Who says luxury homes always have to be expensive? With a few strategic upgrades and the right approach, even an ordinary home can feel elegant and upscale. Let’s take a look at 25 simple, proven ways you can try right away to make your home feel more luxurious—guaranteed!
1. Choose Neutral Colors
Use white, cream, or light gray wall paint. For example, white walls paired with a light gray sofa make the living room feel more open and elegant.
2. Invest in Lighting
Install a crystal chandelier in the dining room, a minimalist standing lamp in the corner of the family room, table lamps, and wall lamps with attractive designs. The right lighting instantly creates a luxurious vibe and enhances the room’s atmosphere.
3. Use Quality Materials
Apply materials such as marble to the coffee table or kitchen backsplash, and solid wood for the dining table. The use of marble, solid wood, or metal in various parts of the house not only gives an exclusive impression but is also durable and looks classy.
4. Choose Minimalist and Elegant Furniture
Choose furniture with a simple yet classy design, such as a plain-colored sofa without busy patterns, a dining table with slender metal legs, or a cupboard without many carvings. Avoid overly intricate shapes so that the room remains modern, neat, and elegant.
5. Add a Large Mirror
Place a gold-framed mirror in the living room or a tall mirror in the hallway. Besides opening up the space, the mirror also reflects light, making the room look brighter and more luxurious.
6. Use a Carpet or Rug
Place a neutral-colored shag carpet or a softly patterned rug under the coffee table, in the family room, or in the bedroom. A quality carpet adds comfort while giving a luxurious impression to the room.
7. Decorate the Walls with Artwork
Hang a large abstract painting, a simple framed black-and-white photo, or other artwork in the living room or hallway that complements the design of the house. Artwork will make the room look classy.
8. Use Long Curtains
Choose curtains made of velvet, linen, or other thick materials that hang from the ceiling to the floor. Tall curtains in the bedroom or main room will give the impression of a higher and more elegant ceiling.
9. Add Decorative Plants
Place indoor plants such as monstera in ceramic pots in the corner of the living room, snake plants in the bathroom, or other fresh plants in various rooms. Plants provide a natural feel and make the house look vibrant.
10. Pay Attention to Decorative Details
Use a metal tray as a base to arrange aromatherapy candles, small flower vases, or decorative accents on the table. These small touches make the room feel more refined.
11. Choose Unique Handles and Knobs
Replace kitchen cabinet handles, bedroom drawer knobs, or door handles with options in matte gold, ceramic, or pieces with gold accents. This small upgrade gives the space a more distinctive and modern look.
12. Use Built-in Shelves
Install built-in shelves on the TV wall, in the bathroom, or in other spaces to display books and decorations. Built-in shelves make the room tidier and maximize the functionality of the space.
13. Arrange a Simple Layout
Arrange the furniture layout so that the sofa faces the TV without too many furniture in front of it, and place the dining table in the middle of the room without extra chairs. A well-organized furniture layout will make the room feel spacious and easy to access.
14. Add a Touch of Metal
Choose a side table with gold iron legs, a table lamp with copper accents, or a black metal photo frame. Metal elements will provide an elegant, shiny reflection.
15. Use Calming Scents
Place an electric diffuser or aromatherapy candles scented with lavender, vanilla, or other soft fragrances in the living room or bedroom. A pleasant scent enhances the comfort and upscale feel of the space.
16. Use High-Quality Flooring
Use hardwood, marble, laminate, or elegantly patterned vinyl flooring—such as wood effect luxury vinyl tiles—in the family room or kitchen. Quality flooring like these options is easier to maintain, durable, and looks luxurious.
17. Keep It Clean and Tidy
Store small items in rattan baskets, organize cables with cable organizers, and regularly clean table surfaces. A clean and tidy home always looks better.
18. Use Wallpaper or Wall Panels
Install geometric or softly patterned wallpaper in the dining room, or vertical wood panels behind the headboard. Textured walls add character to the room.
19. Create a Focal Point in Each Room
Choose one main element, such as a blue velvet sofa, a large chandelier over the dining table, or an intriguing piece of art. Focal points give a room a sense of identity.
20. Take Advantage of Smart Home Technology
Add smart home features like app-controlled lighting, smart speakers, or a digital thermostat to give your home a more modern feel.
21. Provide Hidden Storage
Choose a bed with drawers underneath or a sofa with hidden storage space to store items. Hidden storage keeps your home neat and tidy.
22. Layering Textures
Combine materials like a linen sofa with velvet pillows, a wooden table with ceramic vases, or faux leather dining chairs. The combination of textures makes the room feel warm and elegant.
23. Create a Special Area for Hobbies
Designate a special room for reading, complete with comfortable chairs and bookshelves, a coffee corner with a coffee machine, or a small lounge tailored to your home’s layout. This personal area adds character to the house.
24. Maximize Natural Lighting
Incorporate large windows with minimal partitions, sliding glass doors in the dining room, or open curtains wide during the day. Natural light makes the house feel fresh and healthy.
25. Create Open Sightlines to the Outdoors
Install sliding glass doors leading to the backyard or large windows in the family room facing the yard. The view outside gives a spacious impression and connects the interior with nature.
What do you think? Have you tried any of the tips above? Your home must be feeling more luxurious by now. If you’re happy with the results, feel free to share your experience on our guest post page. And if you haven’t tried them yet, give it a shot, these simple touches are sure to make your home look upscale and make you proud when guests come over!
FAQ
- Does making a house look luxurious have to be expensive?
Not at all. Many upscale touches can be added without breaking the bank, like choosing neutral paint tones, picking up decor from local shops, or incorporating quality pre-owned pieces. The key is in the design choices, layout, and a bit of creativity.
- How can you make a small house look luxurious without it feeling cramped?
Use light colors, oversized mirrors, and versatile furniture. Take advantage of natural light to make the space feel open and inviting.
- Do you have to replace all the furniture to achieve a luxurious look?
Not at all. You can refresh the space by swapping out throw pillow covers, adding new area rugs, or repainting existing furniture with neutral shades or gold accents.
- How do you pick decor that’s understated yet still elegant?
Choose one or two statement pieces for each room, like a large painting or a floral arrangement. Skip the small accessories to keep the space neat and uncluttered.
- Are houseplants really important for creating a luxurious feel?
Houseplants are a great way to freshen up a space and make it look more put together. If you’re short on time, go for easy options like monstera, snake plants, or even a cactus.
- What’s the best way to handle lighting if your place doesn’t get much natural light?
Layer your lighting—try a mix of ceiling lights, table lamps, and wall sconces. Warm white bulbs can make the whole place feel cozy and a bit more high-end.
- Is wallpaper a good idea for every room?
Wallpaper works great in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. For spots that get humid, like kitchens or bathrooms, just make sure to use waterproof wallpaper or go with wall panels instead.
- What if you’re on a tight budget—what should you prioritize?
Start with fresh paint, good lighting, and keeping everything clean. These three things can make a huge difference in making your home feel more upscale, even if you’re working with a small budget.
- Can dark colors still make a home look luxurious?
Definitely! Dark colors can actually make a place feel super classy, especially if you just use them here and there—like on one wall, some curtains, or a statement piece of furniture. Mix them with neutrals, and you’ll get that dramatic, high-end vibe without it feeling too heavy.
- How do you keep your home easy to clean if you have a lot of decor?
Go for decorations that are simple to move and wipe down. Keep smaller items in closed storage, use wall shelves, and try not to overcrowd table surfaces.
