The ‘No One Talks About This’ Guide to Elevating Your Home
Some homes just feel expensive—even if they weren’t. What’s their secret? It’s often the small, intentional design choices that make the biggest impact. While major renovations can certainly transform a space, there are plenty of under-the-radar design tricks that instantly elevate a home. These are the details designers swear by but most people overlook.
1. Oversized Art (Go Bigger Than You Think)
If your wall art is too small, your space will feel unbalanced—like a rug that’s too tiny for a room. Instead of scattering multiple small pieces, opt for a single, oversized artwork to anchor the space.
A large-scale canvas or framed print creates a focal point and makes a room feel polished. If custom art isn’t in the budget, you can DIY a large abstract piece or look for downloadable art prints that you can have printed in a substantial size.
Pro tip: A great rule of thumb is that your artwork should take up at least two-thirds of the width of the furniture below it. That means above a seven-foot sofa, you’re looking for something at least four feet wide.
2. Layer Your Rugs for Depth & Texture
Ever notice how high-end spaces have that effortless, layered look? One of the easiest ways to achieve it is by stacking rugs.
Start with a large, neutral base—like a jute or sisal rug—then layer a smaller vintage, Persian, or wool rug on top. The mix of textures adds warmth, dimension, and that collected over time feel that designers love.
This is also a fantastic way to make smaller rugs work in larger spaces. If you have your eye on a stunning vintage runner or a unique patterned rug that’s too small for the room, layering gives it presence while keeping the scale right.
3. Swap Out Basic Hardware
The fastest way to make a home feel custom? Upgrade the hardware. It’s a small change, but swapping out builder-grade cabinet pulls, door handles, and even faucet fixtures can make a massive difference.
For a timeless, high-end look, opt for finishes like unlacquered brass (which develops a gorgeous patina over time), classic polished nickel, or modern matte black.
Where to start?
Kitchen and bathroom cabinet pulls—go for solid, weighty options for a more substantial feel.
Interior door handles—skip the generic, round knobs and opt for sleek levers or vintage-inspired styles.
Faucets—if a full reno isn’t in the cards, a beautiful new kitchen or bathroom faucet can refresh the entire space.
4. Mix and Match Seating for a Collected Look
A perfectly matched sofa set feels predictable, while a mix of seating makes a space feel layered and dynamic. Think of your furniture like an outfit—if everything is too coordinated, it can feel uninspired.
Instead of buying a matching living room set, try pairing:
✔ A linen or velvet sofa with a leather accent chair for contrast
✔ A curved bench or settee with structured dining chairs for interest
✔ A mix of wood tones and upholstery in your dining area for an intentional, designer feel
This mix-and-match approach creates depth and makes your space feel effortlessly stylish—like it was assembled over time rather than purchased in one trip to the furniture store.
5. Elevate Your Lighting (It’s More Than Just Overhead Fixtures)
Great lighting is a game-changer. If your space only has one overhead light, you’re missing out on the magic of layered lighting.
The key is to incorporate multiple light sources:
Sconces instead of recessed lights for a high-end touch
Table and floor lamps to add warmth and dimension
Pendant lighting over a kitchen island to create a statement
Dimmable bulbs to instantly shift the ambiance from bright and functional to soft and inviting
Want an easy upgrade? Swapping out generic light fixtures for something sculptural or unique (like a modern globe pendant or a vintage-inspired chandelier) instantly makes a space feel more considered.
6. Add Statement Drapery (Go High & Wide)
Window treatments make or break a space. Instead of hanging your curtain rod directly above the window, place it at least six inches higher—or all the way to the ceiling—for an illusion of taller ceilings and bigger windows.
Opt for high-quality, full-length drapery in natural linen or cotton for a tailored, elevated look. And always go wider than the window itself—extending the rod beyond the frame allows more natural light to flow in and makes the window appear larger.
The Bottom Line? It’s All About the Details
The most stunning, high-end homes aren’t necessarily the most expensive—they’re the most thoughtfully designed. Small changes like oversized art, layered textures, intentional lighting, and well-chosen hardware can completely transform how your home looks and feels.
The best part? These upgrades don’t require a huge budget or a full renovation. They’re all about working smarter, making intentional choices, and focusing on what truly elevates your space.
LTK Picks for Easy Upgrades:
Want to start incorporating these design tricks? Here are some simple swaps that make a big impact:
Splurge: A statement light fixture to replace a basic overhead light
Save: A high-quality, oversized art print for a dramatic focal point
Splurge: A beautiful vintage or handwoven rug to layer over a neutral base
Save: Solid, stylish cabinet hardware for an instant kitchen or bath refresh
Splurge: Custom or linen-blend drapery for that polished, designer look
Save: Modern sculptural table lamps to create warm, layered lighting