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Spoiler: it's all in the details
An anonymous sage once said, 'Money can’t buy taste', and we couldn’t agree more. In fact, when it comes to interiors, some homes quite simply look expensive, without necessarily having a designer price tag.
The secret? It’s all in the details. From the paint colours you choose to the way you layer textures or light a room, there are plenty of clever design tricks that can instantly elevate your space and give it that polished, high-end feel.
Whether you're styling a compact flat or refreshing a family home, these nine design-led ideas will help your interiors feel more considered, more curated, and, yes, more expensive. Fortunately, most of our tips don’t require renovation or a luxury budget, just a shift in styling and a confident, open mind!
To really bring a room together, pay attention to the finishing touches – those curated crannies scattered throughout the home are what will make it feel intentional and personal. Rather than crowding surfaces with too many items, group a few favourite things in layers: a stack of books that speak to you, some framed artwork, and a tray of trinkets will offer that aesthetic lift.
Vary the height and texture of each element so it feels varied yet put-together. Think of how your favourite interiors shop might style a shelf – it’s not about matching but showing off the pieces you've collected over the years in an artful way.
HB tip: Have a scroll on Vinted and Facebook Marketplace – there are some kooky vintage treasures at great prices.
Even in a modern scheme, swapping stark white walls for sophisticated, heritage-inspired hues is one of the easiest ways to give your home a refined, design-led feel. Think of timeless tones like sky blue, olive green, butter yellow, burgundy and plaster pink – these shades bring a confident, atmospheric quality to any room. If in doubt, look to nature as a jumping-off point, or the interiors of your favourite National Trust property to enhance a sense of period.
These colours have real staying power, too, with roots in historic interior design that never really go out of style. For impact, consider painting skirting boards, ceilings and doors in these shades to create a high-end, considered effect.
Caroline Thornborough, design director at Thorndown, says: 'The grandeur of old and stately homes are often associated with the colour palette used on the walls. Using heritage paint colours in your home is an easy way to recreate the look and feel of these much-admired properties and using a good quality wall paint is a relatively cheap and very easy way to achieve this.'
It's often the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Even the most beautifully styled sideboard or kitchen shelf can lose its polished feel if a houseplant is still sitting in its original plastic pot.
Whether it's a leafy fern, a trailing pothos or a pot of fresh herbs on the windowsill, transferring plants into a ceramic, terracotta or woven planter instantly elevates the display. Think of plant pots as decorative accessories in their own right – another opportunity to introduce colour, texture or shape into a room. It takes just a few minutes but has the same finishing effect as decanting hand soap into a smart dispenser or displaying fruit in a beautiful bowl.
There are several architectural details that, while adding a little history, will also increase the visual value of your home. Although we are not all fortunate enough to live in period properties – or may choose not to – it's easier than you might think to fake it 'til you make it, whether you're in a new-build or a mid-century home.
Picture rails, ceiling roses, wall panelling and cornices can all be added for some expensive-looking character at a surprisingly reasonable cost. Decorative period features lend a sense of permanence and craftsmanship, without requiring a major renovation. You can install ready-made panelling kits or even create your own with moulding strips and a steady hand. Just add paint in a heritage shade to draw the eye and show them off.
HB tip: The English Panelling Company offer a range of decorative mouldings and organise their panel styles by period, from Regency to Georgian. Simply order the size you need and paint on arrival!
If there’s one thing that makes a room feel instantly more expensive, it’s impressive lighting. Rather than sticking with default spotlights or plain flush mounts, look for pieces that feel like design statements in their own right. Pendulous lanterns, pleated fabric shades, brass sconces, and bulbous chrome floor lamps are just a few of our favourites.
These pieces don’t just light the room; they become the focal point. Even smaller spaces like hallways or cloakrooms can benefit from this trick that draws the eye upwards. Always opt for dimmable warm bulbs – harsh overhead light is a speedy way to lose that luxe feeling.
Interior designer and presenter Whinnie Williams says, 'It's all about the lighting when it comes to achieving an expensive look on a budget. I love wall lighting, but to save on electrician costs, try going battery-powered. Pooky have this great new collection of cordless wall lights that appear fitted – you can put them either side of your bed or above a picture for a chic look.'
Speaking of lighting, we seem to have fallen out of love with ‘the big light’ recently, but it still has an important role to play. Rather than relying on it as your only source of illumination, think of it as just one layer within a well designed lighting scheme. Take your cues from luxury hotels, where an oversized pendant or sculptural chandelier is complemented by bedside lamps, wall lights and softly glowing table lamps.
As evening falls, switch off the ceiling light and let these smaller light sources take over. Layering light at different heights creates gentle pools of illumination that make a room feel warmer, more intimate and instantly more expensive. It also highlights the textures, colours and architectural details that can disappear under a single overhead light.
HB tip: The bulb matters just as much as the lamp. Choose warm white bulbs so that your layered lighting scheme emits a soft glow that makes colours feel richer and natural materials look their best.
Luxury interiors rarely look as though everything arrived at the same time. Instead, they feel layered, with vintage and contemporary pieces sitting comfortably side by side.
Whether it's a weathered stool, an aged mirror or a solid wood cupboard, pre-loved furniture brings character and charm that's difficult to recreate with new buys alone. Typically made from premium materials and built to last, they're full of individuality, with scratches, worn edges and foxed mirror glass adding to their appeal rather than detracting from it.
In the bathroom, an old sideboard, dresser or chest of drawers can be transformed into a bespoke vanity unit that feels far more elevated than an off-the-shelf alternative. Just make sure it's made from solid wood rather than MDF, which won't withstand damp conditions. The drawers can be adapted around the plumbing, openings can be cut for the basin and taps and a new worktop can be added for instant timeless appeal.
HB tip: Have a scroll on eBay and Facebook Marketplace – there are some great vintage treasures at great prices.
There's a reason café curtains keep appearing in the most beautiful rooms. They have the ability to instantly make a room feel cosier and more relaxed. Covering only the lower half of the window, these miniature curtains provide privacy while letting natural light filter in.
Traditionally reserved for cafés, they've become a favourite in our homes for their ability to add subtle texture and a create an instantly elevated scheme. They're just as at home in kitchens and bathrooms as they are in front-facing living rooms where privacy is needed.
The beauty of café curtains is their versatility. Crisp white or off-white linen creates an understated, quiet luxury look, while gingham, stripes or delicate florals lend a country feel. In more contemporary homes, contrast trims or a bold colour can turn them into a subtle design feature.
Borrowing from nature's bounty is a soothing way to craft an expensive-looking home. Avoid shiny finishes and matching sets, opting instead for naturally occurring materials and textures to conjure an elevated, tactile quality.
Try mixing and layering materials like linen, wool, rattan, marble, and oak across different surfaces and finishes. Linen curtains, boucle cushions, and natural wood furniture can instantly add warmth and sophistication, especially when paired with more polished touches like marble trays. If your home is feeling a little flat, adding texture is often the missing link.
HB tip: The easiest way to invite nature indoors is to go foraging. Bring pussy willow or evergreen branches into your home and arrange them in a generously sized vase for a fast infusion of the outdoors.
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