Small Changes That Instantly Make Your Home Look More Expensive

 

Want a polished look without a full remodel? Small, smart swaps can lift the perceived price of a space fast. Focus on a few high-impact items and a simple layout to make rooms feel cohesive and intentional.

Curated choices, like a matched collection of trays, vases, and frames from brands such as McGee & Co. and Target’s Threshold or Opalhouse lines, help rooms read as thoughtfully collected. Pair objects by material, shape, and scale to create balance.

Start with surfaces you see daily. Style a coffee table with a tray, a vessel for greenery, and an engaging object on books. Add mirrors and layered lighting to brighten and open spaces instantly.

Edit before you buy. Fewer, better pieces let each item shine. Pick timeless colors and tactile textures so updates feel fresh now and later.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a small set of high-impact items to elevate a room quickly.
• Balance form and function with trays, vases, and candleholders.
• Repeat materials across rooms for a connected, high-end look.
• Style daily surfaces—tray, greenery vessel, and an object—on coffee tables.
• Use lighting and mirrors to brighten and increase perceived size.

Curated Home Décor to Elevate Every Room—Right Now

A few well-chosen pieces can make every room feel edited, intentional, and elevated. Start with a tight collection that repeats materials and finishes so the entry, living room, and bedroom read as one calm, layered space.

Think in sets: pick three to five hero pieces per room—like a sculptural vase, candleholders, a decorative bowl, a framed print, and a tray. These items create depth without clutter and let each surface tell a clear design story.

Use McGee & Co.’s selection of vases, trays, and planters for intentional accents, and supplement with Target finds—rugs, pillows, and mirrors—for scale and budget flexibility. Match metal tones or woods across pieces so the style reads curated, not cobbled together.

• Living room: anchor a coffee table with a tray, add a statement vase, finish with candleholders for warmth.
• Bedroom: elevate nightstands with a small lamp, a frame, and a petite vase for fresh stems.
• Practical tip: shop by room to get scale right and keep a short wish list to avoid over-styling.

Shop the Collection by Category for an Instant Upgrade

Start by grouping pieces into clear categories so shopping feels intentional and fast. Build a short list: vases, candleholders, frames, a mirror, and a few small accessories. This approach pulls together a cohesive collection and speeds decisions.

McGee & Co. covers many useful categories—vases & jars, decorative objects, candleholders, candles, picture frames, planters, trays, bowls, boxes, and wall mirrors—so you can shop by need and scale.

Target adds lighting, framed wall art, rugs, pillows, and curtains from lines like Threshold and Opalhouse. Natural Life brings colorful, vintage-inspired accents for gifting or to add personality.

• Quick path: start with sculptural vases for height, then layer candleholders and candles for warmth and mood.
• Personalize: add a picture or two on a table or shelf; keep frame finishes matched for a polished look.
• Wall strategy: one oversized piece or a tight grid of art and a mirror will lift a room and lower perceived price without extra spend.

Edit as you go. Prioritize scale and finishes to keep each room tied together while staying on budget.

Home Décor Styling Tips that Instantly Look High-End

Use contrast, scale, and curated accents to make a room read as more luxurious. Mix materials, shapes, and sizes so surfaces feel layered, not crowded.

On any table, follow the rule of three: a medium vessel, a small stack of books with an engaging object, and a candle. This trio looks intentional at a glance.

Incorporate a touch of gold—match a frame edge, a tiny tray rim, and a lamp finial to cue subtle luxury. Blend one vintage piece with clean-lined art to create designer-level tension.

Hang pictures at eye level and keep picture frames in a tight palette so a wall reads curated, not cluttered. Use mirrors to expand sightlines and lift perceived price.

Style for function: keep sightlines clear in the living room, hide remotes in a lidded box, and repeat linen, stone, or glass across rooms to link the home and raise overall perceived price.

• Edit aggressively: remove one item for every new addition.
• Step back: view the room from the entry and adjust heights and spacing.

Texture, Color, and Seasonal Mood—Design Like a Pro

Texture sets the stage: woven trays, a matte ceramic vase, and a glass candle make a room feel layered and intentional. Start here so color and accents read as thoughtful, not accidental.

Choose a restrained palette and repeat it across the living room and bedroom to keep seasonal changes cohesive. Anchor the scheme with one hero piece—like a bold vase—then echo that color in smaller items and textiles.

Add plants or lifelike stems to soften edges and add movement. Place taller greenery near a wall and lower pots on coffee or console surfaces for depth.

• Quick holiday tip: swap one or two accents per room—try a wreath and a seasonal candle to lift the mood without overload.
• Textiles: rotate throws, pillows, and quilts by season; combine smooth and nubby fabrics for designer contrast.

Keep it easy-care: pick durable finishes and washable textiles so your collection of seasonal items stays fresh and low-maintenance in your home.

Functional Beauty: Storage, Plants, and Everyday Accessories

When storage looks intentional, every surface feels edited and more expensive. Use baskets, boxes, and trays to corral everyday items so counters and a coffee table stay tidy and styled.

Pair planters and pots to frame seating or highlight corners. Plants add life while their vessels act as sculptural pieces that lift a living room or entry.

Add a narrow shelf on the wall to rotate small frames and objects. This creates a flexible gallery you can refresh with no fuss.

"A low tray, a lidded box, and a compact planter make tidying effortless and look deliberate."

• Multitask: choose accessories that hold keys by day and serve as a centerpiece by night.
• Mix storage: balance closed boxes with open baskets to hide clutter yet display favorite pieces.
• Durability: pick finishes that stand up to traffic so items keep their good looks at a smart price.

Daily reset: five minutes each evening to return items to trays keeps the room photo-ready and peaceful.

Home Décor for Every Space and Style

Map each room with one clear styling move to make every space feel intentional.

Start by naming your key space types—entry, living room, dining, bedroom, office, and bath. Then assign one or two simple upgrades for each. This keeps choices focused and budget-friendly.

Use wall moments to connect areas: repeat a frame finish or mat color so transitions feel seamless from hallway to living areas. A matching frame or mirror tie-in makes the whole plan read cohesive.

In the bedroom, layer soft pillows with a refined vase on the nightstand and a small candle for calm. Keep color accents muted so the room feels restful and designed, not busy.

For the living room, repeat two or three materials across shelves and tables—wood, glass, and a hint of metal—to create consistency that reads designer-level. Add a touch of gold in one hardware piece or accessory to lift the feel without dominating the palette.

• Storage: choose lidded boxes, baskets, and a catchall tray near seating for grab-and-go ease.
• Accessories: keep a small, rotating roster of vases and objects to refresh spaces without buying new pieces each season.
• Design tip: when things feel off, remove one item and adjust spacing—editing is often the fastest way to improve price perception.

Bring It Home: Shop the Looks and Elevate Your Space Today

A small, strategic cart—mirrors, frames, and one statement vase—lets you lift a room fast. Add pieces from McGee & Co., Target’s Threshold or Opalhouse, and seasonal finds from Natural Life for a balanced collection.

Prioritize a wall piece first, then a table vignette: a tray, a stack of books, and an object d’art. Repeat one gold accent two to three times across shelves and surfaces to tie the scheme together.

Make gifting simple by choosing small frames, candles, and versatile bowls that arrive ready to place. Keep price in check: start with mirrors, larger art, or a statement vase to change how the living room or bedroom reads.

Before checkout, confirm each space gets one foundation piece and one finishing touch so every item earns its spot.