How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive,

Room by RoomEugene Chrinian

How to Make Your Home Look More Expensive, Room by Room• You don’t need to be a professional interior

designer or millionaire to make your home look like it emerged from the pages of a design magazine. It’s easy to instill a little sophistication into each room of your house and make them look more expensive without breaking your bank.

• Whether you’re looking for a few simple fixes or want to complete larger DIY projects, here are a number of ways you can make the rooms in your home look a little more luxurious and expensive, without actually spending much:

Kitchen

• There are several little enhancements that can make your kitchen feel more refined. Perhaps the easiest way to do a style upgrade is to change the hardware fixtures. Replacing old cabinet and drawer handles for new ones in silver, gold, or crystal will automatically create a more expensive-looking kitchen. You can also try swapping your outdated faucets for new versions for a fresh look.

• Another way to make your kitchen appear more sophisticated is to mask the gap between the top of your kitchen counters and the ceiling. A few sheets of wood can easily close this space, after which you can use molding to create a more finished look. For another touch of elegance, try overhauling the cabinet faces with a fresh coat of paint.

Bathroom

• You can create a more luxe feel in your bathroom with a few simple changes or larger projects. Building a frame for the bathroom mirror can instantly create a more glamorous look; simply purchase flat pieces of wood that will fit the edges of your mirror and glue or otherwise fasten them together to make a frame. A fresh coat of paint is all you need to finish the look and make your bathroom appear more refined than before.

• In addition, wood flooring is not only a tool that you can use to make your living and dining rooms look more elegant—you can also install them in your bathroom. Wood floors not only feel and look luxurious, but they can also increase the value of your home.

Living Room

• Though flowers are welcome in any room of the house, a beautiful bouquet can particularly brighten your living room for barely any cost. Whether you buy a bunch at the supermarket or order from a florist, you can use flowers to bring a fresh, natural look into your home. With the addition of a decorative vase or glass, your bouquets will look even more stunning.

• For a classic formal living room, try simulating the look of paneled walls. All you’ll need is thin strips of molding to create a framing effect on the walls that helps the entire room look more polished. If you have a fireplace, you can also give it a makeover by topping it off with delicate crown molding. When paired with a similar use of molding where the walls meet the ceiling, your living room will appear more refined than ever. In addition, a coat of paint on an older brick fireplace can instantly brighten a room.

Dining Room

• One of the best ways to add a bit of luxury to your dining room is to update your lighting. Replacing an old or worn-out light fixture with a newer model will immediately add interest and make the room seem more high-end. You can also add a bit of drama to a chandelier by simulating a ceiling plate. Paint a decorative serving tray in the same color as your ceiling, and adhere it to the spot above the chandelier.

• Adding an artistic focal point to your dining room can tie the space together and make it seem more cohesive. For example, hang a large piece of art on one of the walls. Instead of buying a pricey painting, purchase some blank canvases from a craft store and paint them yourself to create a personalized statement piece. You can also opt for less expensive poster prints and mount them in inexpensive frames.

Bedroom

• Vintage furnishings offer a simple, low-cost way to add a touch of charm to your bedroom. Whether you opt for an old-fashioned mirror or an antique bedside table, these pieces will bring an interesting and luxurious element to the entire space.

• If you’re looking for a more eclectic, upscale look for your bedroom, try mixing and matching various textures. Incorporate different metals, fabrics, and woods to create a compelling design aesthetic. Touches of whimsical flair can also help your bedroom seem more luxe. Accomplish this effect by incorporating pops of color and texture into an otherwise neutral palette.

Patio

• If you don’t have the budget to remodel the entire exterior of your home, concentrate on making your patio or porch look more elegant. For example, you can upgrade the design of your entryway to create a dramatic focal point and add curb appeal. Paint the front door in a dark or richly saturated color and place planters on the patio and along the front walkway.

• It’s also easy and inexpensive to enhance your backyard patio by adding decorative lighting. Installing string lighting above your seating area can create a casual, yet elegant European bistro look. You can also use a number of other fixtures such as garden spotlights and LED border lights for a more dramatic effect.