People living in small spaces consider maximizing storage and creating a sense of spaciousness as their top design priorities.1 This highlights the growing importance of clever design solutions for compact homes. Fortunately, creating a luxurious look in a small house doesn’t have to be a daunting task or break the bank.
With a few strategic design choices and clever tricks, you can transform your modest abode into a chic and sophisticated space that looks straight out of a magazine.
Let’s elevate your home’s style with these 15 ingenious ways to make your small house look expensive.
1. Declutter & Organize
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your small home look expensive is to declutter and organize. A tidy space instantly feels more luxurious and put-together. Take the time to go through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need or use.
Invest in smart storage solutions like decorative baskets, shelving units, and under-bed containers to keep everything in its place.
Studies have shown that a cluttered environment can lead to increased stress levels and decreased productivity (ref). By decluttering and organizing your small home, you not only create a more visually appealing space but also improve your overall well-being.
2. Use a Neutral Color Palette
Neutral colors like white, beige, gray, and taupe are timeless and elegant. They create a sense of calm and sophistication in any space. When decorating your small home, opt for a neutral color palette to make it look more expensive.
You can add pops of color through accessories like throw pillows, artwork, and rugs.
People associate certain colors with specific emotions and qualities. Neutral colors are often perceived as classic, refined, and luxurious, making them an excellent choice for creating an upscale look in your small home.
3. Invest in Quality Pieces
While it may be tempting to fill your small home with inexpensive furniture and decor, investing in a few high-quality pieces can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your space. Choose well-crafted items made from durable materials like solid wood, leather, and natural fibers. These pieces will not only look more expensive but also stand the test of time.
A survey conducted found that homebuyers are willing to pay more for quality construction and materials.(ref) By investing in a few key pieces, you can elevate the perceived value of your small home.
4. Add Architectural Details
Architectural details like crown molding, wainscoting, and built-in shelving can add character and sophistication to your small home. These elements create visual interest and make your space feel more custom and expensive. If you’re handy, you can even DIY some of these projects to save money.
Architectural details can significantly impact people’s perceptions of a space. Participants rated rooms with architectural features as more attractive, expensive, and high-quality compared to those without.
5. Incorporate Texture
Texture adds depth and dimension to a space, making it feel more luxurious and expensive. Incorporate a variety of textures into your small home through elements like plush throw blankets, woven baskets, velvet pillows, and natural wood accents.
Mix and match different textures to create a rich and inviting atmosphere.
Tactile experiences can influence people’s perceptions and emotions. By incorporating a range of textures into your small home, you engage multiple senses and create a more immersive and luxurious experience for yourself and your guests.
6. Hang Curtains High & Wide
Hanging your curtains higher and wider than your windows is a simple trick that can make your small home look more expensive. This creates the illusion of taller ceilings and larger windows, making your space feel more open and airy. Choose curtains made from high-quality fabrics like linen or velvet for an extra touch of luxury.
Ceiling height can significantly impact people’s perceptions of a space. Participants rated rooms with higher ceilings as more spacious, open, and luxurious compared to those with lower ceilings.
By hanging your curtains high, you can create the illusion of higher ceilings and make your small home feel more expensive.
7. Use Large-Scale Art
Large-scale art can make a big impact in a small space. Instead of cluttering your walls with many small pieces, choose one or two oversized artworks to serve as focal points. This creates a sense of drama and sophistication, making your small home look more expensive.
People perceive larger artworks as more valuable and prestigious compared to smaller ones. By incorporating large-scale art into your small home, you can elevate its perceived value and create a more luxurious atmosphere.
8. Upgrade Your Hardware
Upgrading your hardware is an easy and affordable way to make your small home look more expensive. Replace basic doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures with high-quality, stylish options in finishes like brass, bronze, or matte black. These small details can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
Homebuyers consider hardware and fixtures to be important factors in their purchasing decisions. By upgrading your hardware, you can make your small home more attractive and valuable to potential buyers or simply enjoy the elevated look for yourself.
9. Incorporate Metallics
Metallic accents like gold, silver, and copper can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your small home. Incorporate these elements through picture frames, decorative objects, or even furniture pieces.
Use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming your space and to maintain a sense of elegance.
People associate metallic colors with luxury, prestige, and high quality. By incorporating metallic accents into your small home, you can create a more expensive and sophisticated atmosphere.
10. Add Greenery
Plants and flowers can breathe life into your small home and make it feel more luxurious. Incorporate greenery through potted plants, fresh-cut flowers, or even a living wall. Not only do they add visual interest and texture, but they also purify the air and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Exposure to nature can have positive effects on mental health and well-being. By adding greenery to your small home, you not only make it look more expensive but also create a more relaxing and rejuvenating environment for yourself and your guests.
11. Invest in Good Lighting
Good lighting is essential for creating a luxurious and expensive feel in your small home. Incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Invest in high-quality light fixtures like chandeliers, pendant lights, and sconces to add a touch of elegance.
Lighting can significantly impact people’s perceptions of a space. Participants rated rooms with warm, soft lighting as more attractive, relaxing, and luxurious compared to those with bright, harsh lighting.
By investing in good lighting, you can make your small home look and feel more expensive.
12. Use High-Quality Textiles
High-quality textiles like plush towels, soft bedding, and luxurious throw pillows can make your small home feel more expensive. Invest in items made from natural materials like cotton, linen, and silk for a touch of indulgence.
Choose neutral colors or subtle patterns to maintain a sense of sophistication.
People associate certain textile qualities with luxury and comfort. Participants rated fabrics with higher thread counts, softer textures, and natural fibers as more luxurious and desirable. By using high-quality textiles in your small home, you can create a more expensive and comfortable atmosphere.
13. Create a Focal Point
Creating a focal point in each room can make your small home look more expensive and intentional. Choose one area or feature to highlight, such as a fireplace, a piece of artwork, or a statement furniture piece. Arrange the rest of the room around this focal point to create a sense of balance and harmony.
People are naturally drawn to focal points in interior spaces. By creating a focal point in each room of your small home, you can guide the eye, create visual interest, and make your space feel more expensive and well-designed.
14. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are a small home’s best friend. They reflect light, create the illusion of more space, and add a touch of elegance. Use mirrors strategically throughout your home to make it look more expensive. Hang a large mirror above a fireplace, place a full-length mirror in a narrow hallway, or create a gallery wall with multiple mirrors.
The use of mirrors can significantly impact people’s perceptions of interior spaces. Participants rated rooms with mirrors as more spacious, brighter, and more attractive compared to those without. By using mirrors strategically in your small home, you can create a more expensive and expansive feel.
15. Pay Attention to Details
Finally, paying attention to details can make a big difference in making your small home look expensive. From the way you style your coffee table to the hardware on your cabinets, every little detail counts. Take the time to curate your space, choosing items that reflect your personal style and contribute to a cohesive, luxurious look.
People perceive spaces with a high level of detail and craftsmanship as more valuable and luxurious. By paying attention to the details in your small home, you can create a more expensive and sophisticated atmosphere that reflects your unique taste and style.
Making your small house look expensive doesn’t have to break the bank. By implementing these 15 clever strategies, you can transform your modest abode into a chic and sophisticated space that rivals any luxury home.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.