How to fake high-end finishes for under $100

You don’t need a luxury budget to make your home look well-designed. Most of what makes a space feel “high-end” comes down to finishes—how things look and feel, not necessarily how much they cost.

The right paint, hardware, or texture can easily mimic designer materials for a fraction of the price. With under $100, you can transform the look of your space in a weekend using affordable updates that give the illusion of expensive finishes without spending like it.

Paint outdated fixtures

Spray paint can make dated hardware and light fixtures look brand new. Black, brushed gold, or oil-rubbed bronze instantly gives that modern, upscale feel you see in designer homes. Use high-quality metal spray paint with a built-in primer for lasting results.

You can update everything from door handles to curtain rods and cabinet pulls in one afternoon. The key is consistency—matching finishes throughout your space makes it look cohesive and professionally styled.

Use peel-and-stick countertop film

If your counters have seen better days, peel-and-stick film designed to mimic marble or butcher block can completely transform them. It’s waterproof, durable, and comes in realistic textures that look far pricier than they are.

Measure carefully and take your time smoothing out bubbles for the best results. For under $50, you can make an outdated countertop look like a premium surface, especially when paired with modern hardware and good lighting.

Swap plastic switch plates for screwless covers

Little details make a big difference, and switch plates are one of those details most people overlook. Swapping the standard plastic covers for screwless versions gives your walls a clean, seamless look that instantly feels high-end.

You can replace every outlet and switch in a main room for well under $100. The smooth finish looks intentional and modern—exactly the kind of subtle upgrade designers love.

Add contact paper to shelves or drawers

Upgrading the inside of your cabinets or drawers with decorative contact paper gives them a custom look. Choose faux wood, linen, or marble patterns for a designer touch. It also protects the surface underneath, so it’s practical too.

For a cohesive feel, carry the same pattern throughout your kitchen or bathroom. It’s a small project that makes everyday spaces feel more polished without spending much at all.

Update cabinet knobs and pulls

New hardware can completely change how a kitchen or bathroom looks. Swapping out dated knobs for sleek black or brushed brass pulls instantly makes cabinets look higher-end.

You can find affordable packs online that cover an entire space for under $100. Go for heavier, solid-feeling pieces—they look and feel more expensive, even if they weren’t.

Add wood trim to flat surfaces

Flat doors, mirrors, or even walls can look custom with a bit of trim. Wood lattice or thin molding can create panels that look built-in. Paint it the same color as the surface for that classic, timeless finish you see in designer homes.

This project costs around $60 in materials but has a big visual payoff. It adds texture, depth, and structure—three things that make a space feel more expensive instantly.

Replace your bathroom faucet

You don’t need a full bathroom renovation to make it look refreshed. Replacing the faucet can make your sink area feel brand new. Matte black or brushed gold finishes look high-end and pair well with nearly any vanity.

You can find plenty of durable, stylish faucets for under $100. It’s one of the easiest upgrades that completely changes how a bathroom looks and feels.

Hang a large mirror

A large framed mirror instantly elevates any room. It reflects light, makes the space feel bigger, and adds that designer polish. Look for rectangular or round shapes with thin metal or wood frames.

You can find great options under $100 at stores like Target or HomeGoods. Adding one above a console or in a hallway gives the illusion of more space while adding style and sophistication.

Refresh grout and caulk lines

Dingy grout or cracked caulk can make even nice materials look old. Cleaning or recoloring grout and replacing worn caulk gives bathrooms and kitchens a fresh, new look.

Use a grout pen for easy touch-ups and a waterproof caulk designed for kitchens and baths. The cleaner lines and brighter finish instantly make the space feel newer and more high-end, all for under $20.

Add under-cabinet lighting

Warm, soft lighting creates that inviting, expensive look you see in styled homes. Affordable LED strip lights or puck lights under cabinets add both style and function.

They’re easy to install with adhesive backing or clips and can plug into an outlet or run on batteries. The glow highlights your backsplash and counters, making everything look more polished for under $50.

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