How to Make Your Home Look Expensive Without the High Price Tag

Six tips for affordable luxury interiors

At Maché Interiors, we believe that luxury isn’t about the price tag—it’s about creating a space that feels thoughtfully designed and elevated. You don’t need to spend a fortune to transform your home into a sophisticated, stylish haven. Here are some smart, creative ways to give your home an expensive look without breaking the bank.

1. Repurpose Vintage and Antique Finds

Instead of buying new, look to vintage markets or antique stores for pieces that add character and sophistication to your space. A refined vintage lamp, a weathered brass mirror, or a unique side table can give your home the aura of a curated, high-end space. These pieces often have beautiful craftsmanship and a history that mass-produced furniture simply can’t match.

Maché Interiors Tip: eBay is a great place to unearthing vintage and antique treasures. To find those hidden gems, try using specific search terms like "mid-century," "vintage," or "antique" along with key features you're after, such as material or style. Filtering by condition, location, and price and get a man with a van to pick it up.

"At Maché, we believe beautiful homes and great design should be for everyone regardless of your budget."

2. Add Architectural Details with Moulding and Trim

One of the simplest ways to elevate a room is by adding custom mouldings or baseboards. Crown moulding or even simple wainscoting around a dining room can make your space feel elevated without requiring a major renovation. If you are great at DIY you can save more money by using DIY moulding kits as an easy, low-cost way to create high-end architectural interest.

3. Curate Your Own Art Collection

While a big-budget art collection may be out of reach, you can still add a high-art feel by curating pieces that have visual interest and emotional impact. This doesn’t mean buying expensive originals—it can be about framing limited-edition prints, vintage photographs, or even creating your own artwork.

Maché Interiors Tip: Look for museum-quality art prints or browse local artists’ work for unique pieces that align with your home’s colour palette and mood. Consider using oversized frames and a mount to create the impression of gallery-style artwork. A well-framed piece of art instantly adds an expensive, curated vibe to a room.

4. Mix High and Low with Unexpected Luxe Touches

It’s not about filling your home with only expensive items—it’s about blending high-end items with budget-friendly pieces to create the illusion of luxury. For example, add a marble tray or brass accessories to a more affordable wooden coffee table, or place a designer-style vase atop an IKEA console.

Maché Interiors Tip: Zara Home, H&M Home and TK Maxx are great places to check out for high street prices with high end design.

5. Upgrade Your Hardware and Fixtures

Switching out hardware—like cabinet handles, sockets and light switches —might seem small, but it can make a huge impact. Changing out outdated hardware is a quick, inexpensive way to give your kitchen, bathroom (or even an eBay cabinet) a more polished, custom feel.

6. Invest in Timeless, Quality Bedding

Your bedroom is the ultimate space to create a luxurious atmosphere without spending a lot. Rather than opting for cheap, mass-produced bedding, invest in quality linens. Egyptian cotton, linen sheets, or silk pillowcases can make a huge difference in how your bed feels and looks.

Maché Interiors Tip: Layer your bedding with textured throw blankets, decorative cushions, and a plush duvet to create an inviting, hotel-like atmosphere. Mixing natural fabrics like linen with satin or velvet pillows brings both comfort and elegance to the space.

Creating a luxurious home doesn’t need to come with a luxury price tag. By making a few smart choices—like curating unique art, repurposing vintage finds, or investing in timeless pieces—you can craft a sophisticated, high-end feel on a budget.