8 Small Swaps That Give Off Big-Money Energy

You don’t need a major remodel to make your house look more expensive. Sometimes, the smallest details are what change how people perceive your space.

By swapping out a few builder-grade or worn-out elements for ones that feel more intentional, you can make a noticeable impact without spending a fortune. Here are some easy changes that give off high-end energy right away.

Upgrade Door Handles

Standard knobs and handles often look cheap, especially the hollow brass ones found in many homes. Swapping them for matte black, brushed nickel, or brass handles immediately elevates doors.

You can find stylish packs at Lowe’s or Amazon for under $50, which is affordable considering the huge impact across multiple doors. Matching finishes throughout your home makes everything feel more polished.

Replace Outlet and Switch Covers

Yellowing plastic switch plates date a house instantly. Changing them to screwless covers, black, or even metal ones makes walls look much more updated.

Leviton screwless plates are widely available and budget-friendly. It’s one of those swaps nobody talks about, but it quietly signals attention to detail.

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Your kitchen and bathroom hardware makes a bigger statement than you realize. Swapping plain knobs for sleek pulls or unique handles brings in a designer feel.

Stores like Wayfair and Home Depot carry affordable multipacks. Coordinating with your faucet finish helps tie everything together for a more intentional look.

Replace Old Shower Curtains

A plastic shower curtain liner looks cheap no matter what. Upgrading to a fabric shower curtain with a liner instantly makes the bathroom feel more upscale.

Look for textured fabrics like linen blends. Even Target’s Threshold brand has stylish patterns that feel closer to a boutique hotel.

Add Oversized Art

Small art pieces scattered around a wall can make your home feel cluttered. Large-scale artwork, even affordable canvas prints, feels much more intentional.

You can grab budget-friendly oversized prints at IKEA or HomeGoods. Using bigger art makes rooms look like they were styled professionally.

Upgrade Light Switches to Dimmers

Bright overhead lights feel harsh, but dimmable lights feel high-end. Swapping in dimmer switches adds flexibility and instantly makes a space feel richer.

Lutron and Leviton sell reliable dimmers for under $30. The ability to soften the lighting completely changes how a room feels at night.

Add Crown Molding

You don’t need a full carpentry overhaul. Peel-and-stick molding kits make it easy to add this touch to a room.

Even simple trim gives walls and ceilings a finished look. It’s a detail associated with custom homes but affordable if you DIY.

Swap Out Floor Vents

Old metal floor grates often look beat up. Replacing them with decorative registers or wood vents instantly makes your floors look more refined.

Brands like Decor Grates or Accord Ventilation sell stylish versions at Lowe’s and Amazon. It’s a subtle change that surprisingly elevates a whole room.

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