9 Design Shortcuts That Mimic Luxury Builds

Luxury homes stand out for their details, but you don’t have to spend luxury money to get the same look. By focusing on the features that people notice most, you can make your house feel more high-end with smart shortcuts.

Tall Baseboards

Tall baseboards instantly make walls look more finished. Even adding 5- or 6-inch trim in place of standard builder-grade gives the room more presence.

You can buy MDF baseboards from Home Depot that install easily and take paint well, making this a cost-effective upgrade.

Crown Molding

Crown molding draws the eye upward and adds refinement to ceilings. It’s often seen in luxury builds, but DIY versions make it affordable.

Lightweight foam crown molding from Amazon or Home Depot can be installed with adhesive and painted to match.

Statement Lighting

High-end homes always feature memorable lighting. You don’t need designer pieces—Walmart, IKEA, and Wayfair carry affordable dupes.

A chandelier in the dining room or pendants over an island change how the space is perceived right away.

Black Window Frames

Luxury builds often feature black-framed windows. If new windows aren’t in the cards, black window film or paint on existing frames creates the same impression.

Rust-Oleum makes spray paints designed for this upgrade that hold up well indoors.

Built-In Shelving

Custom built-ins scream luxury, but you can mimic them by using IKEA Billy bookcases with trim and crown molding added around them.

Paint them the same color as your walls, and they’ll look like they were always part of the house.

Paneled Walls

Accent walls with paneling or trim feel high-end. Options like board and batten, wainscoting, or shiplap elevate plain drywall.

MDF strips from Home Depot make this project approachable for DIYers. Painted in a neutral shade, it instantly adds polish.

Upgraded Door Hardware

Luxury builds rarely leave standard brass knobs. Swapping for matte black, chrome, or brushed nickel elevates the whole home.

Amazon carries multipacks that let you upgrade every door without overspending.

Hidden Storage

Homes that look expensive often feel uncluttered. Incorporating hidden storage, like ottomans with lift tops or benches with compartments, mimics that look.

Walmart’s Better Homes & Gardens line has affordable pieces that keep things tidy while feeling upscale.

Accent Ceilings

Painted or wood-paneled ceilings take a room up a notch. Even adding faux beams can create a custom feel.

Home Depot sells lightweight faux beams that install easily. Painted ceilings in bold colors also add visual interest without much cost.

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