Designers swear by these weird hacks that make your home way bougier

Dusti Jones, founder and principal designer of Dusti J Design, says, “A simple way to make your home feel more bougie is [to] eliminate the clutter of everyday life. Creating hidden homes for the everyday items like cords, extra toilet paper rolls, or remote controls, by having a designated tray or even a closed decorative box or even a box that looks like a book, elevates the space and decreases the visual clutter.” This set of two linen storage books does just that — acts as a hidden home for pretty much anything you can fit inside. With 10 color options to choose from, they really mimic the look of actual (expensive) coffee table books while the hidden magnetic closures keep everything inside securely tucked out of sight.

Don’t neglect the exterior of your home — it has potential. “Adding small lighting elements around the perimeter of your property, deck, or pool cage is a wonderful way to visually expand your space after the sun sets,” says Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. “These little solar lights can mount onto your fence or sit directly on railings. They automatically come on at dusk and provide just enough light to illuminate the surrounding area without glaring or feeling like someone turned ‘the big lights’ on.” The lights give off a subtle starburst effect and you can choose between a colorful glow or warm white illumination.

“We all hate TV cords, they look bad when you have a mounted flat-screen TV,” notes Amy Kunst, interior designer at Designed Curated. The fix? “Get painted cover tracks [that] are easy to install and use right away.” For a chic upgrade you can make in under a minute, quickly hide your loose cables and wires inside these slim channels without ever having to cut into the wall. Available in six colors and five sizes, each channel can hold several wires and cords while the peel-and-stick backing makes installation a breeze.

To keep things looking elegant, interior designer Nancy Dow of Sierra Living Concepts, recommends using “creative containers” for items you regularly use. This compact organizer has a swirly design that almost looks like modern art, and is perfect for keeping pens, makeup brushes, and other small supplies from spreading across your space. Its divided compartments give everyday essentials a clear home, while the stable base helps it stay upright when fully loaded.

“Cheap, white, plastic light switch covers and plug sockets are a dead giveaway of a budget room,” says Wendy Morrison of Wendy Morrison Design, adding, “The devil really is in the detail when it comes to high-end design, so swapping these out for heavy brass, aged metal, or toggle switches adds a subtle, tactile touch of luxury each time they’re used.” This metal wall plate comes in 13 elevated finishes including antique bronze, rose gold, and matte black. The metal construction feels sturdier, resists heat and corrosion, and looks much more elevated than your standard white plastic plates. “It’s a simple swap, but it makes a big difference to the feel of a room,” Morrison adds.

Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, says, “Multiple lights at various levels are one of the quickest methods of making a room look more expensive.” She advises investing in a “sculptural lamp” to “lend a sense of luxury without requiring a rewiring job.” This table lamp is a great option, combining wide, wavy pleats with a squiggly base. Available in six colors, the fabric shade keeps the light warm and inviting, while the metal base gives it a clean, modern look.

“Your doorbell chime box is one of those details that many people don't ever think about (or even realize exists), but updating this can make your home feel more high-end,” suggests Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. This wooden chime cover hides a bulky or worn-looking doorbell chime to make it blend in like wall decor. Black fabric hides the hardware inside, while the simple wood design feels much more polished than a basic plastic box.

Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design, says, “Bringing color into spaces adds a level of risk and can make the home feel extra cozy.” You can do just that in literal seconds when you unbox this 12-piece set of glass bud vases. With 10 colorful options to choose from, the various shapes and embossed details make for an eye-catching moment no matter where you place them. Arrange them together or scattered throughout your space and fill them with your favorite single-stem florals (real or fake) for a personalized touch.

Per the advice of interior designer Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design, you can go a bit more bold on your quest for color when you opt for this set of two flameless pillar candles. Available in seven chic colorways including bright pink, the real wax coating and flickering faux flames give them a pretty, realistic look, while the remote lets you adjust brightness and set an automatic timer from across the room.

Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, says that an expensive-looking room often comes down to layered lighting. This LED night-light is a chic way to achieve warm illumination, and, per Dow’s advice, it doesn’t require you to rewire anything. The fabric shade softens the amber light, and the copper-tone base makes it look more like decor than a basic night-light. A built-in sensor turns it on in the dark and switches it off again with the morning’s light, while the dimmer lets you choose your the light intensity, too.

“One trick luxury hotels never miss out on is using carefully chosen room scents,” says Crystal Olenbush, realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist at AustinReal Estate.com. She adds, “It makes perfect sense to do the same at home since rooms dominated by wood, leather, and brass lend themselves to warmer smells such as cedarwood and sandalwood, while rooms containing linen, stone, and white oak look good with fig, bergamot, or green tea scents.” This reed diffuser set comes in more than 50 fragrances, so you can find one to suit your decor perfectly, whether it’s light and fresh or dark and moody. The preserved flowers make the bottle feel like decor, while the cotton reeds slowly release fragrance for weeks.

“In any beautiful space, cords that are easily seen are an eyesore, even if the furniture and decor are beautiful, “ says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. But thankfully, there’s a relatively simple solution. She explains, “The visual mess can be minimized with simple cable management boxes, cord covers, and adhesive clips, making a room look more thoughtfully designed.” This cable management box has strategic openings for routing cables, while the acacia design gives it a natural, upmarket appearance.

“Nothing says bougie like a standout conversation piece. As an interior designer, I am always drawn to pieces with interesting details that feel unique and rare... but when an item is also functional, that's when it really captures my eye,” says Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. In line with that, this ornate toilet paper holder combines form and function beautifully. The bird and branch design gives it a playful, vintage-inspired touch, while the rust-resistant metal construction is made to handle humid bathrooms.

Alina Enache, registered architect and co-founder of Lamp Genius, says, “I recommend using LED strip lights either hidden behind coving in the ceiling, behind televisions, or hidden in shelves.” This, she explains, “creates a warm hidden glow and can really create a luxurious feel to the interior.” This 20-foot LED strip light does the trick and provides cozy, sophisticated illumination in any room. The twist of a simple knob lets you dim the brightness ranging from soft and cozy to fully lit. It’s super easy to install with the peel-and-stick backing, and even has a memory function that saves your last setting, too.

In keeping with the advice of Dusti Jones, interior designer at Dusti J Design, stash spare toilet paper rolls inside this slim fabric organizer instead of stacking bulky packages on the bathroom floor. A bamboo lid keeps dust away, while the side window lets you see when supplies are running low. Built-in handles make it easy to move, and nonslip feet help keep it steady and dry. Choose from four colors to suit your decor.

For a chic upgrade you can make in under a minute, Amy Kunst, interior designer at Designed Curated, says, “Take your cheap pump bottle of soap in your bathroom and put it in a glass dispenser with a stainless steel pump,” like this rectangular one available in eight chic colors. It holds up to 12 ounces of your favorite soap or lotion and is easy to refill, too. In making this simple swap, You’ll instantly go “from generic bathroom sink to fancy spa,” Kunst says.

Alina Enache, registered architect and co-founder of Lamp Genius, says, “Relying on a single overhead light in a room makes the space feel stark and unwelcoming, which is why you should always use multiple light sources.” She adds, “I always recommend using portable light sources, such as table lamps and floor lamps, spread throughout the space. This will create a warmer, low-glare environment, which is perfect for creating a welcoming room.” This battery-operated glass lamp looks way more expensive than it is, and instantly elevates any space, adding a warm glow — no outlet needed. Its portable, battery-powered design means you can place it in any dark corner, while the colored glass makes it decorative even when switched off.

Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, recommends cable management solutions to hide the eyesore of power cables and this slim cable management system fits the bill. Mount it beneath your desk or behind your entertainment center to gather all your long or dangling power cords in one tidy, organized spot. The open design makes it easy to add or remove wires whenever you need to, while the strong adhesive means there is no drilling required.

Add an element of decor while creating an extra catchall-type storage solution with this colorful woven cotton basket. Perfect for incorporating color (per the advice of interior designer Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design), it has a fitted lid that hides all its contents while the soft pumpkin-inspired shape and colorful pom-poms make it feel fun and intentional. At just about 10 inches wide, you can place it pretty much anywhere.

Don’t just set a lamp in place and call it a day. Alina Enache, registered architect and co-founder of Lamp Genius, says, “I recommend using wall lights either with a shade or a style that projects up, down, or both. [...] You can also find battery-operated wall lights if you do not have existing electrical points in your wall.” These battery-operated wall sconces are super convenient since you don’t need to wire them in, and you can mount them pretty much anywhere you want some extra light. The magnetic lamps lift off their bases for easy charging, and endless customization options include color, intensity, and even a handy timer function.

Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, says that, “Adding layers of materials like linen-look curtains, textured cushions, woven baskets, and soft throws can add richness and sophistication to a room.” This set of semi-sheer linen curtain panels does just that. Available in 30 colors and 47 sizes, you can achieve an almost-custom look with minimal effort. The open linen weave delivers light and airy vibes that expand the feel of your room. Dow says, “A room with a diverse range of complementary textures tends to be more well-considered than a room that is all about color.”

Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design recommends finding a home for your remote controls as one way to decrease visual clutter, and this chic wooden holder is a beautiful way to do so. Available in six finishes, it keeps your remotes together and easy to grab without taking up much surface space, so you can stop searching between couch cushions. The warm wood construction feels nicer than plastic, and the internal dividers keep remotes upright and easy to grab.

A top lighting tip from a pro? “Use smart light bulbs in all of your light fittings,” advises Alina Enache, registered architect and co-founder of Lamp Genius. “This means you can set lighting levels from an app, control color temperatures, and create pre-saved lighting scenes depending on the time of year when you may require more light at certain times of the day.” This smart LED light bulb allows you to adjust the color, warmth, and brightness from your phone phone or even with a simple voice command when linked to Alexa or a Google assistant. You can even create schedules and use funky features like the gradual wake-up setting to gently wake up in the mornings without a blaring alarm.

“Rugs also can bring in color and pattern, also will soften the noise of the space,” notes interior designer Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design. “Just don't forget to bring in a rug that is large enough for the space.” This area rug comes in over 24 prints and 50 sizes to choose from, so you can find one that’s big enough for the area you’re decorating. The vintage-inspired pattern adds color and character, complete with a low-pile surface that keeps things clean and easy to vacuum. It even has a water-repellent finish, too, and smaller sizes fit in your standard washing machine.

In line with the decluttering advice from Dusti Jones of Dusti J Design, make it a new habit to place all your corded chargers inside this clear organizer. The divided slots keep cords separated without requiring twist ties, while the transparent design makes it easy to spot what you need. A fitted lid helps block dust, and the larger sections can hold bulkier items like charging bricks or earbud cases too.

Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design, says, “This one might sound boring, but updating and coordinating the hinges creates understated luxury. Whether the style is modern minimalist or vintage and eclectic, it's a subtle and often overlooked detail that feels finished.” This vintage-inspired door hinge comes in seven finishes and has some seriously underestimated impact when swapped with your basic, run-of-the-mill hinge. It comes with included screws for easy installation and is one of those super easy upgrades you’ll end up doing in each room of the house, whether you opt for an antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, or satin nickel finish.

Angela Carder, owner of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design, says, “All designers love lighting in general, but homeowners tend to hesitate to use interesting lighting, especially in the less prominent areas.” She advices creating a “standout moment,” even in a hallway, with a unique flush-mount chandelier. This semi flush-mount ceiling light instantly brightens any space, since the flower-inspired shades spread light in every direction, while three bulbs light up the rest of the room. The shape is elegant and organic, creating intentional style wherever you place it.

Angela Carder, owner of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design, says, “For those who can't maintain real trees indoors (guilty), we would absolutely rather you have an outstanding faux tree than a dead one, or worse, no greenery at all! The trick to this is finding the good ones.” This faux golden cane palm tree adds height, color, and a relaxed tropical vibe without you worrying about having to keep it alive. Its two trunks and full leafy branches create the look of a real plant, and it even has bendable stems so you can adjust the shape. Choose from heights from 3 feet all the way to 10 feet tall depending on the size of your space.

“Tissues are such a thoughtful and mature courtesy to have readily available for family and guests,” says Angela Carder, owner of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. She adds, “Tissue box covers that look great beside the sofa or on the nightstand (and not like they belong in the bathroom) turn a thoughtful gesture into an opportunity to add texture to the room.” This rattan cover blends with nearly any style thanks to its warm color and natural material. It comes in sizes for both square and rectangular boxes.

Dusti Jones, founder of Dusti J Design, says, “Adding in curtains [...] with pattern and even textural elements like a thick velvet trim on the edge, fringe, or pom-poms, will make it feel custom and bougie and add an element of warmth and coziness by quieting the sound as well.” These sheer tassel curtains hit two of Jones’ recommendations, combining both pattern and pom-poms to create dimension in your room. They come in six bold colors and 12 sizes for a customized look and feel, with rod pockets for easy hanging.

Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design, also recommends looking for a pepper mill "that looks like it has its own bank account,” and, well, this gilded set certainly fits the bill. Keep it beside the stove or on the dining table for freshly ground salt, pepper, or other spices whenever you need them. The gold finish adds a polished touch, while the easy-turn handles make grinding simple and quiet. Thanks to the clear cylinders, you’ll never be guessing when it’s time to refill.

“Take game night to the next level by pulling out the fancy boxes,” says Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. “There are several games that come in these academia-inspired boxes, and it may be hard to decide on just one!”This Connect Four game looks like a handsome fabric-covered book when it is not in use, so you can keep it on display instead of hiding it in a closet. Plus, the compact case keeps everything together between games and makes it easy to bring on the go, too.

Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design, says, “A cookbook open on the kitchen counter is glorious. It makes a kitchen feel more high-end, as if the inhabitants know their way around and care about the outcome of the dishes.” This solid wood cookbook stand keeps recipes upright, easy to read, and safely away from spills. The arched pinewood construction has a warm walnut finish that looks polished enough to leave on the counter between meals. It can hold larger cookbooks without taking up much space, and the adjustable angle makes recipes even easier to follow.

“Mounted curtain tiebacks, especially if they're either ornate or impossibly modern minimalist in design, are such a fantastic luxury detail that isn't noticeable until it's in use,” says Angela Carder of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. This set of two curtain tiebacks falls into that “impossibly modern minimalist” category, capitalizing on clean, simple lines, while the natural material doesn’t skimp on warmth. Carder adds, “When you casually pull the curtains back and set them into place, this small curtain holder gives the immediate impression that no details within the home were overlooked.”

When it comes to design, lighting can be everything. “Daylight bulbs make a lounge look like a waiting room,” says Mara Whitfield, home design writer at Loom and Glow. “Drop to 2700K and the same room reads warm and expensive by evening.” To achieve the effect, she says, “Swap any bulb over 3000K for a 2700K warm white one.” This six-pack of LED bulbs is a perfect solution that delivers reliably soft white ambiance with 800 lumens of brightness. The result is a warm, cozy atmosphere that feels inviting, not clinical.

Mara Whitfield of Loom and Glow recommends following a simple rule when styling your shelves or blank spaces. “Style shelves in threes, never in a straight row: one tall object, a stack of two books, one low bowl,” she says, adding, “Uneven heights read as curated; matching heights read as leftover clutter.” For height, this modern, decorative hourglass definitely delivers while also helping to keep time or serve as a reminder to make the most of yours. Measuring 10 inches high, the simple wood and metal design feels classic, and you can choose from multiple sand colors like black, red, and timeless white.

When shelf styling calls for lower-height items, per the advice of Loom and Glow’s Mara Whitfield, give this small decorative bowl a try. Available in black and white, it’s not only decorative but helps you make cluttered areas feel more intentional, too. Its solid marble construction gives it a serious, weighty feel, and it’s compactly sized at 4 inches wide.

Mara Whitfield, home design writer at Loom and Glow recommends creating small groupings of three decorative objects to style shelves. For a cohesive final touch, she says, “A small stone bookend set anchors the grouping.” Available in 20 colorways, these heavy (13 pounds) stones are unique, each with their own natural variations, and are set atop included nonslip pads to help prevent shifting and protect surfaces, too.

“Most of our living room clients end up with this one thing in common: a pretty hinged box on the coffee table for remotes and frequently needed small items like lip balm, a pen and pad, tweezers, etc.,” says Angela Carder, owner and principal designer of Sage & Symmetry Interior Design. She recommends something like this set of two wood and rattan boxes to organize all your small essentials while still keeping them visible through the glass lids. The cane sides add relaxed texture and they can even be stacked, too.

Mara Whitfield of Loom and Glow has an easy decluttering tip for the living room: “A woven seagrass basket by the sofa swallows remotes, cables, and throws in one motion and adds texture.” When selecting materials, she notes, “Jute and seagrass age better than plastic storage bins.” These seagrass storage baskets are a great option. Use them to store anything that tends to pile up around the room, since its swooped but structured shape keeps everything contained, while the woven texture adds warmth and a chic aesthetic, too.

Wendy Morrison of Wendy Morrison Design offers a unique tip when it comes to framed artwork: “Instead of using simple, regular-sized black or white frames, I love putting modern art pieces and prints into heavy, ornate gilded frames. The gorgeous contrast between the vibrant, contemporary artwork and ornate frames creates such a luxurious feel, especially when the art inside the frame boasts bold, bright colors.” A great option is this vintage-inspired gold picture frame. It comes in multiple styles and sizes and is complete with raised floral details. You can hang it on the wall or place stand it up on any flat surface that needs a bit of decoration.

Amy Kunst, interior designer at Designed Curated, is a big fan of Bed Scrunchies — an aptly named holding strap for sheets. She says, “Bed Scrunchies make your bed a 5-star hotel maid turndown setup, no more messy, old, wrinkled fitted sheets.” Designed with a 360-degree strap system, the handy system wraps around your mattress to stop fitted sheets from popping off, bunching up, or shifting overnight. The adjustable clips grip sheets from every side, helping create a smoother sleep surface even if you toss and turn or share the bed with pets.

Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, says, “A large piece of artwork can be a focal point and help to add a more gallery atmosphere to a room. Even a cheap print can seem good-looking once scaled to fit the wall and then framed correctly.” This vintage framed wall art is just that piece. With 10 bold, statement-making prints and three sizes to choose from, the classic artwork and embossed gold frame add character without overwhelming the rest of your decor. Opt for one of the larger sizes to follow Dow’s advice.

“An oversized mirror positioned at the right place in the room can bounce natural or artificial light, make a room feel more open, and giving it a sense of grandeur,” says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. Available in three finishes and five sizes, you can lean this arched full-length mirror artfully against the wall or mount it to save floor space. Its slim design reflects light while giving you a head-to-toe view, making it practical in pretty much any space. “A simple, well-proportioned mirror can have a bigger effect than multiple smaller decorative mirrors,” Dow adds.

“One of the simplest tasks to make a home more customized is to replace the standard cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and bathroom hardware,” says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. She adds, “Cohesive finishes and perhaps slightly heavier hardware can turn builder cabinetry and furniture into a more impressive product.”Give this 10-pack of bronze knobs a try. Simply replacing your existing, worn knobs with these high-shine options can make an unexpectedly big difference in the overall vibe of your kitchen. They’re popular, boasting a stellar 4.8-star overall rating from reviewers.

“Decorative trays on a coffee table, lidded boxes for remotes, or a creative container for those items you use regularly can help to keep the room well organized and elegant. The aim is to hide visual noise and retain usability,” says Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. Available in neutral shades, this fluted tray is a great base for essentials you use regularly, as well as decorative pieces. It’s made of weighted solid resin so it will stay put and works with all types of decor vibes, from vintage to modern and everything in between.

In keeping with the advice of Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, you can add textural layers by draping this luxe, fluffy blanket over a sofa, bed, or chair to make the whole room feel cozier and more put together. One side has a fluffy, bubble-like texture, while the reverse is lined with soft velvet fleece for even more comfort. It looks polished enough to leave out as decor but is still practical for everyday lounging. Choose from 43 colors and four sizes, from throw to king.

To create more texture in your living space per the recommendation of Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts, add these bouclé pillow covers that check all the boxes. With rich, bold color options, a fuzzy texture, and a variety of sizes, the two-pack of pillow covers is a simple way to transform a bed or sofa. The looped fabric brings warmth, while the nature-inspired shades are easy to mix with any preferred style of decor.

Incorporating texture is a great way to increase the sophistication of any room, according to Nancy Dow, interior designer at Sierra Living Concepts. This set of two woven baskets instantly adds natural dimension while increasing storage space, too. Available in four colors, the natural water hyacinth material feels warm and organic, while a hidden iron frame helps each basket hold its shape. Built-in wooden handles make them easy to carry from room to room, so they work well pretty much anywhere.

Crystal Olenbush, realtor and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist at AustinReal Estate.com has a trick when it comes to upgrading your window treatments: a curtain clip set. “It [raises] the height of your curtain a bit, which makes ceilings appear taller without drilling any additional holes. It's a relatively cheap and highly efficient solution,” she explains.This pack of curtain clips comes in seven finishes and includes 14 sturdy rings with a polished finish, making them useful for hanging all types of fabric drapery. For heavier drapes, just be sure to attach all the clips before sliding the rings onto the rod so the weight is even and supported.