The $100 Trick List: Easy Ways to Make Your Home Look Put-Together

When you walk into a space that feels pulled together, it usually comes down to thoughtful details—not big spending. Curated homes don’t require designer budgets. What matters is choosing the right touches that bring a sense of order, balance, and intention.

With under $100, you can make choices that shift your home from looking thrown together to looking like it was styled with purpose. Here’s how to do it without overspending.

Add Matching Storage Baskets

Mismatched bins or piles of stuff can make even a tidy room feel chaotic. A set of woven or fabric baskets instantly makes your storage look intentional while keeping clutter out of sight. You don’t need to splurge on custom organizers—affordable sets from big-box stores often come with two or three baskets for under $30. Stick to one or two finishes throughout your house so the look feels cohesive.

Swap Out Cheap Frames

Gallery walls or family photos can look messy if the frames don’t coordinate. Swapping them out for simple black, wood, or metal frames creates an instant upgrade. You don’t need to replace every frame—start with the ones in the most visible spots. Stores like Target and IKEA sell packs of frames that look high-end but cost under $20 each, giving your walls a more streamlined, curated feel.

Use Matching Glass Jars in the Kitchen

Random bags and boxes of food are a quick way to make a pantry look chaotic. Glass or clear plastic jars with labels make everything look organized, even if it’s store-brand pasta. Buying a pack of jars or canisters for under $30 can completely transform your cabinets or open shelving. It also helps you see what you have, cutting back on food waste.

Add Layered Lighting

A single overhead light makes a room look flat, but adding small table lamps or plug-in wall sconces creates depth. You can find affordable lamps for under $40, and adding one or two around your living room or bedroom instantly makes the space feel styled. Lighting is one of the most underrated ways to make your home look thoughtful without going over budget.

Upgrade Throw Pillow Covers

Instead of buying new pillows, buy a set of covers that look more elevated. Linen, faux leather, or textured cotton covers can be swapped over the same inserts you already have. For $20–$30, you can get two or three new covers that completely refresh a couch or bed. The best part is that you can rotate them seasonally without taking up a lot of storage space.

Add Greenery in Matching Planters

Plants add life to any room, but the containers you use make all the difference. Plastic nursery pots don’t look intentional, but matching ceramic or terracotta planters elevate the whole setup. Even a few $10 pots from HomeGoods or Walmart can make your greenery look like part of the design instead of an afterthought.

Use Trays to Group Items

Scattered items on a coffee table or dresser look like clutter, but placing them on a tray makes them feel styled. A $15–$25 tray can hold remotes, candles, or keys and instantly create order. You can find budget-friendly trays in wood, rattan, or marble finishes that work with any style. The tray trick makes even everyday items look curated.

Hang Curtains Higher

Curtains that stop at the window frame make a room feel smaller. Hanging them higher and closer to the ceiling gives the illusion of taller walls and a more custom look. Affordable curtain panels and rods can be found at discount stores, and you can cover an entire window for under $50. It’s one of the easiest ways to make your home look more intentional without expensive changes.

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Old knobs or handles can make furniture or cabinets look dated. Swapping them out for modern, matching hardware makes a huge impact. A pack of 10 pulls often costs under $30 and can completely change the look of a dresser or kitchen cabinets. This is an upgrade you can finish in an afternoon with just a screwdriver, making it both affordable and easy.

Use Matching Towels in Bathrooms

Bathrooms are small, but they make a big impact on how your home feels. Old, mismatched towels can make the space look neglected. Replacing them with a matching set in a neutral color creates a spa-like look for under $50. Even if you don’t replace every towel, having two or three matching sets for display makes the room look more curated.

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