8 swaps that give your house a “designer” feel without the cost
Not everyone has the budget to hire a designer, but you can borrow their tricks. Designers focus on details, proportions, and flow—all things you can do yourself if you know where to look. These swaps bring in that polished feel without the markup.
Replace Flush Mount Lights
Those dome “boob lights” builders love? They drag down ceilings and scream low budget. Swap them for sleek flush mounts or small semi-flush fixtures with personality. You’ll get more light and instantly modernize your space.
Upgrade Switch Plates
Yellowed, cracked, or outdated switch plates make a house look worn. Replacing them with clean, modern covers is an easy, affordable swap that most people overlook. It’s a tiny detail, but designers know details matter.
Ditch Matching Furniture Sets
Designers rarely use one-store furniture packages. Instead, they mix pieces to create a curated feel. Swap one matching end table for something with a different texture or shape. Suddenly, your room feels pulled together instead of straight from a catalog.
Change Cabinet Hardware
Outdated pulls and knobs age a kitchen fast. Matte black or brass hardware instantly makes cabinets feel custom. Stick to simple shapes for a designer-approved look. Even a $50 hardware upgrade can make a huge difference.
Add a Large Rug
Small rugs make spaces feel awkward. A properly sized rug anchors a room and makes it look intentional. Designers almost always size up, even layering rugs if needed. Go bigger, and the whole room will feel more cohesive.
Use Fewer, Larger Accessories
Instead of cluttering shelves with lots of tiny knick-knacks, go for fewer, bigger pieces. A single vase with branches looks more expensive than ten small trinkets. Designers scale accessories to the room instead of filling every surface.
Swap Plastic Blinds for Wood or Shades
Plastic mini-blinds instantly cheapen a space. Faux wood blinds or simple roller shades create a cleaner, more sophisticated look. They’re affordable, and you’ll never miss the dusty plastic slats.
Upgrade Bedding Basics
Flat, worn bedding makes even a nice room look dull. Designers often use crisp white sheets, layered blankets, and oversized pillows. You don’t need hotel-level linens, but upgrading to breathable cotton or linen instantly lifts the whole bedroom.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
