Homes ‘instantly look more expensive’ with subtle change that costs £9

From a new lick of paint to sprucing up the garden, spring is a classic time to fresh up the home. And when home renovations can cost tens of thousands of pounds, anyone will appreciate a small budget DIY that will go the distance. Refreshing your decor doesn’t have to break the back — and it can even be easier than a spring cleaning session.

Not On The High Street has teamed up with interior designer Sophie Clemson of The Living House to share how to make homes look more expensive without actually spending a fortune. According to the pro, one quick fix to your sockets and switches that instantly makes homes appear “more expensive and put together”.

Most homes will come with standard white sockets and switches, but Sophie has a quick fix that can instantly make your home appear more expensive and put together.

“Instead of sticking with the standard white light switches and sockets, choose a metal finish like antique brass to make your home look more expensive,” she said.

“This works especially well in rooms painted in darker colours, where a white switch would stand out, while a metal finish blends in seamlessly.”

White switches and socket covers will stick out even more if you’re keen on colour drenching. The trend entails painting everything — including the walls, trim and doors — the same colour.

“Colour drenching is a trend that is huge in luxury interiors at the moment, but standard white switches and sockets can drastically cheapen the look,” said Anna Ross, head of the curation team at Not On The High Street.

“One way to combat this is to purchase paintable light switches that allow you to paint the socket the same colour as the rest of the room. These can be purchased on the market for around £9, making them an affordable way to create a more cohesive and put together look.”

Decorating touches that make homes ‘look more expensive’

Oversized furniture

Make a statement with your furnishings and decor to make spaces feel bigger, Sophie advised.

“Go large with your rugs to make your home look more expensive. You can find oversized rugs from high street brands that won’t break the bank.

“For your living room, choose a rug that’s big enough to fit under the front feet of the sofa, this helps to anchor the space. If your rug is too small and floats in the middle of the room, it won’t add much and may even make the space feel smaller by drawing the eye inward.

“Choose large lighting pieces to elevate your home too. Think big table lamps with chunky ceramic bases and statement ceiling lights that draw the eye upward and make a strong impact.”

Elevate your art

“When framing your photographs and artwork, we recommend choosing picture frames that have oversized mounts, this will make them look more luxurious and expensive, compared to a standard mount,” Sophie said.

Anna adds that mixing up the frames on your artwork or family photos is a good idea.

“Unless you have a simple, monochrome interior style, steer clear of basic black photo frames,” she said.

“Instead, opt for wooden frames in shades that complement your interior decor, this will look more considered and thought through. If you are feeling brave, utilising frames to add a small pop of colour or pattern can be a nice way to elevate a space and add areas of interest.”