10 projects that’ll make your house look $10,000 nicer

Some upgrades make your house feel more expensive without costing anywhere near as much as they look. You don’t need a remodel or designer budget to make a big difference—sometimes, it’s the small, strategic projects that make everything feel new again.

These upgrades all cost under $1,000, but they made the house look, feel, and function like it had a major refresh. They’re the kind of changes that catch your eye right away and make you wonder why you didn’t do them sooner.

Swapping Out Builder-Grade Lighting

Lighting makes or breaks a space, and builder-grade fixtures are usually the first thing to cheapen the look of a room. Swapping them out for stylish options with warmer light instantly upgrades your home’s feel.

You can find modern pendant lights, matte black sconces, or statement dining fixtures for far less than you’d expect—especially online. Even a $150 fixture can make your space feel like it belongs in a custom build, especially when you match the tone and finish across rooms.

Adding Board and Batten or Wainscoting

Trim work makes a huge visual impact and adds texture where plain walls once looked flat. Whether you go for board and batten in a hallway or wainscoting in a dining room, it gives that high-end, finished look for minimal cost.

You can do it yourself with MDF boards and a little paint for under $200 per room. The best part? It hides wall imperfections and instantly makes the room look more custom and intentional.

Upgrading Cabinet Hardware

If your kitchen or bathroom cabinets feel dated, upgrading the hardware can transform the whole space without touching the cabinetry. Swapping out those shiny silver knobs for brushed brass or matte black pulls gives a modern, cohesive look.

A few dozen handles might only run you $100–$200, and the difference looks like you replaced the cabinets. It’s one of the quickest and most satisfying upgrades you can do in a weekend.

Framing Out Mirrors

Those frameless bathroom mirrors that builders love are one of the biggest giveaways of a basic setup. Adding a simple wood or trim frame around them instantly makes the bathroom feel more finished and higher-end.

You can DIY it for $50 with wood, paint, and adhesive or order pre-made frame kits that fit over your mirror. It’s a small detail that completely changes the feel of the space and adds a custom touch.

Painting Interior Doors a Richer Color

Painting your interior doors black, charcoal, or deep taupe gives your home an expensive, magazine-worthy feel without needing to replace anything. It adds depth, contrast, and a polished touch that instantly elevates the entire house.

Use a satin or semi-gloss finish for durability and pair it with updated hardware for even more impact. The total cost can stay under $200, and the visual upgrade is huge.

Replacing the Front Door Hardware

The front door sets the tone for the rest of your home. Replacing the handle set, deadbolt, and maybe adding a modern kickplate can completely change the first impression your entryway gives.

For under $150, you can go from standard chrome to matte black or aged bronze for a more modern, upscale feel. Pair it with a fresh coat of paint on the door, and it’ll look like a full entry makeover.

Installing Floating Shelves

Floating shelves instantly make a wall look intentional, whether they’re holding decor, plants, or kitchen essentials. They give the illusion of custom built-ins at a fraction of the cost.

A few solid wood shelves and sturdy brackets can run $75–$150 total, depending on size. They’re easy to install, look high-end, and make any space—from bathrooms to kitchens—feel more styled and organized.

Updating Baseboards and Trim

Outdated, thin trim can make a house feel older and cheaper than it really is. Replacing it with wider, clean-lined baseboards gives your home a more current, upscale look.

Materials for an average-sized room can stay under $300, and if you do the install yourself, the savings are even bigger. Once it’s painted, it looks like a total renovation even though it’s one of the most affordable upgrades on the list.

Replacing Old Faucets

Faucets might not seem like a big deal until you upgrade one—and suddenly the whole kitchen or bathroom feels brand new. A modern faucet in a sleek finish like matte black, champagne bronze, or brushed nickel can make even old counters look better.

You can find high-quality options under $200, and installation is something most homeowners can handle with basic tools. It’s an easy project that adds both value and style.

Adding Crown Molding

Few things make a house look more “finished” than crown molding. It creates that luxury feel by adding height and definition to your walls and ceilings.

You can buy molding for around $1–$2 per foot, meaning even a large room can stay under $500 in materials. Once it’s painted to match your trim, it gives the illusion of a higher ceiling and more expensive design—without crossing into remodel territory.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.