7 Easy Ways to Make Your Apartment Look Expensive (on a budget)

This post is inspired by the video "7 Easy Ways to Make Your Apartment Look Expensive (on a budget)" by Five By Nine. If you’re moving into your first rental, you don’t have to accept that starter-home look. With a few smart, renter-friendly upgrades you can create a layered, polished space that reads designer — without a full renovation or a huge budget. Below are practical, room-by-room strategies to edit, upgrade, and fake the custom look.   

Why small changes matter

Expensive-looking design isn’t about spending more money — it’s about choices in scale, texture, repetition, and restraint. The eye reads a cohesive selection of details as intentional and high-end. Use that to your advantage: edit ruthlessly, group items with purpose, and add the right accents in the right places.

1. Walls: add subtle architectural character

Plain walls are the fastest giveaway of a rental. You don’t need a contractor to give them personality. Try one of these renter-friendly treatments:

• Peel-and-stick molding: Frame panels on the wall like built‑in artwork. Paint the molding the same color as the wall for an architectural, Parisian feel.
• Removable wallpaper: Botanical or textured peel-and-stick wallpaper adds depth to bathrooms, alcoves, or behind a bed without long-term commitment.
• Faux lime wash: Use removable lime-wash wallpaper or paint techniques to create soft cloudy movements on the wall that read like custom plaster.

2. Kitchen and bathroom: update visually heavy areas

Kitchens and bathrooms carry the most visual weight in a home. Small, consistent upgrades here instantly lift the whole space.

• Match your fixtures: Use consistent finishes for taps, shower heads, and handles (matte black, brass, or brushed nickel). Repetition creates order and reads expensive.
• Peel-and-stick backsplash: Ceramic or zellige-style adhesive tiles add texture and catch light — an instant faux renovation.
• Curate countertop accessories: Transfer soaps and shampoos into glass or ceramic bottles and place them on a small tray. Coordinated sets remove visual clutter from branded plastic packaging.

3. Styling: edit, group, repeat

Styling separates clutter from a designer look. The secret is to be ruthless with editing and to group things with purpose using balance, repetition, and negative space.

• Coffee table tray: Layer books, a sculptural object, and a small plant — a simple curated vignette looks magazine‑worthy.
• Use odd numbers: Arrange items in groups of three, five, or seven with varied heights and textures to keep the eye moving.
• Layer counters: Stack cutting boards, lean a cookbook, and add a small vase for depth without clutter.
• Anchor with a statement plant: A tall olive tree or large frond fills corners, draws the eye upward, and balances negative space.

4. Lighting: layer for depth and warmth

Good lighting transforms a flat rental into a glowing home. Mix overhead, task, and accent lights at different heights for an even, luxe atmosphere.

• Wall sconces by the bed: Creates symmetry, frees nightstand space, and gives soft, flattering eye‑level light.
• Statement pendant: One striking pendant anchors the living area and pulls attention upward — pleated or sculptural shades soften the glow.
• Backlit bathroom mirror: Practical and dramatic; the halo effect around a mirror feels boutique-hotel luxe.

5. Mirrors & art: use scale to shift perception

Art and mirrors aren’t just decoration — they change perceived scale and anchor zones.

• Lean an oversized mirror: An arched or large mirror expands light and height without construction.
• One large statement canvas: Center a single abstract piece above a sofa or console to unify the area. Size matters more than quantity.
• Grid gallery: If you prefer multiple pieces, use same-sized frames and equal spacing to create a curated, symmetrical gallery wall.

6. Textiles: the shortcut to luxury

Fabrics add weight, softness, and a bespoke feel. Choose them thoughtfully.

• Sheepskin or faux fur throws: Drape over a chair for instant texture and indulgence.
• Oversized bed pillows: Layer euro shams, standard pillows, and a bolster for a hotel-like bed that reads tailored.
• Textured rugs: Jute or wool rugs ground a room, add tactile pattern, and make the space feel anchored.

7. Windows: hang them like a hotel

Curtains and shades are one of the highest-impact, renter-friendly upgrades. The way you hang them changes perception of scale and finish.

• Run curtains wall-to-wall: Hanging drapes beyond the window frame makes windows look larger and the room more expansive.
• Layer sheers with blackout drapes: Sheers filter daylight beautifully; blackouts add weight and privacy when needed.
• Choose structured headers: Pinch pleat or ripple fold headers produce consistent vertical lines and a crisp, architectural finish.
• Use roller shades for modern rooms: When you want a clean, minimal look, roller shades disappear neatly and keep lines sharp.

How to apply these ideas (without overwhelming yourself)

You don’t need to do everything at once. Try layering one or two of these hacks in each room — for example:

1. Wall molding behind the bed + oversized art above the headboard.
2. Peel-and-stick backsplash + coordinated countertop bottles in the kitchen.
3. Wall sconces + textured rug in the bedroom.

Small, consistent decisions add up quickly. When fixtures repeat, materials coordinate, and scale is considered, a rental feels timeless — not temporary.

Final thoughts

"Your first apartment doesn't have to look like a starter space."

Make smart edits, invest in a few visual anchors, and focus on texture and repetition. These renter-friendly upgrades will elevate your apartment on a budget and give you a polished, lived-in look that feels much more expensive than it cost.

If you want to see these ideas in action, watch the original video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDjBTfVB3ao (Five By Nine).