10 ways to style a house like the rich neighbor down the road

We all know that house. The one that looks polished, like money is no object. But here’s the secret: a lot of those “rich neighbor” details are surprisingly easy to mimic if you know what to focus on. It’s not about gold-plated finishes—it’s about layering in details that feel intentional and styled.

Big Outdoor Planters

Large planters with neat greenery scream upscale curb appeal. You don’t have to hire a landscaper—just grab a pair of oversized pots from Home Depot, fill them with boxwoods or seasonal flowers, and you’ll have the same effect.

Matching Exterior Lights

Instead of random porch fixtures, choose coordinating lights for the front porch, garage, and back patio. Consistency looks high-end, even if the lights themselves are inexpensive from Lowe’s or Amazon.

A Bold Front Door Color

Rich neighbors always have a front door that stands out. A deep navy, glossy black, or even emerald green says “this house has presence.” A quart of exterior paint is an easy weekend project that delivers a huge payoff.

Oversized Artwork Indoors

Skip the gallery wall of tiny frames. Rich-looking homes tend to go with oversized, single art pieces that anchor a wall. You don’t need to commission anything—DIY canvases or HomeGoods finds will do the trick.

Neutral Base with Layered Textures

Wealthy-looking homes lean on a neutral palette and add texture through pillows, throws, and rugs. Stick to creams, tans, and grays, then mix in boucle, linen, or leather accents to copy the look.

Consistent Landscaping

The house that looks like money never has patchy grass or uneven flower beds. Keeping edges trimmed, mulch refreshed, and shrubs pruned does wonders. Guests see “wealth” when what they’re really seeing is maintenance.

Real-Looking Faux Greenery

Not everyone can keep plants alive. High-quality faux trees—like olive or fiddle leaf figs—fool almost anyone. Place one in a woven basket, and suddenly your living room looks magazine-ready.

Bigger Rugs

Tiny rugs shrink a space. Going one size larger than you think you need makes the whole room feel finished, and it’s a trick rich neighbors always use. You don’t have to buy designer—Wayfair and Overstock carry affordable oversized rugs.

Dimmers on Lights

Lighting controls make a house feel custom. Installing dimmers is inexpensive, but it gives you the same flexibility as the high-end homes with professional lighting systems.

Matching Bedding Sets

In bedrooms, coordinating bedding looks upscale. A duvet cover, matching shams, and one oversized throw at the foot of the bed can turn a basic mattress setup into something that looks “designer.”

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