DIY Projects to Make Your Home Look Expensive

Melanie 

Ortiz Reyes

Content Specialist

Creating a luxurious, high-end look for your home doesn't have to break the bank. With the right DIY upgrades, you can transform your space and give it a more polished, expensive feel. Whether you’re prepping your home for sale or just want to elevate your living environment, these DIY projects will help you achieve that upscale look without overspending.

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1. Upgrade Your Lighting Fixtures

Lighting is one of the most impactful elements in any room, and swapping out outdated fixtures for more modern, stylish options can instantly elevate your space.
 

• Install Statement Chandeliers or Pendant Lights: Choose a bold, eye-catching chandelier for your dining room or a set of sleek pendant lights for your kitchen island. These fixtures serve as focal points and can make the room feel more sophisticated.
   
• Add Dimmers: Installing dimmer switches allows you to control the ambiance of the room, adding an element of luxury with adjustable lighting levels.
   
• Use LED Bulbs: Opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs that offer a range of color temperatures, allowing you to choose a warm, inviting glow or a bright, crisp light.

2. Crown Molding and Trimwork

Adding crown molding and trimwork to your walls is a classic way to give any room a more refined, expensive look. This project is relatively simple for a DIYer and can make a huge difference in the overall feel of your home.
 

• Crown Molding: Install crown molding where the walls meet the ceiling. This detail adds a touch of elegance and helps to draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.
   
• Wainscoting and Chair Rails: Adding wainscoting or chair rails to your dining room, hallway, or bathroom can create a more formal and finished look. You can paint the trim a crisp white or a complementary color to enhance the visual appeal.
   
• Baseboards and Window Casings: Upgrade your baseboards and window casings to thicker, more decorative options for a high-end look.

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3. Refinish Your Cabinets

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can make or break the look of these important spaces. Instead of replacing your cabinets, consider refinishing them to give them a fresh, modern appearance.
 

• Paint or Stain: To refresh the cabinets, choose a high-quality paint or stain. Opt for neutral colors like white, gray, or even a deep navy for a timeless yet luxurious feel.
   
• Replace Hardware: Swap out old, dated hardware with modern knobs and pulls. Choose finishes like brushed brass, matte black, or polished nickel to complement the new cabinet color.
   
• Add Under-Cabinet Lighting: Installing LED strip lights under your cabinets not only provides functional task lighting but also adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen or bathroom.

4. Update Your Flooring

Flooring plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of your home. While hardwood floors are a classic choice, there are many budget-friendly alternatives that can give your floors a high-end look.
 

• Luxury Vinyl Plank: LVP is a durable, cost-effective alternative to hardwood that mimics the look of real wood. It's easy to install as a DIY project and comes in a variety of finishes and colors.
   
• Laminate Flooring: Another affordable option, laminate flooring offers the look of wood or stone at a fraction of the cost. Look for high-quality options that closely resemble natural materials.
   
• Area Rugs: If new flooring isn’t in the budget, consider adding large, plush area rugs to your living room, bedroom, or dining room. A well-placed rug can instantly warm up the space and add a layer of luxury.

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5. Refresh Your Walls with Paint and Wallpaper

A fresh coat of paint or the addition of wallpaper can dramatically change the vibe of a room. Choosing the right colors and patterns can make your home feel more upscale.
 

• Neutral Paint Colors: Stick to neutral, sophisticated paint colors like soft grays, beiges, or warm whites. These shades create a calm, elegant backdrop that complements any décor style.
   
• Accent Walls: Create an accent wall with a bold paint color or wallpaper. Consider rich hues like deep blue, emerald green, or charcoal gray for a look that’s both dramatic and expensive.
   
• Wallpaper: Wallpaper is making a comeback, especially in luxe patterns like metallics, florals, or geometric designs. Apply wallpaper to a single wall or a small space like a powder room to make a statement without overwhelming the room.

6. Install Built-In Shelving

Built-in shelving not only provides functional storage but also adds architectural interest to a room. This project might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and instructions, it can be a rewarding DIY upgrade.
 

• Living Room: Flank your fireplace with built-in bookshelves or create a media center with custom shelving around your TV.
   
• Home Office: Add built-in shelving to your home office to store books, files, and decorative items. Paint the shelves in a contrasting color to make them stand out.
   
• Bedroom: Consider built-in storage solutions around your bed, creating a cozy, nook-like atmosphere while providing extra storage space.

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7. Upgrade Your Doors

Doors are often overlooked, but they can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your home. Upgrading your interior and exterior doors is a relatively simple DIY project that can make your home look more expensive.
 

• Interior Doors: Replace hollow-core doors with solid wood or paneled doors for a more substantial, luxurious feel. Paint them in a bold color, like black or navy, to make a statement.
   
• Exterior Doors: Update your front door with a new paint color, or replace it with a more stylish option that complements your home’s architecture. Don’t forget to upgrade the hardware with a high-quality handle and lockset!
   
• French Doors: If you’re looking to open up your living space, consider replacing standard doors with French doors. They add an elegant touch and allow natural light to flow between rooms.

8. Enhance Your Outdoor Spaces

Curb appeal is just as important as your home’s interior when it comes to creating a high-end look. Simple DIY upgrades to your outdoor spaces can make a big impact.
 

• Landscaping: Keep your lawn well-manicured, and add plants, flowers, and shrubs to create a lush, inviting landscape. Incorporate hardscaping elements like stone pathways, garden beds, or a fire pit for added elegance.
   
• Outdoor Lighting: Install outdoor lighting to highlight your home’s architecture and landscaping. Solar-powered pathway lights, string lights, and lanterns create a warm, welcoming ambiance.
   
• Patio and Deck: If you have a patio or deck, refresh it with new furniture, an outdoor rug, and potted plants. Want to take it to the next level? Add a pergola or canopy for shade and style.

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9. Replace Outlets and Switches

While it might seem like a minor detail, upgrading your outlets and switches can give your home a more polished, finished look.
 

• Modern Outlets: Swap out old, discolored outlets for new ones that match your home’s décor. Consider outlets with built-in USB ports for added convenience.
   
• Decorative Switch Plates: Replace standard switch plates with decorative options that complement your interior design. Choose materials like brushed metal, wood, or glass for a more upscale appearance.
   
• Smart Switches: You can also upgrade to smart switches that allow you to control your lighting with your smartphone or voice commands, adding both convenience and a touch of modern luxury.

10. Create a Luxurious Bathroom

Bathrooms are one of the most used rooms in the home, and with a few DIY upgrades, you can make them feel more like a spa retreat.
 

• Vanity Makeover: Update your bathroom vanity with a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, and a stylish countertop. Marble, quartz, or granite look-alike surfaces can provide a luxe feel without the high cost.
   
• Install a Frameless Shower Door: Frameless glass shower doors are sleek and modern, giving your bathroom a high-end, spa-like look.
   
• High-Quality Linens: Invest in plush towels, bath mats, and a quality shower curtain. These small touches can make your bathroom feel more luxurious and inviting.

DIY upgrades are an effective way to make your home look more expensive without spending a fortune. By focusing on simple key areas, you can achieve a high-end aesthetic that reflects your style and enhances the overall value of your home.

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