12 Ways to Elevate Your Home Quickly and Affordably
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Hey friend! Today I’m sharing 12 ways to elevate your home quickly and affordably, and I really mean it. These are the things I would actually tell my past self if I could go back to when we first moved into our builder-grade home.
Our home didn’t feel very “us” at first. There was so much yellow paint, awkward lighting, and zero character. Slowly, we’ve chipped away at it – mostly with small, intentional updates that have made a big difference. If you’re starting from scratch or just looking for a quick update, these are the projects I’d start with.
12 Ways to Elevate Your Home Quickly and Affordably:
1. Paint the walls.
It’s no secret that a fresh coat of paint can work wonders in a home, but choosing the right paint color is what really transforms a space. We’ve actually painted our main living area not once – but three times *hides face*. First a gray, then a bright white, and finally, Shoji White by Sherwin Williams. Here’s a full blog post written up on the color!
Shoji White brought the warmth and softness I’d been craving. It made our living space feel calmer, cozier, and more custom.
If you’re stuck deciding, I highly recommend ordering stick-on samples from Samplize for testing. It’s an inexpensive way to try before you commit, and it saves a ton of second-guessing. I’ll never choose a paint color any other way!
2. Swap Out Light Fixtures
Replacing outdated ceiling fans or “boob lights” with stylish light fixtures completely changed the vibe of our home. I scoured Facebook Marketplace for most of ours, but you can also find beautiful options at Home Depot, Amazon, or even thrift stores if you’re willing to do a little digging.
Swapping just one fixture, like in the dining room or over the dining table, can instantly make the space feel more intentional. Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting when it comes to the overall look of your home!
3. Update Hardware
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen or bathroom feel more high-end is updating the hardware. Most homes come with basic knobs that leave a lot to be desired.
We switched out the knobs and pulls on our kitchen cabinets to this beautiful, warm aged brass set from Etsy. The finish added so much richness and warmth, and suddenly our builder-grade cabinets felt intentional and custom.
Look for drawer pulls and knobs in tones that coordinate with your color scheme and add a bit of contrast. It’s a small detail that goes a long way!
4. Update throw pillows.
Now this might seem like a small thing, but it’s one of my favorite budget-friendly ways to create a more pulled-together space. Having quality throw pillows and having them styled strategically around your home gives a custom, elevated look that very few things can give!
These pillows are from Tonic Living, and feel as quality as they look.
5. Display photo frames & photos/art intentionally.
The beauty of the whole “Nancy Meyers aesthetic” that has taken the home world by storm is the collected feel that it brings. The goal is not perfection. It’s curated and personalized. Frames do not need to be symmetrical or matching. You do not need expensive art or fancy family photos. What you see in the photo below is two thrift store frames, an favorite iPhone photo of my children, and downloadable art from Etsy.
Think about creating a focal point on a blank wall – like above a dining table, in a hallway, or behind the couch. Group your frames with a mix of vertical and horizontal, and include different textures or layered objects for depth.
6. Customize your fireplace.
This is not the best photo of our fireplace setup, but it shows how we painted it the same creamy white as our walls (Shoji White SW). We also built a DIY mantle to frame the existing mantle, and stained it a rich color that matches our ceiling beam.
You don’t need to rip anything out. Even just painting the surround or styling the top with intentional, everyday items (like greenery, flowers, or layered frames) can give your fireplace new life.
7. Paint kitchen cabinets.
I cannot stress painting your kitchen cabinets enough. This is probably the biggest impact project we’ve done. When we painted our kitchen cabinets Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore (here’s a post on our painted cabinets), it totally changed how the space felt, like our old kitchen had been fully remodeled without actually being remodeled.
This project takes time and prep (degreasing, sanding, priming), but if you do it right, it’ll last for years. And it’s one of the most affordable home improvement projects you can tackle with serious return.
Here is a full tutorial for exactly how we painted our cabinets to LAST.
8. Hang quality curtains.
Our living room has been through a *variety* of curtains. We started with thin, sheer curtains from Ikea, and then I realized I wanted something thicker and more custom looking. So I made DIY drop cloth curtains (I’d still recommend this if you’re on a budget! Here’s the tutorial).
More recently, we got these beautiful pinch-pleat curtains from TheHues. They make our living room feel so custom and truly put together.
Pro tip! Hang curtains high and wide to draw the eye upward and increase the feeling of ceiling height. If your rods are still tension rods or too short, upgrading those can make a big difference too. Don’t skip this detail, as it’s an easy way to upgrade the whole living room.
9. Upgrade faucets.
Upgrading kitchen and bathroom faucets around your home is an incredibly simple way to make things feel more high-end without spending a ton of money.
We installed our High-Arc Kraus Oletto faucet when we got new kitchen counters a couple of years ago, and we still receive compliments on it all the time!
10. Style corners with intention.
Intentionally styling spaces is probably the CHEAPEST way to make a home look elevated.
Start by thinking about how you can add to both the function and beauty of the space. For example, if I’m styling a kitchen counter – could this be a place to display beautiful cookbooks, or a spot for a bowl of fresh produce?
You don’t need much! Even a cutting board leaned against the backsplash, a ceramic jar with wooden utensils, or a small lamp. The goal isn’t to fill the space with clutter, but to make it feel considered and purposeful.
11. Add layered lighting.
Lamps, lamps, and more lamps! I avoid using overhead lighting whenever possible, and instead rely on floor lamps, table lamps, sconces, and candles.
There’s just something about walking into a room lit by lamps or ambient lighting. It feels inviting, warm, and lived in.
Layering light this way makes the whole home feel cozier, especially in the fall and winter when natural light can be more scarce.
12. Layered bedding.
This might be my favorite simple tip to share. Instead of just tossing on a comforter, layer a throw, a folded quilt, and a couple of extra throw pillows. Mix materials and patterns for depth.
The bed is often the largest piece of furniture in a room, so make the most of it by making it feel truly styled and inviting!
This is one of the simplest ways to elevate your home easily and affordably. It makes your home instantly feel more luxurious without spending a ton of money!
I hope this post for 12 ways to elevate your home quickly and affordably sparked some fresh inspiration for your home! I truly believe that it is the small, thoughtful changes that make a home feel more luxurious.
You don’t need a full renovation or a big budget to create a home you love. Start with one project, and go from there. Let it be a process that unfolds over time, and enjoy the beauty that comes with making things your own!
As always, I’m cheering you on!
Courtney
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