Sure, I spend tons of time sprucing up my home, but I’m by no means a professional. Real pros know how to maximize impact while minimizing cost and effort — so Inverse reached out to them. These contractors, design specialists, and owners of home remodeling companies swear by these weird, clever tricks to make your home look way more expensive. The result? Achieve a bougie aesthetic on a budget.
Patching compound that works on lots of surfaces
Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel, recommends this weatherproof patching compound to fix dents in your front door, cracks in trimboard, and holes in siding: It “helps to create a level surface which is then able to be painted,” Borcherding said. The acrylic latex formula also works on metal, composite, concrete, and brick.
Wood filler you can use indoors or out
Give your wood furniture an instant polish. According to Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel, “Baseboards and door trim are both commonly abused home components. Wood filler turns blunt force home trauma into happy little accidents.” Borcherding recommends this Gorilla putty formula, which is suitable for indoor and outdoor use because it’s paintable, water-resistant, and won’t shrink or crack when exposed to the elements.
Motion-activated LEDs to brighten up your closets
“One of the most overlooked aspects of home design is that of closet lighting. You use a closet every day and yet it is the most poorly lit area of your home!” said Thomas Borcherding, (residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel), who recommends these motion-activated LEDs as an easy fix. They’re dimmable, wireless, rechargeable, and magnetically detach from their metal brackets when they need more power.
- Available styles: 2
Under-cabinet lighting for a refined, functional kitchen
Maylit Under Cabinet Lights Plug in, 3 Pcs 12 Inch Ultra Thin Under Cabinet Lighting, Super Bright Daylight White Under Counter Lights for Kitchen, Dimmable Light for Cabinet, Counter, Workbench, Desk
Amazon -“Even if your kitchen is dated, under-cabinet lighting instills a sense of sophistication and refinement,” said Thomas Borcherding, residential contractor and owner of Homestar Design Remodel. “Plus, it doubles as both task and ambient lighting, making kitchen tasks easier." These plug-in light bars are thin, dimmable, and remote-controlled with two included installation methods: tape and screws.
Warm LED bulbs you’d see in high-end hotels
According to Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, (general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits), warm LED lighting is one of the quickest ways to elevate a space. Goodkin-Dausey recommends “soft-white 2700K LED bulbs to create that high-end glow you see in boutique hotels,” and these warm LED bulbs are affordable, energy-efficient, and flicker-free.
An oversized duvet insert for plush, hotel-like bedding
“That cloud-like comfort you feel in hotels is easy to recreate at home,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com, and you can start by using a “duvet that’s one size larger than the cover. It gives the bed that soft and luxurious look." This machine-washable down-alternative duvet is well-rated because it offers plenty of plush comfort for a great price. The quilted design is filled with cotton and hollow fibers for all-season use, and it has eight tabs to secure it into a duvet cover.
- Available sizes: Twin — Oversized King
- Available styles: 7
A waffle-weave cotton duvet cover that feels high-end
Available in tons of stylish colors, this duvet cover has an average 4.5-star rating from over 8,600 reviewers because it’s soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Made from OEKO-TEX certified cotton in a waffle-weave texture, it “feels like a high-end addition to my bedding collection without breaking the bank,” one reviewer said — plus it has eight interior ties to fit the above duvet insert.
- Available sizes: Twin — Oversized King
- Available styles: 29
A round, pleated throw pillow for layered texture
When it comes to creating a bedroom retreat, Laura Madrigal (home design specialist at Fixr.com) recommends “layering pillows” to create depth, texture, and comfort. With its silky velvet upholstery and tufted design, this round pleated throw pillow looks a lot more expensive than it is. Get it in over a dozen colors to match or contrast your bedding.
- Available styles: 14
A bamboo closet system for a built-in look
An easy but transformative update? “Upgrading closets and cabinets,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com. “Swapping out basic wire shelving for a modular wood or laminate system gives the space a built-in look at a fraction of the cost, while also maximizing storage and creating a cleaner finish.” This bamboo closet system comes in three sizes and four colors, and it combines shelves with hooks and garment racks to transform your storage.
- Available sizes: Small — Large
- Available styles: 4
Or transform wire shelves with these faux-wood covers
If the functionality of your pantry or closet is fine, but the wire shelving could look nicer, these shelf covers are a brilliant upgrade. Made from sturdy, moisture-resistant PVC that looks like thick wood, they come in nine size options with included acrylic clips to secure them over wire shelves. You can also cut them to size with basic power tools.
- Available styles: 4
A non-toxic paint pen that renews & seals grout
"Another quick win is addressing worn details in bathrooms,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com, and you can start with the grout. This grout marker comes in both wide and narrow tips for easy, precise application. The non-toxic, water-based formula combines a colorant with a sealer to brighten and protect your grout moving forward.
Or a pumice stone to remove rust & hard water stains
Another way to address bathroom wear and tear? I’ve used this pumice stone in my own bathroom to get rid of water marks and rust stains in my tub, but you can also use it on toilets, showers, grills, tiles, and grout. Without odors, harsh chemicals, or scratches, it breaks down stubborn deposits to leave fixtures looking like new, and it has a handle for reach and leverage.
Paint pens for fast, mess-free touch-ups
“Small paint touch-ups, especially on the lower parts of walls where scuffs and marks tend to show, help maintain a well-cared-for look that instantly elevates the overall impression of the home,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com. These paint pens make those touch-ups easier than ever. Fill them with your most-used colors, and they’ll dispense the paint through the precision brush heads for mess-free fixes. They’re also vacuum-sealed to keep paint wet for up to 7 years.
The nicest luxury upgrade on a budget
"Soft-close cabinet hinges and drawer slides are probably the nicest ‘luxury’ upgrade under $75,” said Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction. Made from durable stainless steel, these soft-close hinges are designed to help face-frame and frameless style cabinets shut without a sound, and they come with instructions, screws, and bumpers for easy installation.
Soft-close slides for slam-free drawers
According to Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, “When drawers close without slamming, people take notice." These soft-close drawer rails use copper dampers and dual springs to close silently and without pinching your fingers. Made from ultra-thick steel, they’re durable enough to support up to 100 pounds of pressure, and reviewers said they’re easy to install.
- Available styles: 12
An arched mirror to add dimension & light
"Oversized mirrors or simply reframing an existing one adds dimension and light,” said Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits — and they’re more affordable than you’d think. This arched mirror is 64 inches tall with shatter-resistant glass and a modern black frame, and you can prop it up on the aluminum stand or hang it on the wall with the attached metal hooks.
- Available styles: 10
Silicone caulk for a professional-looking finish
"One of the biggest eyesores I see is cracked caulk around tubs, counters, and trim,” said Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits. “A $6 tube of white silicone caulk and 15 minutes of work can make a bathroom look brand new." This squeeze tube doesn’t require a caulk gun and contains 100% waterproof caulk for a professional-looking job around sinks, tubs, toilets, and windows. It’s also paintable and resistant to cracking, shrinking, peeling, mold, and mildew.
And a 5-in-1 tool that removes, opens, & smooths caulk
This five-in-one tool is designed to make achieving a professional-looking caulk job easy. It comes with a stainless steel blade to remove old caulk, a flat metal scraper to clean residue from tiles, a curved steel hook to get into gaps, a pin to open new tubes of caulk, and six silicone pads to smooth the formula into a wide variety of crevices for a waterproof, neat-looking seal.
- Available styles: 2
Or caulk tape for a clean, mess-free seal
Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com, also recommends renewing the caulk around sinks and tubs, which can “transform the space and make the bathroom feel cleaner, more refined, and even newly renovated.” If you’re not feeling the silicone caulk, this sealant strip is an easy alternative. It’s made from waterproof, long-lasting PVC that you can peel, fold, press, and smooth to create a neat, protective barrier around fixtures.
Brass wall plates that look & feel expensive
One of the biggest giveaways that a house hasn’t been updated in a while? “Yellowed plastic toggle switches,” said Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction. “I’d swap them out for matte black or brushed nickel ones that run $5 to $8 each.” Made from metal with matching screws and a texture-beaded trim, these decorative switch covers give any space a high-end feel. You can also get them for decor switches and duplex outlets.
- Available styles: 4
Decorative vent covers that make a statement
“Builder-grade metal return vents [also throw off] the mood as soon as you walk in the door,” said Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction. Replacing them with something a little more decorative “makes the place look like a completely new electrical package with no mess." This floor register comes in six finishes and has an intricate honeycomb pattern that looks like a design element. It’s also made from thick steel that can support up to 300 pounds.
- Available styles: 6
Faux-rock panels that look like stacked stones
“Using a high-quality faux stone veneer on select exterior elements (e.g., the base of the facade or porch columns) introduces an upscale material contrast that enhances the curb appeal of your home,” said Kevin J. Vander Hyde, vice president at Vander Hyde Services. These faux-stone panels look like a stacked rock fixture in red, brown, and sand tones. According to reviewers, they’re lightweight, well-made, and easy to install indoors and out.
Or peel-&-stick tiles for a DIY wall feature
If panels seem too advanced for your DIY skillset, these peel-and-stick tiles create a similar stacked-stone effect with even less effort. While they’re made from waterproof, stain-resistant material, their 3-D design looks like real stones — and the adhesive backing makes them easy to install around fireplaces, on accent walls, and along backsplashes.
- Available styles: 3
Black metal frames to make all your art look nicer
“I love black metal poster frames from Amazon — they instantly make art or photos look curated,” said Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits. This black aluminum frame comes in over 15 different size options with shatterproof plexiglass and a removable mat. The pre-attached hardware includes metal clips, a backboard stand, and sawtooth hanging hooks with nails.
- Available styles: 2
Floating shelves with integrated LED lights
“Floating shelves with integrated LED lighting provide style and function in your home that also creates a high-end ambiance in any space,” said Kevin J. Vander Hyde, vice president at Vander Hyde Services. Made from solid wood, these floating shelves have dimmable, wired light strips underneath them to elevate your books, decor, dishes, or bathroom essentials. The set of four also includes mounting hardware, a transformer, and a controller kit.
- Available styles: 2
Or gold-tone wire shelves wrapped in fairy lights
Looking for a combination of storage and lighting that makes a statement? These wire shelves are made from gold-tone metal with a wooden base, and they’re wrapped in lithium-powered fairy lights for a wire-free, whimsical style. Thanks to their hexagonal shape, they look like wall-mounted artwork all on their own. The set includes three sizes: small, medium, and large.
Or hanging adhesive shelves with illuminated faux vines
Instead of mounting them to the wall with screws, these wooden shelves hang from included adhesive hooks, and the ropes are wrapped in faux vines and battery-operated LEDs. They “look amazing,” one reviewer wrote, and there’s “no drilling required — they’re easy to install and stay securely in place.”
- Available styles: 3
A rechargeable light strip to illuminate existing shelves
If you’ve already got the floating shelves, this adhesive light strip offers an easy way to add dimmable custom lighting — without visible plugs or hiring an electrician. Since it has a detachable, USB-rechargeable power pack, you don’t have to run it to an outlet, plus it’s motion-activated for automatic illumination as you approach. You can also put them under cabinets, in closets, and underneath bed frames.
Artificial turf for a beautiful, no-maintenance lawn
“Nothing ruins the look of a yard like dead, bare patches in high-traffic areas,” said Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. “My go-to, and the core of my business, is using artificial turf in areas like these to create a low-maintenance, beautiful surface.” This artificial turf strip comes in over 1,000 sizes. It’s high-pile for realism, rubber-backed with perforations for drainage, easy to cut for customization, and weather-resistant to withstand rain, sun, and fluctuating temperatures.
Washed gravel to create cheap, impactful pathways
“I also find that gravel paths are a good alternative. Gravel is highly affordable and easy to work with using ordinary tools,” said Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. Made from crushed gray stones, this washed gravel comes in a 10-pound bag for landscaping, fairy gardens, walkways, and ponds.
And a grid-like pathway frame to prevent erosion
According to Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf, when creating a gravel pathway, “you may have to add more gravel every year to keep it in good shape, but that's usually pretty affordable.” Using perforated polyethylene that supports over 1,880 pounds per square foot, this GeoCell system is designed to prevent erosion and keep gravel paths in place with its grid-like design.
Plus some clear rock glue to keep your gravel in place
Finally, rock glue helps to secure rocks, gravel, pebbles, mulch, and sand so your pathways require less maintenance. The concentrated formula is easy to pour or spray onto your landscaping, and it’s non-toxic, weather-resistant, and safe around kids and pets. It also dries clear, so it won’t alter the look or color of your gravel.
Magnetic door stoppers that prevent scuffs, slams & swinging
According to Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, magnetic door stops “prevent door knobs from scuffing walls” — but they also stop doors from slamming and prop them open as needed to allow kids, pets, and airflow. These ones are made from stainless steel in your choice of black, silver, or white, and they come with adhesive stickers and screws so you can mount them to the floor or the wall.
- Available styles: 3
A raceway kit to hide cords in plain sight
Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, also recommends adhesive cord raceways, which you could use “in multimillion-dollar houses, and no one will be the wiser.” Instead of feeding wires through the wall, these paintable covers hide them in plain sight. They’re made from flame-resistant PVC with tool-free installation, and they come with strips, elbows, and connectors so you can direct cables to outlets.
Rechargeable wall sconces for a hotel-like feel
“A simple wall sconce near the bed” also gives your bedroom a hotel-like feel while freeing up space on side tables, said Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, general contractor at SBC USA — and “it’s easy to recreate at home with inexpensive pieces from Amazon or Target.” These cordless wall sconces are USB-rechargeable with dimmable, color-changing LED bulbs, so you can add customizable lighting without any wiring whatsoever.
- Available styles: 3
Or stylish sconces with subtle 6-foot cords
If you’d rather not deal with rechargeable batteries, these wall sconces are hard-wired with a subtle 6-foot cord and a wall plug. Still, their brushed brass frame and mid-century-modern shade make them look as though they’ve always been there — and they’re fully dimmable with swinging arms so you can adjust the brightness and direction of the included LED bulbs.
- Available styles: 4
Matching hangers for a neat, consistent closet
Velvet Hangers Non Slip - 20 Pack Pants Hangers for Closet - Thin Space Saving Clothes Hanger - Strong, Durable, Jean Perchas with 360 Degree Rotatable Hook for Tank Top (Black Silver Hook)
Amazon -Matching hangers also help a space feel calm and consistent, said Jeri Goodkin-Dausey, general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits. Wrapped in clingy fabric with notched shoulders to prevent slipping, these velvet hangers come in a pack of 20. The rectangular shape can hold both tops and pants, and they come with connectors that slip over the swivel hooks, so you can stack them to save space.
- Available styles: 4
Plush white towels to create a sense of calm
According to Jeri Goodkin-Dausey (general contractor at SBC USA and All Florida Permits), “Hotels use symmetry and consistent finishes to create a sense of calm,” and that includes linens. Plush white towels go a long way toward softening your space, and this eight-piece set has stellar ratings. It comes with two bath towels, two hand towels, and four washcloths, all made from 100% cotton with hanging loops.
- Available styles: 12
Joint compound to patch ceilings
Instead of patching ceilings with cans of spray texture, which screams “quick fix,” according to Danny Niemela (vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction), the pro recommends a tub of joint compound and a little patience: “I tell clients to dry-scrape the area, texture by hand with a moist sponge and joint compound, and feather it out to a larger area. It takes 45 minutes, costs less than $10, and looks better than most pro touchups,” Niemela said.
Adhesive tiles that look like antique embossed tin
"I'm absolutely in love with peel-and-stick these days,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes. “You can get a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, from wallpaper to tile to faux pressed metal." These peel-and-stick tiles look like antique embossed tin to elevate backsplashes, islands, home bars, and ceilings, but they’re removable, moisture-resistant, and easy to wipe clean.
Or a tile-effect peel-&-stick backsplash that’s renter-friendly
Rentals are often a blank slate, which can feel devoid of character. Peel-and-stick backsplashes “look great, they're dead simple to install, and they're also easy to remove, which is a big plus for renters,” said Jonathan Palley, CEO of Clever Tiny Homes. These adhesive tiles come in five charming, Moroccan-inspired designs. Made from a special gel material, they’re easy to cut, yet resistant to heat, humidity, and yellowing.
- Available styles: 5
And vintage-inspired peel-&-stick wallpaper to transform a space
In addition to peel-and-stick tiles, Jonathan Palley (CEO of Clever Tiny Homes) also recommends peel-and-stick wallpaper to transform a room. This vintage floral design comes in three colors to suit cottagecore, renovated Victorian, and modern colonial spaces. According to reviewers, the self-adhesive backing is both easy to install and easy to remove, and the waterproof surface wipes clean of stains and moisture.
- Available styles: 3
An elegant doorknob for a big visual payoff
“In hallways, updating hardware is one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest visual payoff,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com, who recommends replacing builder-grade doorknobs with something more elegant. This crystal doorknob has a clear glass handle with a matte black base, but it also comes in five other finishes to match existing hardware.
- Available styles: 6
Chic hardware to transform furniture, closets, & cabinets
New hardware can also transform closets, cabinets, and furniture, said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com: “Replacing standard knobs with an elegant finish, like matte black or brushed nickel, instantly elevates the look." Brushed brass is also extremely on-trend, and these drawer pulls are made from solid brass with a ridged texture, making them look and feel more expensive than they are. They come with screws in two sizes, so they fit most cabinets and furniture pieces.
A compact shelving unit for shoes or decor
“Hallways can also benefit from smart use of space by adding slim furniture pieces, like a narrow shoe cabinet or a shelf with decorative objects,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com. This vertical rack holds up to eight pairs of shoes, but its compact size fits in most tight corners. You can also use it to display decor, especially since its beechwood design looks so stylish — and it assembles in a few minutes without the need for tools.
- Available styles: 3
Wall-mounted racks for tight hallways
If your hallway is too tight for a shelf unit, you can also consider wall-mounted storage. “This brings both function and personality to an area that’s often just a passageway,” said Laura Madrigal, home design specialist at Fixr.com. Combined, these wall-mounted racks have eight dual-prong hooks and two shelves to hold hats, coats, bags, umbrellas, and decor. Use the included mounting hardware to install them side by side or separately.
Textured, oversized art pieces for balanced sophistication
According to Laura Madrigal (home design specialist at Fixr.com), "Scale and texture also play a role in elevating interiors. Replacing multiple small art pieces with one oversized statement piece creates a sense of sophistication and balance.” With their cut-out design and oak wood veneer, these mountain-inspired wall hangings make your space feel professionally curated — especially since each one measures almost 2 feet by 2 feet.
A rain showerhead for a spa-like bathroom
"In the bathroom, a rain showerhead is a simple upgrade that instantly brings that spa-like experience to your everyday routine,” said Laura Madrigal, a home design specialist at Fixr.com. This rain showerhead has an average 4.6-star rating after more than 50,000 reviewers because it’s affordable, high-pressure, and installs in under a minute without any tools. The 90 rubber jets soak your entire body at once, and they’re resistant to rust and hard water deposits.
High-gloss wall panels that look like marble
“These high-gloss PVC marble look-alike wall panels provide a marble finish without the cost/weight of real stone,” making them “suitable for accent walls or powder rooms,” said Kevin J. Vander Hyde, Vice President at Vander Hyde Services. They have a peel-and-stick adhesive for easy application, and they’re waterproof and heat-resistant for use in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Available styles: 6
Or faux-marble tiles for an elegant backsplash
Marble is the pinnacle of luxurious home design — but it’s not cheap, and it’s not always the most durable option. These faux-marble tiles come in interlocking sheets that are easy to install with their peel-and-stick adhesive backing. While they look like stacked stone, they’re made from composite laminate, which is waterproof, heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, easy to cut, and easy to wipe clean of splatters.
- Available styles: 18
