Easy DIY hacks to make your home look more expensive
Transforming a home doesn’t always require a massive renovation or a hefty budget. You can make your space look more luxurious and refined with a few strategic, stylish upgrades.“Simple, strategic upgrades can make a tremendous difference in how homeowners and potential buyers perceive a home,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa. He explains that high-end homes pay careful consideration and attention to detail on every square inch of your home.
“Homeowners can achieve the same effect by making a few simple upgrades to their homes,” he suggests.
While a full-scale renovation can be costly and time-consuming, there are plenty of simple DIY tricks that can make your space feel high-end without breaking the bank. RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares just a few ideas on how to make a home feel more high-end and expensive.
Upgrade your interior doors
Interior doors are often overlooked, but a few simple upgrades can transform the look of the entire space. There are several ways to upgrade the doors. You can replace dated door handles to something more high-end, or you could paint the doors in a neutral shade, like black or a dark beige. You could also add more detailing to the door by purchasing some timbre and cutting it to frame panels on the doors.
Paint the ceilings to match the walls
Painting the ceiling the same colour as the walls is a designer-approved trick that gives rooms a cosy, luxurious feel. This technique works particularly well in smaller spaces or rooms with lower ceilings, creating a unified and intentional look. Matching walls and ceilings also reduce visual “breaks,” which can help make smaller rooms feel more expansive.
Install a full-height kitchen backsplash
Instead of a traditional backsplash that only covers part of the wall, try taking it up to the ceiling on a feature wall in your kitchen. This simple tweak adds a sense of height and openness, giving the room a designer feel often seen in high-end kitchens. A full-height backsplash works especially well with materials like marble, quartz, or polished-finish tiles, creating an eye-catching focal point.
Add moulding and trim
Installing decorative moulding and trim can transform any space, giving it an elegant, custom feel. Moulding works well around ceilings, doors, and windows and is a relatively easy DIY project that can dramatically enhance a room’s character. If you're a beginner, look for peel-and-stick options or lightweight foam moulding.
Focusing on these small yet impactful DIY hacks can give your home a polished, high-end look without a huge investment. From painting doors and ceilings to installing a full-height backsplash, these tips can help you create a sophisticated, expensive feel that you and potential future buyers will love.