Contractors swear by these cheap, bougie things with near-perfect Amazon reviews

Matt Marovich, partner at Alair Casey Key home builders, says that switching to screwless wall plate covers is a quick, low-cost upgrade that instantly makes a home feel more polished: “It’s a small detail, but in high-end homes, clean lines and seamless finishes matter — and this trick gives you that look without touching the drywall.” These are made from unbreakable thermoplastic and come in nine color options for plenty of customization.

• Available styles: 9

According to Kevin Vander Hyde (vice president of Vander Hyde Services), as long as you remember to turn off the water first, “Installing a new kitchen faucet is often much easier than people anticipate. Most modern faucets are designed for straightforward installation, and there are plenty of online tutorials.” Compatible with both one- and three-hole sinks, this steel faucet has a modern high-arc design, a drip-free ceramic cartridge, and a convenient pull-down head with three spray settings.

• Available styles: 10

“I had this client who thought they needed a full bathroom reno, but all we did was replace the mirror with one that had built-in lighting [...] and suddenly the whole room looked cleaner,” said Francisco Fuenmayor, handyman home improvement expert at LocalProBook. This LED bathroom mirror is fog-resistant with a stepless dimmer and three color temperature settings. The double-border effect that the lighting creates looks incredibly sleek and modern, too.

“One small touch I’ve seen in high-end homes is dimmable under-cabinet lighting — it instantly makes the kitchen or hallway feel premium,” said Francisco Fuenmayor, handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook. “You don’t need custom wiring; just grab a stick-on LED kit with a remote and you’ve got the same cozy vibe in under 30 minutes."

• Available styles: 2

If you’d prefer a totally cordless look, another way to channel handyman Francisco Fuenmayor’s advice is with these rechargeable under-cabinet lights. They give the same premium feel without any wires whatsoever. These lights come with magnetic brackets, so you can easily detach them and recharge them on the included power station. They’re also dimmable with three color temperatures and a remote control for customization.

• Available styles: 4

“Peel-and-stick backsplash tiles scare people, but they’re incredibly forgiving and beginner-friendly,” said Francisco Fuenmayor, handyman and home improvement expert at LocalProBook. “Just take your time with measuring and you’ll get a result that looks like you hired a pro.” These sheets look like thin marble tiles in your choice of 12 colors, but they’re actually made from waterproof, heat-resistant PVC that’s easy to cut, clean, and maintain.

• Available styles: 12

For a vintage-glam vibe in your kitchen, bathroom, or home bar, these peel-and-stick backsplash tiles have a mosaic design that comes in your choice of rose gold or Champagne. They’re made from brushed aluminum that you can cut with scissors or a utility knife, and according to reviewers, the adhesive backing is durable yet renter friendly.

• Available styles: 2

Danny Niemela, professional home remodeler, designer, and co-owner at ArDan Construction, hates mismatched outlet covers and recommends replacing them with a matte black or brushed nickel finish. “If the plates match the fixtures and the walls are clean, it pulls the whole room together. You see it in every luxury spec home,” he explains. These matte-black outlet covers are made from metal with a bougie beveled edge that makes for an instant upgrade.

• Available styles: 3

According to Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, “Quality window treatments don't have to be expensive, and they can add a lot of beauty and functionality to a space.” Made from a linen-blend fabric, these semi-sheer curtains have an expensive-looking texture that filters light while providing privacy. They’re also machine washable and wrinkle resistant for a welcome practical touch.

• Available styles: 22

“Traditional curtains, especially with two layers of different thickness, are a great option,” says Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes. These double-layer curtains have both blackout panels to block light, sound, and heat loss, and sheer panels on top for an airy, filtered effect. Draw either layer closed or tie them open depending on the time of day and your desired aesthetic.

• Available styles: 11

To achieve the double-curtain look Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, likes on your own, opt for this double curtain rod, which lets you hang two sets simultaneously — a heavy set for privacy and darkness, and a sheer set for a light, airy aesthetic. It’s made from metal to support up to 30 pounds and it comes in your choice of four finishes. Plus, the decorative hardware adds a polished, expensive-looking touch.

• Available styles: 4

Following the advice of Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes, if you prefer to go even more traditional (or cottagecore and sweet) with your window treatments, these crochet curtains have an overall 4.7-star rating on Amazon. One reviewer described them as “absolutely stunning,” noting that their “vintage touch makes the room feel warm and inviting.” The cotton-blend weave is semi-sheer with tassels around the trim, and the sleeve-style pocket is compatible with most curtain rods.

• Available styles: 12

“Entry-level smart switches like Lutron Caseta let you control lighting from your phone without a full home automation setup,” says Matt Marovich, partner at Alair Casey Key home builders. “It’s the kind of change clients notice, even if they can’t quite put their finger on why the space feels better.” This switch connects to multiple bulbs at once so you can dim, automate, and control lighting with your voice via compatible virtual assistants like Alexa and Apple Home. (A Lutron Smart Hub is required.)

• Available styles: 4

The owner of Honey-Doers, Rick Berres, loves how updated homes have “new, shiny, matching hardware” — and it’s “super easy to bring that look into your existing home,” he says. These best-selling cabinet pulls have a 4.7-star rating from more than 36,000 reviewers because they’re affordable, modern, and well-made. Made from stainless steel with included screws for installation, they come in your choice of eight color options.

• Available styles: 8

Stylish handles are “a fairly cheap way of elevating your kitchen and making it look new and shiny,” says Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers. These cabinet and drawer pulls make a bold statement with their long, elegant design and brass finish. Since they’re made from zinc alloy, they’re durable and corrosion resistant, too.

• Available styles: 16

"I would say a smart plug is the gateway [...] to smart home convenience,” says Danny Niemela, professional home remodeler, designer, and co-owner at ArDan Construction. This Amazon smart plug lets you “turn lamps or fans on from your phone, no wiring needed,” he explains. Plus, it syncs to your Alexa so you can set timers, control gadgets, and start appliances with your voice.

“You'd be surprised how much of a difference it makes to simply declutter your space,” says Gala Magriñá, holistic interior designer and principal at Gala Magriñá Design. “A home office or workspace tends to be the biggest pain point for most,” she notes, and as a fix Magriñá recommends this stackable accessory tray from Poppin. It holds pens, paper, devices, and more in its versatile, drawer-friendly design.

• Available styles: 6

“I’ll also recommend a file cabinet or pull-out drawers to keep daily essentials within reach while the desktop remains clutter-free and functional,” says Gala Magriñá, holistic interior designer and principal at Gala Magriñá Design. For workspaces with minimal storage, these under-desk drawers stick to most surfaces with included adhesive strips and create extra space for office supplies, devices, and documents.

• Available styles: 4

“Clutter represents old, moving baggage that no longer serves us and 'takes up space' physically and psychologically, whereas a clear, intentional home invites peace, clarity, and productivity,” says Gala Magriñá, holistic interior designer and principal at Gala Magriñá Design. These holder cups have a modern acrylic design that turns your pens, toothbrushes, and makeup brushes into stylish decor.

• Available styles: 3

“Soft-close hardware is a luxury worth springing for,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes. “It's just night and day in terms of the quality of experience you can get, even out of cheap particle board cabinets.” These soft-close hinges are made from nickel and come in a pack of eight with the screws you’ll need for easy installation on cabinet face frames.

• Available styles: 3

“Light fixture upgrades deliver remarkable bang for your buck,” says Kevin Vander Hyde, vice president of Vander Hyde Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This modern light sits semi-flush against your ceiling to replace an outdated fixture, but it has a four-bulb design to offer plenty of light and a geometrical shape with a matte-black metal finish for an industrial farmhouse feel.

• Available styles: 2

“Even budget-friendly modern fixtures can instantly update a room’s entire aesthetic,” said Kevin Vander Hyde, vice president of Vander Hyde Services. Thanks to its acrylic shade and white-and-gold-tone base, this mid-century modern fixture offers a fresh take on outdated dome lights. It’s also dimmable with five different color temperatures, so you can customize your lighting.

• Available styles: 2

For bathroom vanities, this three-light wall sconce upgrades the space for a great price and without a ton of installation time, according to reviewers. Plus, it definitely helps make good on the advice from Kevin Vander Hyde, vice president of Vander Hyde Services, to opt for modern lighting. The base is made from solid metal in your choice of black or nickel, the E26 sockets are compatible with a variety of bulb styles (including dimmable), and the clear glass shades maximize light output while creating a clean, modern aesthetic.

• Available styles: 6

For a simple but impactful project, Julian Thomas (Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert) recommends this set of floating shelves, which has a rustic wooden design and a metal bracket that can support up to 22 pounds. “People think you need a contractor or some next-level tool setup to install them, but with a stud finder, a level, and the right anchors, it’s an easy DIY. The key is taking your time during the measuring phase,” he explains.

• Available styles: 6

According to Francisco Fuenmayor, home improvement expert at LocalProBook, stick-on door seals for drafty rooms are another quick, cheap upgrade that makes a big difference. “Not fancy, but your toes will thank you in winter,” he explains. This one is made from thick, insulating silicone with an ultra-strong adhesive that clings to most surfaces. Plus, you can cut it to size for a custom-like fit.

• Available styles: 3

“Some of the best home upgrades I’ve done were also the cheapest,” says Julian Thomas, Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert. “You’d be shocked what a $20 pack of modern brass pulls can do for a basic IKEA dresser” — and this expert-recommended set is made from solid brass with a brushed-gold finish and fluted edges, all of which give your furniture a high-end feel.

Gala Magriñá (holistic interior designer and principal at Gala Magriñá Design) also likes to decorate desks with personal, meaningful photos as a “daily reminder to show up as your best self. In this way, you’re also using your workspace to reinforce a positive mindset.” Since they’re made from clear, UV-resistant acrylic, these block picture frames go with any color scheme and protect your favorite memories from fading (literally and figuratively).

“One detail I see in high-end homes all the time is strategic mood lighting. It’s especially impactful when layered — picture lights, sconces, and warm under-cabinet strips,” says Command brand partner and DIY/home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas. Since they’re rechargeable and remote-controlled with three color temperatures, these picture lights let you highlight your favorite decor and add customized lighting anywhere — without any electrical wiring.

• Available styles: 3

“One of my go-to recommendations is the Philips Hue Smart Lighting System,” says Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas. These bulbs and hubs let you “add color and ambiance to white walls — without ever picking up a paintbrush. It’s one of my favorite home lighting hacks and instantly makes any room feel more designed, modern, and expensive.”

According to Julian Thomas, Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert, “Small lighting moments instantly add depth, drama, and intention to a space — without requiring a full remodel.” Like most picture lights, this one has a long light bar that highlights your artwork for a dramatic effect. Unlike most picture lights, it’s rechargeable for wire-free use, and you can set timers, adjust the brightness, and change the color temperature.

• Available styles: 4

Following Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas’ love of thoughtful lighting, these wall sconces come in a set of two, so you can install them on either side of a bed, fireplace, bookshelf, or bathroom vanity. Best of all, while they look hardwired, they actually have a rechargeable magnetic bulb that lasts for up to 60 hours — and you can personalize the color, temperature, and brightness. They come available in brass, black, or nickel finishes.

• Available styles: 8

"If you’re not ready to commit to a drill,” Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas notes, you can try this picture ledge, which helps you display photos, artwork, and books in record time. The adhesive strips support up to 5 pounds — but since they’re designed to come off clean without any residue, they’re damage-free and renter-friendly upgrades.

• Available styles: 2

For bigger decor items, these floating display ledges are “lightweight, modern, and renter friendly — perfect for displaying books, keys, or tiny plants without damaging your walls,” says Julian Thomas, Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert. They also mount to the wall using adhesive strips, which are strong enough to support up to 2 pounds each, but designed to come off without a trace.

• Available styles: 2

According to Francisco Fuenmayor (handyman home improvement expert at LocalProBook), re-caulking a tub or sink is so much easier than it looks: “Once you learn to smooth it with a damp finger, it’s oddly satisfying,” he notes. This silicone caulk dries in 30 minutes and is designed to create a weatherproof, shrink-resistant seal on most surfaces, including ceramic, porcelain, glass, and drywall.

"Weatherstripping tape for windows and doors is another sleeper hit,” explains Danny Niemela, professional home remodeler and co-owner at ArDan Construction. “For $15, you cut drafts, save on utility bills, and make a home feel tighter and newer overnight.” This particular roll has an average 4.5-star rating from over 5,000 reviewers because it’s made from high-density foam with a self-adhesive backing, making it super easy to stick in place.

If your home has rusty air vents, simply “spray them matte white and they disappear,” according to Francisco Fuenmayor, handyman home improvement expert at LocalProBook. This ultra-matte spray paint has a chip-resistant, oil-based formula that sticks to just about any surface, including metal, wood, plastic, masonry, plaster, and unglazed ceramic — so while you’re at it, you can also transform that old vase, chair, desk, countertop, or light fixture.

• Available styles: 40+

According to Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers, “Any painting is something you can do yourself,” including your kitchen cabinets, and the first step is stripping the color and sanding them down. This stripping gel is designed to remove up to five layers of latex- and oil-based paint in 24 hours and without harsh fumes. “It’s taking the paint off my cabinets like it’s nothing,” one reviewer raved.

Next, paint your cabinets a new color that’s “modern and fresh,” says Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers, adding, “It’s fun and it gives your space a whole new face.” This cabinet makeover kit comes in 11 timeless yet trendy colors, and it has over 11,400 five-star ratings. It includes rollers, a brush, and a water-based satin paint (enough for 100 square feet) that adheres to most surfaces without chipping or the need for topcoats.

• Available styles: 11

Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, says that metallic accents (like these framed mirrors) are “one of the big details I tend to see in high-end homes” — and they’re “pretty easy to incorporate.” These gold-tone mirrors might be small, lightweight, and simple to hang, but they make a big statement thanks to their mid-century modern sunburst design.

• Available styles: 5

Since metallic accents go a long way, high-end homes often incorporate these refined touches without going overboard, according Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy. For instance, a metal tissue box cover transforms a busy cardboard box into a sleek accent that matches your fixtures, making it a functional piece of decor that won’t clutter up your surfaces.

• Available styles: 11

Echoing CEO of Improovy Carr Lanphier’s appreciation for sophisticated metal accents, these apothecary jars also double as functional decor, since they hold bathroom essentials like Q-tips, cotton balls, bath salts, toothpicks, or hair ties. The glass jars have an 8-ounce capacity, while the stainless steel lids enhance your space with a gold-tone finish and vintage spherical knobs.

• Available styles: 7

Without much cost or effort, “adding some metallic accents in your decor [...] can really help elevate a space,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy. This gold hand decor is wall art, a unique sculpture, and a functional vase all in one. Made from resin, it comes with a secure mounting system and a glass test tube to hold flowers or plant clippings.

• Available styles: 11

“I really recommend wallpaper as something that can make a big difference in your home’s decor without costing much or being too much of a hassle,” says CEO of Improovy Carr Lanphier — and this floral wallpaper ties in metallic accents with its gold-leaf design. The peel-and-stick backing doesn’t require glue or tape, and it’s removable for renters.

• Available styles: 14

According to Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy, wallpaper makes it easy to “liven things up with some color and pattern” — and this single-day project shouldn’t cost you more than a few dollars. Grab this gold geometric wallpaper for an incredible price and use it to transform accent walls, furniture, and backsplashes with its peel-and-stick design.

• Available styles: 3

If you’re not up for re-doing a full wall, “you can pretty easily and painlessly add a wallpaper border,” says Carr Lanphier, CEO of Improovy. This peel-and-stick border looks like woodgrain, but it’s actually made from self-adhesive PVC. As a result, you can use it to add trim, create a frame for borderless mirrors, make a chair rail, or recolor accents around your home.

If you second CEO of Improovy Carr Lanphier’s, appreciation for wallpaper, window film also adds privacy while giving your glass an expensive, custom-made vibe. This roll clings to your windows and doors using static, so it’s damage-free and easy to remove without residue. Its frosted crosshatch design also blocks out UVA and UVB rays to prevent your upholstery from fading and better preserve the temperature inside your home.

• Available styles: 2

“I think paint is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest to fix,” said Rick Berres, owner of Honey-Doers, meaning you’re not locked into a past design choice you regret. “If you decided that a teal and orange bedroom would be a good idea, it’s easy to fix that,” Berres explains. A bestseller with an average 4.6-star rating, Rust-Oleum’s Bulls Eye primer is designed to hide dark colors, seal and block stains, and bond to any surface without sanding. That way, you can transform any wall into a blank canvas and start over fresh.

“One of my biggest pet peeves in any home is messy, protruding cords and cables,” says Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas, who recommends these cord bundlers. With an adhesive backing and a flexible silicone strap, they’re “perfect for hiding thicker cables behind TVs, desks, and nightstands” — or you can stick them to the backs of appliances to minimize countertop cord clutter.

“I'm honestly shocked at how many scratched floors I run into in my work when the solution for this is so simple,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design and Build. “Just put felt pads on the bottom of your furniture.” This 162-piece set comes with self-adhesive pads in four different sizes, so you can safeguard all the floors in your home for under $10.

“Even in the most beautifully designed space, tangled wires can instantly make it feel cluttered and unfinished,” explains Julian Thomas, Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert. Luckily, you can use these picture hanging strips to mount the power strip itself and streamline things. Thanks to their double-sided, heavy-duty adhesive, each one can support up to 20 pounds. When you pull down on the tab, they’re designed to release without damage, so you can redecorate whenever inspiration strikes.

According to Command brand partner and DIY and home lifestyle expert Julian Thomas, these round cord clips “keep cords running neatly along the wall without creating visual noise.” Since they’re transparent, sturdy, and damage resistant, they’re a great way to hang string lights or direct cables to their outlets in a discreet, orderly way.