12 Simple Ways To Make Your Home Look More Expensive

Upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean going through a huge overhaul that can be both time-consuming and expensive. These 12 changes are easy and cheap but will make it look like you spent a lot of money on updates.

1. Add Crown Molding

Installing crown molding yourself, as Courtenay of The Creek Line House did, can cut costs and add value to your home. A simple solution, but it makes all of the difference.

2. Frame Your Mirrors

Framing bathroom mirrors or any hanging mirror can add class to any space. Creating a frame yourself is very inexpensive but will look great. Just check out this mirror framing project done by the couple behind Young House Love.

3. Frame Your TV

Putting a frame around a flat screen will distract from the fact that there’s a huge piece of technology hanging on the wall. That way, when you’re not watching TV, it won’t be nearly as obvious. Check out this tutorial from Kristi of Addicted 2 Decorating.

4. Install A Canopy Around Your Bed

Using curtain rods, you can create a makeshift canopy (as Fuji Files did) around your bed that will not only look really classy, but will also offer privacy. If you don’t like it after a while, take it down — it’s not like you spent a lot of money on buying an actual canopy bed or anything.

5. Hide Visible Wires

Running cords strategically and behind furniture isn’t always as easy as we’d like it to be, but there are other ways to distract from any wires that may show. Covering them in suede cording, with this tutorial from House Tweaking, will make those unsightly wires more decorative.

6. Decorate Your Fridge

Using stainless steel paint, Washi tape or even wallpaper can be a great way to spiff up that hunk of an appliance that you can’t do without. Aunt Peaches points out that you can just redo the same appliance when you’re ready for a new look.

7. Use Cake Stands For Both Function and Decoration

Cake stands can be used to hold soaps near the kitchen sink, candles, a place where you drop your mail and keys…the possibilities are endless. It’s a great way to have a space that’s both decorative and functional.

8. Update Your Kitchen Backsplash

Updating an existing backsplash or adding a backsplash if you don’t already have one can elevate any kitchen. Use subway tiles for a sleek modern look or have fun with some colorful tiles. You could even — like the folks behind Grace in My Space — paint the backsplash you already have.

This project is quick and easy and is a great way to add a little creativity and dimension to your kitchen.

9. Add Paneling To Your Walls

Wood paneling can really change the feeling of a room. Stain the wood for a more rustic feel or paint it white for a more classic look, as in this tutorial from Shanty 2 Chic.

You really can’t go wrong with paneling because there are lots of different color and wood options to choose from to fit whatever theme you’re going for.

10. Install Faux Ceiling Beams

Exposed wood always seems to add a little something to a space. Having load-bearing beams can be expensive to have in a house, but you can easily fake the same kind of look on a budget and have it look just as good. Just take a look at this step-by-step over at My Vintage Porch.

11. Declutter Common Spaces

Yes, decluttering the entire house is ideal, but start small with your common areas that guests will frequent when visiting. Tucking away the mail, keeping shoes tidy in a basket, hanging coats and backpacks in a closet and recycling old magazines will instantly give your home a mini facelift.

12. Update Drawer Pulls & Knobs

A simple and easy trick is to replace out-of-style drawer and cabinet handles with newer, more modern ones. Just be sure to bring an old one with you to the hardware store to make sure you get the correct size.

If you’re looking for a great project to do around the house, try out some of these upgrades. It’ll have your house looking a little more swanky, while keeping your budget intact.

[h/t: Good Housekeeping]