The $70 upgrade that makes your house look designer

You don’t need to spend thousands to make your house look professionally designed. Most designer-looking homes get that way through small, intentional upgrades—changes that make the space feel finished, cohesive, and high quality.

With around $70, you can make any room feel like it was styled by someone who knows what they’re doing. The key is focusing on materials, textures, and finishes that stand out even when the price doesn’t.

Swap Plastic Switch Plates for Metal or Wood

It’s one of those details you don’t notice until you change it—and then you can’t unsee it. Upgrading your plastic switch plates to metal, matte black, or wood instantly makes your walls feel more expensive.

For less than $70, you can update every plate in your main living area. It’s a subtle shift, but it gives your house that “built with care” look designers always chase.

Add LED Strip Lighting Under Cabinets

Lighting changes everything, and under-cabinet LEDs are one of the best upgrades for the money. The soft glow makes your kitchen or bathroom feel warmer and more high-end, even at night.

Most plug-in LED strips cost around $30–$50 and take under an hour to install. It’s an affordable way to make your countertops and backsplash stand out like a showroom display.

Replace Builder Knobs with Coordinated Hardware

Mismatched or flimsy hardware makes a house feel unfinished. Swapping it for something consistent—like matte black or brushed brass—instantly elevates your space.

A set of 10–15 quality handles or knobs usually runs under $70, and it completely transforms cabinets and drawers. Matching finishes ties everything together, which is exactly what designers focus on.

Frame Out a Doorway or Window with Trim

Even basic trim can make your windows and doors look custom. Add 1×2 or 1×3 boards around the edges and paint them white to create a finished frame.

For under $70, you can upgrade two or three windows and completely change how they read. It adds architectural interest without needing any major construction.

Add a High-End Curtain Rod and Hang Curtains Higher

Hanging curtains a few inches above your window frame makes the room look taller and more intentional. It’s one of the oldest designer tricks out there.

You can grab a sturdy metal rod and a set of long panels for under $70. The effect? A cleaner, more upscale look that instantly makes the whole space feel pulled together.

Paint Interior Doors a Deep, Rich Color

Painting your interior doors something other than white can make your home look curated and high-end. Think moody navy, soft black, or warm greige.

A single quart of paint is usually plenty for several doors, and the transformation is dramatic. For under $70, you’ll make your entire hallway or entryway feel like a designer detail instead of builder basic.

Upgrade Bathroom Fixtures

A new faucet or shower head can change the look of a bathroom without any remodeling. Stick with clean lines and finishes that match your existing hardware.

You can often find stylish, modern options for under $70 that look far more expensive. It’s an easy way to make your bathroom feel fresh and coordinated.

Swap Out Light Fixtures in Key Spots

Replacing one outdated light fixture—like the entryway or over the dining table—can make the whole house feel upgraded. Choose something clean, minimal, and scaled properly for the room.

Even on a $70 budget, you can find good-quality options that mimic high-end designs. Lighting has one of the biggest visual payoffs for the price.

Add Peel-and-Stick Backsplash

There are tons of peel-and-stick options that look surprisingly close to real tile. They’re renter-friendly, affordable, and easy to apply yourself.

With under $70, you can cover a small kitchen wall or laundry nook. It gives the illusion of a custom renovation without needing grout, power tools, or a professional install.

Style a Console or Entry Table Like a Pro

Sometimes it’s not what you buy—it’s how you display it. Spend $70 on a mix of textured items: a lamp, tray, and small greenery or vase. Grouping items in odd numbers makes it look intentional.

That small surface becomes the first thing people see when they walk in, and when it looks styled, the whole house feels more elevated. It’s one of the easiest, most affordable ways to get a designer look fast.

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