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15 Inexpensive Design Tricks That Will Make Your Home Look Luxurious

If you're looking for ways to decorate your home on a budget, these strategic updates can help.

Unfinished Old and Newly Remodeled Room of House
Updated Aug. 21, 2025
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Your home is your sanctuary, where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with the people you love. But it's not always cheap to decorate the home of your dreams, especially in today's economy.

In fact, according to property investment company GoSummer, the average cost to furnish a house can range from $10,000 to $30,000 for a standard property and high-quality furniture.

It's easy to feel like you need to spend thousands of dollars to decorate your home. Fortunately, creating a welcoming and luxurious space on a budget is possible. Here's how to spruce up your home and keep more cash in your wallet.

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Add curtains to your windows

photosbysabkapl/Adobe modern living room with orange couch chairs table during day time

If you don't have curtains on your windows, adding them can be one of the quickest ways to make your space feel more luxurious. 

If you're in doubt, choose a solid color that matches each room's decor. Some designers suggest hanging the curtains high to make the space look bigger.

Large wall art

Photographee.eu/Adobe couch and white centerpiece in spacious living room

It's tempting to opt for small art pieces throughout your house, but large wall art is underrated. 

Think about hotels and other relaxing environments. You'll probably notice that the art is always big. It can help create a cohesive design in each room.

Change the hardware on your cupboards

2ragon/Adobe beautiful kitchen with green cabinets on tiled walls and indoor plants

If you're craving an upgrade to your bathrooms or kitchen but don't want to spend a lot of money, new hardware might be the solution to lower your financial stress

It's shocking how much of an impact hardware can have on a space. Plus, you can choose fun colors or shapes. Hardware is relatively inexpensive and not permanent, allowing for experimentation.

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Swap your towels

New Africa/Adobe white towels placed on marble top next to candles in bathroom

It might be time for a change if you have old or outdated towels. Once again, if you imagine a hotel or spa, you'll probably notice that the towels are always white. 

White towels can be easier to clean and help create an airy, open feel in the bathroom.

Add built-in shelving

Andy Dean/Adobe white cabinets and shelves inside living room full of decoration pieces

Built-in shelving might look expensive. But thanks to stores like Ikea, you can add do-it-yourself built-ins for relatively cheap. 

Once you add the built-ins, there are no upkeep or ongoing costs, and you can style them however you want.

Use rugs that fit your space

Kristian/Adobe couch placed in the middle of the living room

Rugs can be tricky. You don't want them to be too big or too small. That's why finding a carpet that fits your space is essential. And you can actually save money shopping if you buy them on sale. 

If you're trying to enhance your home's design, you might want to opt for an accent rug or runner to add a pop of color without breaking the bank.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

InsideCreativeHouse/Adobe couple using credit card

August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:

  • Travel and getaway must-haves
  • Back-to-school basics
  • Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
  • For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries

As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.

Skip overheads in favor of lamps

EwaStudio/Adobe double bed in luxurious bedroom

Overhead lighting can be harsh and create a stressful environment for your eyes. Instead of using your overhead lighting, add lamps and other soft light fixtures throughout your home. 

It will help make a relaxing and upscale environment for you and your guests.

Pro tip: Consider using top cash back credit cards that can help you earn rewards if you're looking to save even more money. 

Touch up the paint

Iryna/Adobe console table and and chair in study room

Throughout the years, paint chips. Even if the chips aren't very noticeable, it's still worth it to refresh your rooms with fresh paint. 

The great thing about touching up paint is that you don't need to repaint the entire wall to have a significant impact. Touch up the places that need it and leave the rest.

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Get rid of clutter

ArchiVIZ/Adobe scandinavian kitchen with white marble cabinets with woodens countertops

Getting rid of clutter and organizing your home is free, and it can transform your space. 

Once you organize your home, it feels larger and more relaxing. Plus, you can donate items to organizations that need them.

Quick tips: How to cut costs on your utility bills

Rawpixel.com/Adobe man changing light bulb

Many people overlook their monthly utility expenses as fixed costs. But with small changes, you can see immediate drop in your bills. Here are some tips:

  • Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures
  • Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than incandescent
  • Wash clothes in cold water and hang items to dry
  • Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degree Fahrenheit

Don't waste money. Remember that every dollar saved on a monthly bill turns into $12 annually.

Products to organize your pantry

Nathan Hutchcraft/Adobe modern food pantry in the kitchen with shelves filled with glass jars of food items

If you're like most people, your pantry might be the most chaotic area of your home. Take time to organize it, and you'll enjoy the benefits for months. 

It can help your kitchen feel more inviting and less stressful. Plus, you'll know exactly where everything is next time you cook.

Add plants to the rooms

hd3dsh/Adobe modern living lounge with green couch and white arm chairs with table in centre

Add plants throughout your home if you're ready for a quick upgrade. If you have a green thumb, you can opt for natural plants. 

But if you don't, artificial plants can have a similar impact. Plants can help boost the mood in your home and create a peaceful atmosphere.

White bedding

Azar/Adobe rattan bed stools and decoration items in bedroom

Just like you upgraded the towels in your bathroom, it might be time to upgrade your bedding, too. 

Once again, take inspiration from hotels and opt for white bedding. It will brighten up your room and create a clean look.

New lampshades

myboys.me/Adobe white lamp and vase with wooden plate on grey console table

Lampshades are inexpensive and can upgrade your light fixtures throughout the house. 

It's an easy switch that can significantly impact your room. You can also experiment with exciting shapes and patterns.

Upgrade your kitchen with a backsplash

Gina/Adobe kitchen with cabinets and cooking stove

Most kitchen upgrades are pricey. But the expense will be minimal if you opt for a peel-and-stick backsplash. 

You can transform the space without spending too much. If your kitchen is all one color, then try to add a pop of color with a new backsplash.

Mirrors

Liudmila/Adobe toddler sitting on rug with huge mirror in background

Mirrors are a great way to reflect light around a room and create the illusion of more space. 

Mirrors can be particularly effective in small areas. You can select different shapes and styles to add an element of fun.

Pro tip: If you're trying to eliminate some money stress, then consider shopping around until you find the right price. 

Bottom line

Tijana/Adobe couple relaxing together on -their sofa at living room

Even if you are living on a fixed income, your home can look like a million bucks. You can now upgrade many elements of your home for less, especially with these hacks that are now in your decorating toolkit. And if or when you eventually resell your house, some of these improvements could help you build wealth in the long run. 

So, think big but stay on a budget when you're ready for a change. Even a few little and inexpensive touches can help to create the luxurious home of your dreams.

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