, but curtains can be cheap to make or find at your local thrift store or Ikea. We eventually replaced all of the blinds in our home and added curtains to every window.
Window Blinds | Craft Room Tour
8. Add Mirrors and Artwork
Mirrors can make a space feel larger and more open. Place a large mirror in your living room or hallway to reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Decorative frames can add an element of sophistication.
Art can transform a room. Instead of splurging on expensive pieces, create your own gallery wall with affordable prints, photographs, or even DIY artwork. Arrange them in a cohesive manner to make a stylish statement.
9. Add Greenery
Plants can bring life and freshness to any space. Incorporate a variety of indoor plants in stylish pots or planters. Not only do they improve air quality, but they also add a natural, vibrant touch to your décor.
Dollar Tree DIY Faux Living Wall
10. Declutter and Minimize Belongings
Lastly, if you want your home to look better, decluttering every room works wonders. If you’ve ever been on the home-buying side, you’ve probably seen a few homes that were “staged” with minimal decorations or personal items. Those are the homes that tend to sell the fastest. If you desire to have a better-looking home, try reducing some of the items in your home and it will make a huge difference! If you need help getting organized, grab the Simplify Your Home in 30 Days cheat sheet bundle!
One of the simplest ways to make any space look more upscale is by keeping it tidy and organized. Invest in stylish storage solutions like decorative baskets, chic bins, and elegant shelving to keep clutter at bay. A clean, organized space instantly feels more luxurious.
Download this CHEAT SHEET bundle to help you declutter, organize, and simplify your home in 30 days! The bundle includes 21 pages of printable forms, cheat sheets, and checklists to help you FINALLY get organized.
Reusable Bags | Family Room Organization
Wrap Up About Cheap Projects to Make Your Home Look Good
Creating a luxurious home doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and some strategic planning, you can elevate your living space without draining your wallet. Here are ten cheap home hacks to make your home look expensive.
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Cheap Ways to Make Your Home Look Expensive
[…] If you enjoy updating your home, want to increase your home value or just want your home to look better, you should check out thee 10 Cheap Home Hacks That’ll Make Your House Look So Much Better. […]