Designers swear by these cheap tricks to make the inside & outside of your home look more expensive

If you’ve got a blank wall that you don’t know how to decorate, Jennifer Guerin, interior designer and color expert at JG Color Studio, suggests hanging up these floating shelves. “I love these to hang books and it looks like they are floating in the middle of the wall, which gives a truly unique visual to any room,” she tells Mic.

Each order comes with all the hardware you’ll need in order to hang them up within just a few minutes. And with two finishes to choose from (silver or white), you shouldn’t have any trouble matching them to your current design scheme.

If those previous floating shelves didn’t suit your style, consider opting for this set instead. Not only are they extremely affordable, but the base platforms are also made from rustic paulownia wood topped with eye-catching honeycomb wire. Plus, each shelf can support up to 18 pounds.

If you’re having trouble figuring out why your kitchen or bathroom feels stale, it could be due to bland uniformity. Luckily, hanging up these hand towels is an easy solution, recommended by Guerin. They’re made from premium organic cotton, with small tassels along the hemline for a touch of elegance. But if that isn’t enough, Guerin says that they’re “great quality,” and “add a pop of texture” so you can rest assured that they’re worth the money.

Monochromatic color schemes can leave rooms looking dull, which is where this throw blanket comes in handy. Simply drape it over your couch, bed, or even a chair, and it’ll provide a subtle pop of color to help liven up the space. Guerin also describes it as “cozy and fun” — and with three colors to choose from (dusty rose, pumpkin spice, or smoked pearl), don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to grab more than one.

Always having to buy new candles quickly adds up. Instead, consider upgrading to these LED ones. “When it’s cold outside we love placing these inside a fireplace,” explains Guerin. “Summer? Place in lanterns outside to add ambiance.”

Each order comes with a remote so that you can turn them on/off, adjust their settings, and more — all without having to get up from the couch. And since the bodies are made from real wax rather than plastic, there’s a good chance that guests won’t even notice that they’re LEDs.

Placing a door mat at your front door is a clever way to welcome guests inside. And since the Beatles are known far and wide, there’s a good chance that pretty much everybody who comes to visit will appreciate this door mat. Guerin tells Mic, “Music, especially Beatles fans, you will love this fun way to welcome and part ways with guests.”

Its rubber backing helps keep it from shifting out of place, while the low profile makes it unlikely that it’ll snag on your front door as it swings open. Plus, the 3-D printing is even fade-resistant.

Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest impact — like swapping out the door handles in your home. “Door handles often go overlooked because it seems too complicated to change [...],” explains Catherine Hooper, owner and lead designer of iSPY Home Design. “Whether you like a more traditional knob or a contemporary lever, upgrading the doors throughout your home (including closets) is an absolute game changer.”

With that in mind, these exterior and interior door handles are a solid investment. The reversible lever makes them suitable for use with left- as well as right-handed doors — and a locking mechanism helps keep people out when you’re in need of some privacy. Choose from three finishes: matte black, satin nickel, or polished chrome.

When it comes to upgrading your interior door knobs, take a peek at this sleek round knob. It comes in four finishes (matte black, satin brass, satin nickel, and polished chrome) as well as two base styles: square or round. Plus, installation is so simple that the only tool you’ll need to get the job done within minutes is a screwdriver.

Figuring out how to add storage space to your home without renovating can be tricky. Luckily, Hooper has an easy fix. “Entryway built-ins and large sideboards can be really pricey, but I find a simple basket with a lid can do the trick [...],” she tells Mic. “A little goes a long way here, you don’t want to have so many that your home is covered in baskets!”

Not only is this particular storage basket large enough that you shouldn’t have any trouble getting by with just one or two, but its sturdy metal frame also helps it keep its shape when filled to the brim. The lining detaches for easy cleaning — and a divider in the center helps you keep everything inside organized. Choose from four sizes as well as three colors: natural, gray, or brown.

If lidded storage baskets don’t suit your style, consider taking a look at this one instead. It’s ideal for throw blankets, pillows, toys, or any other small items that wind up scattered across your floors throughout the day. The cotton blend walls are sturdy enough to keep their shape when empty — and you can even fold it down flat for storage if you ever decide you don’t need it.

A dark front or backyard will never look as good as one that’s lit up at night. The solution? “I’d recommend solar-powered garden spotlights to make your yard look more expensive,” explains Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “These lights soak up the sun during the day and then shine on whatever landscaping features you’d like when it starts to get dark out.” Though if you aren’t sure where to install them, Yamaguchi goes on to say that “illuminating things like your water feature or a garden pathway is a great way to make your landscaping look more intriguing and expensive.”

These particular lights feature built-in solar panels that charge throughout the day so that they can stay lit for up to eight hours at night. Installation is also a total breeze — simply press them down into the ground, and they’re ready to go. Choose from three light colors: warm white, blue, or white.

If you’d like to spruce up your indoor or outdoor greenery, consider opting for these garden lights. Their flexible stems allow them to sway in the wind, making them look like twinkling fireflies from a distance — and the heavy base helps keep them from tipping over on gusty evenings.

When in doubt, adding decorative throw pillows to your couch or bed is a simple way to liven things up. “Bright, vibrant throw pillows that add textures and patterns can instantly add life and character to any room,” says Alexis B. Haas, principal designer and co-founder of Bonae Interiors. “Mix and match different textures and patterns for an eclectic look that will instantly create a cozy environment.”

With dozens of shades to choose from, these throw pillow covers make it easier than ever to add color to dull rooms. They’re made from soft corduroy, making them oh-so-snuggle-worthy — and their invisible zippers are unlikely to snag on hair as you snooze.

Soft, breathable, and great for relaxing — there are more than a few reasons why these throw pillow covers have an average rating of 4.7 stars. They’re made from a cotton-linen blend, with a classic stripe pattern that won’t go out of style anytime soon. Their invisible zippers are also unlikely to snag. One reviewer wrote that they “look and feel high quality.”

Now that you’ve chosen some throw pillow covers, it’s time to stuff them with these inserts. Their siliconized fiber filling helps keep them from falling flat — and they come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for covers both large and small. “They are plush, well-filled, and maintain their shape over time,” wrote one reviewer. “The hypoallergenic material is soft and comfortable.”

Renovating your home so that the rooms are bigger can cost thousands of dollars. Thankfully, Haas has a much more affordable solution. “Mirrors can make small rooms feel larger and more open by reflecting light and space,” she explains. “Place a large mirror opposite a window to maximize natural light. Whether you decide between a large floor length mirror in an entry space or a grand accent mirror over a fireplace this added element will elevate any look.”

With that in mind, she likes this mirror, which is an absolute steal at only $50. A kickstand in the back allows it to stand on its own — though you can also lean it against a wall, as well as hang it up. Choose from two finishes: black or gold.

If you prefer a smaller mirrored effect, this wall-mounted mirror is worth a look. It comes in three shapes (round, arched, or rectangular) as well as three finishes: black, gold, or silver. And since the frame is made from rustproof aluminum, there’s no need to worry about it corroding if you choose to hang it in a humid bathroom.

Plants are one of the rare items that are almost guaranteed to look good in any home. “Adding a few indoor plants either faux or real can bring a touch of nature indoors, improving air quality and adding a splash of green to your interior decor,” explains Haas. “This not only enhances your mental and physical health but will also enhance your interior aesthetic by adding natural life into the space to create a livelier appearance.”

But if your thumb is more black than green, don’t fret, as this artificial olive tree requires virtually zero maintenance. The leaves are made from soft polyester-satin, making it look just like the real thing — even up close. And at 6 feet tall, it’s the perfect height to fill up that empty corner in your living room or bedroom.

Window sills, desks, shelves — these faux plants are the perfect size for all sorts of small spaces. They arrive in paper pulp pots, so there’s no need to purchase extra pots in order to get them looking good. But if that isn’t enough, one reviewer wrote, “They look real and fit perfectly with my rustic theme living room. The color is just like in the photos.”

A patio with uncomfortable seating is almost as uninviting as one with no seating. “Invest in comfortable and stylish outdoor seating to create an inviting backyard space,” says Pete Trentacoste, head of design at GoSummer.com. “Look for weather-resistant materials and add cushions and throws for extra comfort.”

This particular set of patio furniture features a rustproof steel frame covered with weather-resistant wicker, ensuring that it’ll stay looking good from season to season. Each chair can hold up to 250 pounds — and they come with seat pads, as well as a table. Choose from five colors.

If your patio furniture could use a comfort-boost, consider taking a look at these cushions. They’re fade-resistant as well as waterproof — so there’s no need to worry about how they’ll fare when left outside all year long. Plus, the memory foam filling is thick, comfortable, as well as oh-so-plush.

Not only is this rug suitable for outdoor use, but its low pile also prevents it from snagging on doors as they swing open. It’s made from a material that’s fray-resistant — and if it ever gets dirty, spraying it down with a hose is all it takes to give it a quick clean. Choose from nine sizes as well as seven colors.

Made from sturdy acacia wood, this Adirondack chair is a definite upgrade from the plastic chairs you may have sitting on your patio. It features a weather-resistant coating to help keep it from developing mildew. Plus, the arms are wide enough to hold drinks and plates, making it easy to relax in comfort.

No backyard or patio is complete without a fire pit — and this one is currently available for less than $65. The solid metal frame can withstand temperatures up to 1,112 degrees Fahrenheit, so there’s no need to worry about how it’ll fare when holding a roaring fire. And if it’s too warm for fire, you can also fill it up with ice and use it as a drink cooler when guests are over.

If you’ve got an open area in your garage that you don’t know how to utilize, Trentacoste has a suggestion — “Transform your garage into a multi-functional space by adding a workbench and organized storage,” he tells Mic. “Pegboards and wall-mounted shelves can keep tools and supplies tidy.”

With that in mind, these pegboards are worth a look. They’re so versatile that you can use them to organize gardening tools, DIY supplies, and everything in between. Plus, the heavy-duty polypropylene frame is weather- as well as impact-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor and indoor use. And if you do decide to add them to your cart, make sure to grab this set of hooks to go with them.

Speaking of functional workspaces, these straps are a clever way to hang up all sorts of awkward items, including extension cables, hoses, leaf blowers, and more. The polypropylene material is so strong that it can easily support up to 50 pounds — and the stainless steel grommet won’t rust over time.

If pegboards don’y suit your workspace, consider opting for these shelves instead. You can arrange as many units next to each other as you like, making it easy to fit them on walls of nearly any size — and many reviewers appreciated how they were “easy to install.” Choose from two shelf colors: brown or black.

You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to give your kitchen a modern refresh. According to Trentacoste, “Swapping out old cabinet hardware for modern, stylish options is an affordable way to refresh your kitchen.” Though if you aren’t sure what sort of finish will look good, he goes on to suggest that you “look for sleek, matte black or brushed gold handles and knobs.”

With that in mind, these cabinet pulls come in seven finishes, including black and gold. The stainless steel metal won’t rust over time. And at less than $30 for 30 of them, you can easily swap out the pulls in your entire kitchen without breaking the bank.

If you’re a fan of cheap ways to makeover a room, search no further than this expert suggestion: “One of the simplest and most impactful ways to elevate a living room is by painting an accent wall,” explains Trentacoste. He adds, “A bold, rich color or a sophisticated wallpaper can create a focal point that makes the space feel more luxurious.”

This particular wallpaper features an adhesive backing, so there’s no need to deal with any messy glues when putting it up. It’s made from water-resistant vinyl, making it suitable even for humid bathrooms — and the repeating pattern makes it easy to install seamlessly.

If wallpaper doesn’t suit the room you’re looking to refresh, don’t worry — this bucket of paint is another solid pick. It comes in dozens of colors, including chic black, lavender, light blue, and more. You also have the choice of four different finishes: eggshell, flat, satin, or semi-gloss.

Sometimes the best decorations are the ones you least expect — and that goes double for wooden bowls. “I love adding a vintage/natural wood bowl/platter filled with fresh fruits or veggies (such as lemons, pears, or artichokes) to a kitchen island or dining table,” explains Kassi Pelley, managing partner and interior designer at Wolff House. “This adds an organic luxury feel to these spaces, and brings in some color and texture.”

Not only is this bowl made from fir root wood, but it also features natural knots, cracks, and gaps, guaranteeing that no two bowls are alike. It works just as well for serving charcuterie as it does as the base to a stunning table centerpiece. One reviewer wrote, “I bought this dish to use on my countertop for tomatoes and other veggies. It’s very pretty and works perfectly for my needs.”

If you don’t have anything to fill your bowl or vase decor with, then these faux lemons and limes are worth a look. They require zero maintenance, so there’s no need to worry about them rotting if you happen to forget about them for months on end. Plus, their shiny, coarse surface gives them an incredibly realistic look — even up close.

The plastic bottles your cooking oils come in look all right sitting out on your counters — though Pelley has a suggestion that’ll make them look oh-so-elegant. “Replace your oil and vinegar bottles with a chic countertop set,” she tells Mic. “Not only does this add style to your kitchen, but it's also a functional swap to have these in arm's reach while you're cooking.”

Not only are these dispenser bottles made from sleek glass, but each order also includes 38 pre-printed labels to give them an upscale, professional look. They work just as well with olive oil as they do with soy sauce. Plus, the spouts come in three finishes: black, silver, or gold.

You don’t necessarily need to buy new decorations to get your home looking good. Instead, try repurposing books that are readily available — like cookbooks. “Display a beautiful cookbook on a stand next to your cooktop,” advises Pelley. “This is a simple trick that makes kitchens feel welcoming and styled, and also might inspire you to try new recipes!”

At less than $15, this stand is perfect for anyone with an ultra-strict budget. It’s small enough to stash away inside of a drawer when not in use — and it works just as well holding tablets as it does books. Plus, the base can be adjusted to fit books of nearly any thickness.

If you don’t have a cookbook to put out on display, this one written by Snoop Dogg is sure to spark conversation whenever guests are over. And when you decide to give it a read, it’s filled with 50 recipes that are relatively easy (and delicious) to make, including baked macaroni and cheese, shrimp po’ boys, as well as the oh-so-classic fried bologna sandwiches with chips.

Not only are throw blankets great for snuggling, but they can also be used to create a warm, inviting ambiance in stale homes. According to Pelley, “Casually draping a lightweight linen or cotton throw over couches, chairs, and ottomans is a failsafe way to add a layered feel to your home, and quickly creates a cozy and stylish vibe.”

This particular throw blanket is made from woven BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) cotton, with a classic stripe pattern that won’t go out of style anytime soon. Tassels on both ends make it look more expensive than it is. And unlike some blankets, this one is just thick enough to keep you warm in the winter, yet lightweight enough that it won’t leave you sweating when warmer weather arrives.

Art doesn’t have to be big in order to make an impact. For example, Pelley advises to “hang a small piece of artwork in your bathrooms above the toilet,” adding, “This adds a more curated feel to your home, and helps pull a bathroom together.”

With that in mind, this canvas print arrives already framed, making it ready to hang right out of the box. It comes in a variety of styles – all of which are designed look like vintage newspaper articles — and many reviewers appreciated how the printing looks “high quality.”

Tidying up your home doesn’t mean that you have to buy a bunch of unsightly organizers in order to get the job done. “As a professional organizer, I prioritize functionality and aesthetics,” explains Christian Pfeiffer, professional organizer, design expert, and founder of Valley Organizing. “One great option is the Gladiator GearTrack system, perfect for hanging items like ladders, tools, sports equipment, and even extension cords in the garage.”

Each one of its five hooks can support up to 25 pounds, for a total of 125 pounds across the entire track. It’s so versatile that you can use it to hold gardening tools, sports equipment, and everything in between.

If pegboards or track organizers don’t suit your home, a slatwall may be the solution you’re looking for. “For a broader range of sleek hanging solutions, consider installing a slatwall,” explains Pfeiffer. “It's easy to install, cost-effective, and an excellent way to keep everything off the ground and neatly hung on the wall.”

Not only can this slatwall support up to 75 pounds per square foot, but you can also cut the panels so that they fit around doors, windows, and outlets. It’s made from durable PVC that’s fade-, crack-, and UV-resistant, as well as waterproof.

Now that you’ve added that slatwall to your cart, it’s time to complete the order with these hooks. They’re made from tough steel, with a grippy rubber coating to help keep items from sliding off — and each one is so strong that it can easily support up to 70 pounds.