What’s the secret to a luxurious home? Here’s a tip from the experts: less is often more. You don’t need to spend thousands to give your home that polished, expensive look. A few simple adjustments and clever styling techniques can do the trick.
Fake Custom Curtains
Customized curtains ask for a huge budget. Instead of dropping a big sum here, hang your curtain rods midway between the ceiling (or crown molding) and the top of the window frame—and make sure the drapery touches the floor.
“By hanging your curtains the way a custom workroom would, your room will exude the same luxury of a professional job,” says Kristie Schneider, Principal Interior Designer at Reveal Interior Design. “Bonus points if you find silk or velvet rods from an affordable retailer.”
Paint Doors a Contrasting Color
Ditch the standard white. Sure, it looks good, but a contrasting shade can up the luxurious vibe. We’ve done Sherwin Williams Iron Ore for multiple projects—clients absolutely loved it. You can also try fawn brindle or silver gray. Or even better, a bold color, if that’s your thing. The point is, choosing anything but white, makes your home feel custom, without over-spending.
Add Wall Trim, Molding, or Architectural Details
Originally used for insulation (and to protect surfaces), wall panels (and trims) are now loved for the way they add dimension to a room. They are super easy to install (with tons of DIY molding and wall trim out there). You can even beef up the existing wall trim with simple tricks—it’s a huge plus for an extra layer of luxury.
Stick to Natural Materials
Organic options are your best bet—for the hard surfaces, like the countertops or mantel, and for the soft fabrics, like the cushion covers and upholstery. And no, it doesn’t have to be ultra-expensive. Pure linen (or cotton) fabrics, for example, on the bed, feel great. The cost? Minimal. The same goes for a jute rug, or bamboo blinds. There’s luxury, but not the hefty price.
Give Your Staircase an Update
Upgrading the staircase might sound like an unusual way to make a home look expensive, but it’s a tried-and-tested foolproof idea. Think a refinished banister or smartly painted risers. Even a simple swap can make a big difference. For example, ripping out the old carpet to replace it with wood-like flooring (affordable!) and a runner. Brownie points if you install a statement light fixture over the landing—and a unique wallpaper on the stairwell wall.
Layer Your Rugs
Rolling out a rug is one thing. You can find that in every home. Layering rugs is another. It’s a gateway to true luxury. Have carpet? No problem! Add a rug over that. Stop there, or roll out another rug OVER that one. Have old hardwood floors? Great! Layer those rugs up. There’s no wrong way to layer rugs. The key is to make room for flexibility. Use rugs in different shapes (and materials), and you’ll see how much more warmth the room offers.
Here’s a quick “recipe” for layering rugs—you can tweak it according to your style.
- A neutral rug for the bottom layer
- Accent rugs for the second layer
- Cowhide and sheepskin rugs for the third layer
Ideas to steal from…
- Printed faux cowhide rug over neutral patterned rug over Bengal jute rug
- Vintage medallion rug over medallion printed rug over sisal rug
Change Out the Hardware
It’s amazing how taking basic cabinets and adding unique hardware can create a wow factor. You might not afford high-end kitchen cabinets or a modern vanity, but a well-made tap or drawer handle will bring you a sense of luxury every time you touch it. Add unique faucets to the bathrooms, and switch out the door knobs throughout the home. These little details make a huge difference.
Streamline Your Gallery Walls
Decluttering doesn’t only apply to the essentials around the home—it’s for the decor, too. As fun as it is to design eclectic gallery walls, scaling back on the colors (and shapes) is your best bet if you’re aiming for a high-end look.
Choose art or photos within the same color palette. Incorporate frames in similar shapes and sizes. Arrange them in a geometric layout, like a stair step or a grid.
Add Plants or Flowers
You have probably heard this one before, and for good reason. We find plants and flowers in every picture on Pinterest. Why? Because greenery breathes life into a space like none other.
Again, it doesn’t have to be pricey. Even one architectural plant (like Kentia Palm) can single-handedly uplift the entire room. If you’re someone who enjoys the fragrance of nature, bring in some fresh seasonal flowers—another budget-friendly decor idea for a luxury home. Eucalyptus is a favorite for creating luxury displays, paired with fresh flowers interspersed in glass vases. Pro Tip—Replacing fresh flowers can be expensive, so we suggest you plant a cut flower garden right in your home. Or, you can use realistic silk flowers instead.
Customize the Lighting—When in Doubt, Oversize it!
If you’re new to luxury home decor on a budget, it’s best to start with the lighting. Remember, do not rely on the “big light.” Ever. Customize the lighting scheme with fixtures that are more expressive of your style. Bring in floor & table lamps. Install under-cabinet lighting. Use dimmers. Focus your budget on all the focal points, like the entryway ceiling, bathroom vanity, kitchen island, and dining room.
For anyone in doubt about the type of lighting to go for, bigger is always better. An oversized floor lamp or a statement pendant adds unmatched drama. Pro Tip—Keep an eye out for chandeliers from the thrift store that you can repaint.
Choose Colors Wisely
A frequent tip for luxury home decor is to work around a neutral color palette. But that doesn’t mean you can’t punch the room with a hit of bold. If you want it, go for it. The secret is to choose shades that speak opulence. Here are some dramatic yet sophisticated options to try—
- Navy blue
- Deep emerald green
- Royal purple
- Burnt orange
- Black
