7 Simple Design Tricks to Make Your Home Look More Expensive
If you’re one of those homeowners tied to your house by the golden handcuffs of a 3% interest rate—but your soul is craving a change… Or if your rental feels a bit bland and you’re looking to add personality without breaking the bank—this article is for you!
We’re sharing 7 simple interior design tricks to make your home look instantly more expensive. And the best part? These examples come straight from real listings on the market today. So scroll through, get inspired, and see what’s possible.
You don’t need a millionaire’s budget to make your home feel stylish and high-end. And no—we’re not going to tell you to clean and declutter (you already know that!). With a few smart updates, you can upgrade your space and give it that luxe look—without breaking the bank.
#1 Give Your Interior Doors a Bold New Look
Thinking about giving your home a fresh new look? Paint your front door, an interior door, or even one wall in a rich color like dark gray, navy, or forest green. These deep tones add contrast and make any space feel more modern and high-end.
Fun fact: A recent Zillow study found that homes with dark-colored front doors—like slate blue or black—received higher scores from buyers. In fact, buyers said they’d pay an average of $6,449 more for a home with a black front door! So, it's not just a style choice—it’s an investment.
#2. Go Big With Artwork
Tiny prints can get lost, but oversized art makes a bold statement. Whether it’s a canvas you find at a thrift store or a DIY piece, large-scale art brings drama and sophistication to any room. To keep it balanced, aim for artwork that takes up about two-thirds to three-quarters of the wall space above your furniture.
For example, if you're hanging art above a sofa, the piece (or grouping) should be roughly the same width as the sofa or slightly smaller to feel proportional and well-placed. ge-inspired hardware instantly elevates your kitchen, bathroom, or furniture pieces.
#3. Add Flowers or Greenery
A vase of fresh flowers or a couple of potted plants breathe life into a room and instantly make it feel more luxurious. Even high-quality faux plants work when you’re in a pinch.
For extra interest, choose plants with varied textures—like pairing smooth-leafed snake plants with feathery ferns or mixing glossy monstera leaves with soft, trailing pothos. Combining different shapes and finishes adds depth and keeps your greenery from looking flat or one-dimensional.
#4. Hang Your Curtains High and Wide
Want your room to feel bigger and taller? Hang your curtain rod close to the ceiling and let your curtains go well past the sides of the window. This simple trick makes ceilings look higher and windows feel grander—no renovation needed!
Avoid hanging curtains right at the window frame—it can make the space look shorter. Instead, go as high as you can for a more open and elegant feel.
Bonus tip: Try pinch pleat curtains if you want a more polished look. The pleats add fullness and never go out of style. They’re perfect for bedrooms, dining rooms, or living rooms. You can buy double or triple pinch pleat curtains—or make your own! With curtain pleat tape and drapery pin hooks, you can easily upgrade your current curtains without spending much.
#5. Layer Your Lighting
Don’t rely on just one ceiling light to brighten a room. To make your space feel warm and inviting, use a mix of lighting types—like overhead lights, floor lamps, table lamps, or wall sconces.
Try to have 2 or 3 light sources in each room. This adds depth, makes the room feel cozier, and helps set the mood.
Important tip: Make sure all your lights are the same color temperature—for example, all warm white or all cool white. Mixing different light tones can make your space feel off or uneven.
Want even more control? Add a dimmer switch! It’s a simple DIY upgrade and lets you adjust the brightness based on the time of day or mood.
#6. Use the Right Size Rug
A rug that’s too small can make your room feel smaller and a little awkward. To get the right look, make sure your rug is big enough to anchor your furniture.
In a living room, your rug should go under at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs. In a dining room, it should be big enough for all the chairs to stay on the rug—even when pulled out. In a bedroom, try to have the rug extend at least 2 feet beyond each side of the bed.
Getting the proportions right makes the room feel more put together and balanced—it’s a simple detail that makes a big difference!
#7. Add Cool Vintage Finds
Mixing old and new is one of the easiest ways to give your home personality. A vintage mirror, lamp, or table adds charm, texture, and a story to your space. It keeps your home from looking like a cookie-cutter catalog and gives it a unique, lived-in feel.
Want it to really shine? Make your vintage piece the star of the show! Place it somewhere it can stand out—like a bold chair in the corner, a statement mirror over the fireplace, or a funky lamp on a clean, modern table. Let it contrast with the newer items around it so it feels intentional, not cluttered.
Where to Find Cool Vintage Decor in Philly? Here’s our top 5:
1. Betsu Studio
Location: 3232 Collins St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Website: betsustudio.com
Description: Betsu Studio offers a thoughtfully curated collection of vintage and handmade furniture and home goods. Their selection is perfect for those seeking unique pieces to add character to their spaces.
2. Jinxed
Locations: Multiple locations across Philadelphia
Instagram: jinxedstore
Description: A Philly favorite, Jinxed is known for its eclectic mix of vintage items, from quirky lamps to mid-century dressers. Each store offers a different selection, making every visit a new treasure hunt.
3. Thunderbird Salvage
Locations: 2441 Frankford Ave & 2856 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Instagram: thunderbirdsalvage
Description: Housed in a former church, Thunderbird Salvage is packed with vintage gems—from antique rockers to retro chairs. They’ve also opened a second location just up the street, expanding their treasure trove.
4. Philly AIDS Thrift
Location: 710 S. 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: phillyaidsthrift.com
Description: A true scavenger hunt, Philly AIDS Thrift offers a vast array of clothing, furniture, and electronics across two floors. Their ever-changing inventory ensures you'll find something unexpected each visit..
6. Moon + Arrow
Location: 754 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: moonandarrow.com
Description: Moon + Arrow features a rotating selection of vintage curators, offering a diverse range of styles. Beyond clothing, they also showcase handmade jewelry and home goods, making it a holistic shopping experience.
With just a few smart tweaks, you can make any space feel richer and more put-together. Start with one idea and see how much of a difference it makes! And if you’re ready to make a move—whether you’re looking for something unique, historic, or a cozy home with potential—let’s connect and start your journey!
