Thank you all for the response to Part 1 of Making Your Home Look Expensive.  I’m so glad some of the ideas are helpful!  Here are a few more that might help.  Remember – it’s just small tweaks that don’t cost a fortune but make a huge visual difference!

Trick #1: Update Gallery Walls

Gallery walls can be so much fun!  The last couple of years have really promoted overblown collections with lots of variety and texture.  For a more expensive look, consider unifying your selections with the same picture frame, hung in tidy squares.  You can also collect smaller items into matching shadow boxes for a cohesive look.  PRO TIP: A great way to make a pricey looking gallery wall is to frame all 12 pages of a calendar and hang them in a perfect grid.  You can also use framed book pages!  Its instant art that looks expensive. 🙂

Trick #2: Move to White Linens

Swapping out your bed and window linens for crisp white will make the whole room look instantly cleaner, fresher, and more expensive.  And swapping out curtains is a great time to make sure the style is modern – each panel should either “kiss” the floor or puddle a bit.  PRO TIP: White doesn’t mean boring!  Ramp up the look (and the visual price tag) by opting for linens with lots of texture or fancy-yet-understated trims and borders. It makes such a difference!

Trick 3: Try Bold Wallpaper

Selecting a feature wall and covering it with bold wallpaper instantly makes a room look 10x more expensive.  When choosing a print, look for ones that are “clean” in style – geometrics in two colors, large florals with open backgrounds or wide stripes.  Avoid small patterns, complex designs or too many colors – they can quickly look dated or busy, which is the opposite of expensive. PRO TIP: If a whole wall is too much of a commitment, consider papering a nook, awkward corner or the back of bookshelves or built-ins. 

BONUS TRICK: For a huge impact on a budget, consider re-doing the backsplash in your kitchen.  There are loads of tutorials online for a DIY approach, from tile to non-traditional options like tin.  It’s a small change but can really ramp up your kitchen!