We’re home experts – 7 ways to make your house look expensive & IKEA is your best friend
YOU don't need to spend big to have your dream home – with the right tools, you can fake it til you make it.
Or, better yet, just keep faking it and see the savings pile up.
As the home experts at Lifehacker explained, thoughtful decor choices can and expensive.
No one but you will know your decor was cheap – even when you fake one high-end home feature with a little help from affordable IKEA products.
IKEA IDEAS
Built-in bookshelves are a drool-inducing feature for many homeowners.
Unfortunately, they're a major expense, and building shelves that are custom-fit to your space is a lot of hassle.
"Fortunately, there are ways to can hack IKEA bookcases to look like they were custom-made to fit your wall," the pros at Lifehacker wrote.
The trick is , like the popular shelves from the Billy collection, and painting the wall behind them to match.
Then, use fiberboard or plywood to close gaps between the shelves, and finish things off with trim – no one will be able to tell your bookcases were a cheap IKEA find.
SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL
Choosing the right color scheme also goes a long way in making your house look classy and expensive.
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"If you think about high end spots like Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel, their websites, stores, and social media accounts often feature a neutral base for large furniture pieces and rugs," the experts explained.
You can use "white, off-white, cream, taupe, beige, grey, or greige" as your base colors for the living room or bedroom.
Then, add pops of color to accentuate your favorite parts of the room, like bright pillows and interesting knick-knacks.
HANDLE IT
The cheapest way to update your space? Adding new hardware.
Drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and towel bars are inexpensive and easy to install. You shouldn't need anything beyond a screwdriver.
"Remove old-fashioned or greenish-hued hardware and replace it with sleek, contemporary options," the experts said
REFLECT ON THINGS
A small, dark room needs a mirror. Maybe two.
"Not only do they make a room look bigger, they amplify light, giving the room a brighter, airy feel," the Lifehacker experts explained.
An inexpensive mirror from HomeGoods or Target can make your space seem instantly bigger and brighter.
You can even position mirrors across from each other, or from windows, to increase the light in a room.
Try a combination of hanging and standing mirrors throughout your home.
LIGHTEN UP
You can swap your existing light fixtures for more modern ones for a surprisingly low investment, the pros said.
Play with standing lamps, desk or table lamps, and overhead fixtures to create a unique look that's all your own.
"Install oversized pendant lights over kitchen islands or dining areas and sconces on either side of your bed," the pros advised.
Remember, too, that soft lights are the way to go, not harsh ones: "Use warm lightbulbs and dimmer switches wherever possible," the experts added.
KEEP IT TRIM
Does your home already have molding? This often-overlooked upgrade can have a huge impact on your space.
"Molding adds a subtle, refined sophistication to any space," the experts wrote.
You can experiment here, trying crown molding, wainscoting, or simple picture framing out in your space.
In any case, molding "can transform a room from ho-hum to high-end at relatively minimal cost."
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Increase your home's curb appeal, and impress guests before they walk in, by repainting your front door.
This is a particularly crucial change if you're trying to sell your home. Cleaning up the entryway can make a huge difference.
"Turn your attention to the handle and doorway light fixtures," the experts advised. "Are they weather-worn with black spots?"
If so, replace them, and make sure your porch's flower pots, seating, and welcome mat are tidy, too.
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If you're at a loss as to which color to paint your door, keep things looking sharp with an elevated classic.
"Black looks the richest and most sophisticated," the experts wrote.