Who says you need to break the bank to create a stylish home? With just a few strategic additions, even the most modest spaces can look like they belong in a design magazine.
Small touches often make the biggest impact when it comes to elevating your home’s appearance. Ready to fool your guests into thinking you spent a fortune on your decor? Here are 20 affordable finds that’ll instantly upgrade your space.
1. Peel-And-Stick Backsplash Tiles
Kitchen renovations typically cost thousands, but these adhesive tiles deliver the same wow factor for pocket change. They come in various patterns from subway to Moroccan-inspired designs.
Installation requires zero special skills—just measure, peel, and stick. Most importantly, they’re removable, making them perfect for renters who want to spruce up bland kitchens without losing their security deposit.
2. Crown Molding Light Strips
Lighting makes or breaks a room’s ambiance. These LED strips tuck neatly behind crown molding to create a soft, upward glow that interior designers charge big bucks to install.
The warm light bounces off ceilings, making rooms appear larger and more luxurious. They’re energy-efficient too! Simply stick them along the top edge of walls and watch as your ordinary room transforms into something from a high-end hotel.
3. Floating Shelves
Nothing says ‘thoughtful design’ like perfectly styled floating shelves. These wall-mounted wonders create instant visual interest while providing practical storage space for books, plants, or collectibles.
The clean lines give any room a custom built-in look. Mount them in unexpected places—like narrow bathroom walls or kitchen corners—to maximize every inch of your home and create that curated look fancy interior designers charge hundreds to achieve.
4. Brass Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet pulls are the jewelry of your kitchen and bathroom. Swapping out boring builder-grade handles for gleaming brass ones creates instant luxury vibes without the hefty remodeling price tag.
The warm metallic finish catches light beautifully and pairs well with nearly any cabinet color. A pack of 10 handles often costs less than $15, making this possibly the biggest bang-for-your-buck upgrade on this list. Your visitors will never guess how little you spent!
5. Fabric Cord Covers
Nothing screams ‘amateur decorating’ like exposed cords dangling from mounted TVs or lamps. Fabric cord covers transform these eyesores into intentional design elements that complement your decor.
Available in various colors and patterns, they easily slip over existing cords. Some even come with iron-on backing to create custom designs. This tiny detail makes a massive difference in how polished a room feels—professional designers always hide or beautify cords!
6. Oversized Art Prints
Large-scale art instantly commands attention and fills empty wall space with personality. Many online marketplaces offer downloadable prints for under $5 that you can print at any copy shop for a few dollars more.
The secret is choosing simple, bold designs that look intentional. Black and white photography or minimalist line drawings work particularly well. Skip the frame or use an inexpensive one painted in a metallic finish for extra flair.
7. Switch Plate Covers
Those plain white plastic light switch covers scream ‘builder basic.’ Upgrading to decorative metal or designer plastic versions adds unexpected polish to every room.
Brushed nickel, hammered bronze, or even painted ceramic options cost just a few dollars each. The transformation happens in minutes with just a screwdriver.
Guests will notice these small touches subconsciously, creating an overall impression of attention to detail throughout your home.
8. Faux Marble Contact Paper
Marble countertops cost thousands, but this clever adhesive paper delivers the luxe look for lunch money. Apply it to bathroom vanities, small kitchen counters, or even tabletops for instant elegance.
Modern versions feature realistic veining and textures that actually fool people from a distance. The water-resistant finish stands up to daily use surprisingly well.
For extra convincing power, add a few real marble accessories nearby to sell the high-end illusion.
9. Velvet Pillow Covers
Luxury homes always feature touchable textures that invite you to linger. Velvet pillow covers instantly add that plush, expensive feel to any sofa or bed for under $10 each.
Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby particularly convey opulence. The light-catching quality of velvet makes these simple accessories look far more expensive than they are.
Bonus: they’re removable for easy washing, unlike many pricier pillows that require dry cleaning.
10. Bathroom Accessory Sets
Matching soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and wastebaskets create that coordinated hotel bathroom vibe. Look for sets in materials like hammered metal, matte black, or seagrass rather than plastic.
The uniform look signals intentional design rather than random collection. Many discount stores offer surprisingly stylish options that look identical to versions costing three times as much.
Clear countertops of product bottles by transferring soaps and lotions into the matching dispensers.
11. Curtain Tie-Backs
Window treatments get an instant upgrade with proper tie-backs that frame the view and add architectural interest. Metal or rope versions look particularly high-end compared to basic fabric ties.
Install them slightly higher than you think they should go—this creates the illusion of taller windows and higher ceilings.
For extra designer flair, choose unexpected materials like twisted metal or glass beads that catch light. This small addition makes windows look custom-designed rather than hastily dressed.
12. Framed Mirror Overlays
Plain bathroom mirrors get a custom-framed look with adhesive overlays that attach directly to the glass. These decorative borders come in various styles from farmhouse to modern geometric patterns.
Installation takes minutes and requires zero special tools. The transformation is dramatic—suddenly your basic mirror looks like an expensive custom piece. Choose metallic finishes for extra glamour or wood tones for warmth.
13. Furniture Leg Caps
Furniture feet rarely get attention, but swapping basic legs for metal-capped or shaped versions elevates ordinary pieces to custom territory. These small hardware additions cost just a few dollars per set.
Gold, brass, or matte black options look particularly luxe under sofas and chairs. Some simply slip on, while others replace existing feet entirely.
The subtle shine or unique shape catches the eye and suggests your furniture came from a boutique rather than a big box store.
14. Woven Storage Baskets
Clutter instantly cheapens any space. Natural fiber baskets corral everyday items while adding organic texture that expensive designers always incorporate.
Look for options with consistent weaving patterns and sturdy construction. The neutral colors work in any room—try them for remote controls, kids’ toys, or bathroom supplies.
Unlike plastic bins, these natural materials add warmth and visual interest while performing the same organizing function.
15. Decorative Switch Dimmer
Lighting control screams luxury, and modern dimmers cost less than $20 yet provide the ambiance of high-end homes. The ability to adjust brightness transforms ordinary rooms into mood-setting spaces.
Installation is surprisingly simple for most models. Look for sleek designs with subtle indicator lights rather than bulky knobs.
Your dinner parties will suddenly feel like restaurant experiences when you can perfectly control the lighting atmosphere with a simple slide.
16. Faux Plant Arrangements
Greenery instantly freshens any space, but quality faux plants have come light-years from the plastic-looking versions of the past. Today’s artificial succulents and small arrangements often fool even discerning eyes.
Place them in unexpected spots like bathrooms or kitchen shelves where real plants might struggle. The key is buying the most realistic version you can find within budget, then placing it in a ceramic pot rather than leaving it in the plastic nursery container.
17. Ceramic Drawer Pulls
Dressers and nightstands transform with handmade-looking ceramic knobs that suggest custom furniture. These small hardware changes cost about $3-5 each but make generic pieces look boutique-sourced.
White ceramic with subtle patterns or jewel-toned options both work beautifully. The unexpected material feels special compared to standard wooden knobs.
For maximum impact, choose knobs with slight variations rather than perfectly matched sets—this creates that collected-over-time look that designers charge thousands to create.
18. Brass Picture Frames
Nothing elevates family photos like thin brass frames that catch light beautifully. Skip plastic frames entirely—they always look cheap no matter what.
Group several small brass frames together for a gallery effect, or choose one larger statement frame. The warm metallic finish works with any decor style from modern to traditional.
For extra designer points, frame unexpected items like handwritten recipes, small textile pieces, or vintage postcards instead of just standard photos.
19. Remote Control Caddy
Coffee tables instantly look more polished with a dedicated spot for remotes and small items. Leather or woven caddies bring organization and intentional design to surfaces that often collect clutter.
Look for options with divided sections to separate different remotes and small items. This simple addition signals a thoughtfully arranged home rather than a haphazard one. Bonus: you’ll always know where the TV remote is hiding!
20. Cabinet Door Bumpers
Luxury homes never have slamming cabinet doors or drawers. These tiny clear adhesive dots create that soft-close effect without replacing your entire cabinetry system.
The gentle closing sound immediately elevates how expensive your kitchen feels. Plus, they prevent damage to cabinet edges over time.
Most packs include enough bumpers for your entire kitchen and bathroom for under $10—possibly the most affordable upgrade with the biggest perceived value on this list.