18 DIY Home Improvements That Make Your Pretty House Look Expensive

Homeownership is often a dream come true, but it doesn’t always come with the budget to match the vision of a lavish, luxurious home.

Fortunately, transforming your home into a space that feels expensive doesn’t have to involve hiring a designer or spending a fortune. With a few clever DIY home improvements, you can elevate the look and feel of your home without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a more refined atmosphere, here are 18 DIY home improvements that will make your house look like it costs far more than it did.

1. Install Crown Molding

Crown molding adds an instant touch of elegance to any room, especially in spaces with high ceilings. You can find affordable materials such as MDF, which can be painted to match your room’s style. Whether you go for simple or intricate designs, crown molding creates a polished look that screams sophistication.

Tip: Measure carefully and cut at the right angles. You can use a miter saw or even a miter box if you don’t have a power tool.

2. Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

One of the quickest ways to give your kitchen or bathroom a high-end look is by replacing outdated or basic cabinet handles and knobs. Opt for sleek, modern pulls in gold, matte black, or brushed nickel finishes to create a more luxurious vibe. This simple update can transform old cabinets into a stunning focal point.

Tip: Choose hardware that complements your room’s overall style – think contemporary, vintage, or industrial.

3. Refresh Your Walls with a New Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of a room. While bold colors can add personality, opting for neutral tones like soft gray, off-white, or beige gives a clean, polished appearance that’s often associated with high-end spaces. Consider using semi-gloss or satin finishes for walls to add depth and a touch of shine.

Tip: Consider an accent wall in a deeper shade to create a focal point.

4. Add a Statement Light Fixture

Lighting can make or break a room. Swap out basic light fixtures for statement chandeliers, pendant lights, or track lighting to make your home look more expensive. Choose a fixture with a unique design or one made from higher-end materials like crystal, brass, or matte black to create visual interest.

Tip: Install dimmer switches to add ambiance and control the mood of your lighting.

5. Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are not only stylish but also functional. They can be used to display art, books, or decorative objects, creating a modern, custom look. They also open up the space by making rooms appear more open and airy.

Tip: When installing floating shelves, ensure they’re level and securely anchored to the wall to prevent accidents.

6. Reupholster Old Furniture

If you have old furniture that looks worn or outdated, consider reupholstering it in a rich fabric like velvet, linen, or leather. New fabric breathes new life into a piece, giving it a luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture.

Tip: Choose neutral or deep-toned fabrics for a more sophisticated look, and don’t forget to pay attention to the stitching and details.

7. Create a Statement Wall with Wallpaper

Wallpaper has made a comeback, and using it in key areas like entryways, powder rooms, or behind your bed can instantly elevate the style of your home. Choose bold prints, textures, or metallic finishes to create a statement wall that catches the eye.

Tip: Consider peel-and-stick wallpaper for an easy-to-install, non-permanent solution.

8. Install an Accent Ceiling

Why limit design to your walls when the ceiling is a blank canvas? Adding an accent ceiling with paint, wallpaper, or beadboard can transform an ordinary room into something extraordinary. This is particularly effective in dining rooms or bedrooms where you want to create drama and interest.

Tip: Go for a light contrast with your walls to keep the room from feeling too dark or closed in.

9. Upgrade Your Front Door

The front door is the first thing people notice when approaching your home, so giving it an upgrade is a great way to increase curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint, adding modern hardware, or replacing an old door with a more stylish option can make a huge impact.

Tip: Opt for bold colors like navy blue, charcoal, or dark green to make your entrance stand out.

10. Enhance Your Landscape with Strategic Planting

A well-maintained garden or outdoor area can elevate the look of your entire home. Planting a mix of shrubs, flowers, and trees adds color and texture, while well-placed outdoor lighting can create an inviting atmosphere.

Tip: Go for a balanced look with a mix of tall and short plants, and ensure the garden is neatly maintained.

11. Create a Luxe Mudroom

A mudroom is the perfect place to make a lasting first impression. Install a few hooks, benches, and open shelving to keep things organized and tidy. You can also add high-end touches like marble or granite countertops, and elegant flooring to create a welcoming, luxurious space.

Tip: Use baskets or decorative bins to keep clutter hidden and add a stylish touch.

12. Build a Home Bar or Beverage Station

If you love entertaining, adding a dedicated bar area or beverage station in your living room or dining area can instantly boost your home’s luxe factor. With just a few shelves, elegant glassware, and a stylish bar cart, you’ll have a space that oozes sophistication.

Tip: Incorporate lighting to highlight your bottles and glassware, and add a statement mirror for extra glamour.

13. Add a Luxe Rug

A high-quality rug can anchor a room and give it a rich, expensive feel. Look for rugs made of wool, silk, or jute in large sizes for maximum impact. Choose patterns or solid tones that complement your room’s color palette and overall design.

Tip: Ensure the rug is large enough to cover the seating area, making the room feel more spacious.

14. Install Tile Backsplash

In kitchens and bathrooms, a chic tile backsplash can completely elevate the look of your space. Whether you go for marble, subway tile, or patterned encaustic tiles, this DIY update brings a touch of luxury without the high cost of a full renovation.

Tip: Take your time to measure the area and plan your tile design for a seamless installation.

15. Use Mirrors to Create Space

Mirrors not only reflect light and make a room feel bigger, but they also have the ability to add sophistication. Large, statement mirrors in the hallway, living room, or entryway can create a sense of grandeur and style.

Tip: Opt for mirrors with unique frames, such as gold, wood, or modern metallic finishes.

16. Upgrade Your Window Treatments

Replacing old curtains with luxurious window treatments like velvet drapes, Roman shades, or tailored blinds can make a significant difference in the way your room feels. Go for floor-to-ceiling curtains to add height and create a polished, refined look.

Tip: Invest in a good curtain rod with an ornate finish to complement the elegance of the drapes.

17. Install a Luxurious Showerhead

Transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat by installing a luxurious showerhead. Options like rain showerheads or multi-function showerheads give you a high-end experience that feels indulgent every day.

Tip: Make sure your plumbing can support your new showerhead to ensure it works effectively.

18. Add Architectural Details

Small architectural touches, such as wainscoting, beadboard, or board and batten paneling, add texture and visual interest to any room. These details can be particularly effective in dining rooms, bathrooms, and hallways.

Tip: Paint the trim and paneling in a glossy white or neutral color to give it an upscale finish.

Conclusion

Transforming your home into a space that feels expensive doesn’t require a high-end designer or huge renovations.

With these DIY home improvements, you can add luxury and elegance to your house on a budget. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, update outdated rooms, or simply bring in more refined touches, these 18 simple updates can make a world of difference.

Embrace your creativity, and soon you’ll be enjoying a stylish, sophisticated home that feels like it’s worth much more than it cost!