Most rooms don’t need a renovation, they need one smart change. The difference between a space that feels fine and one that looks intentional usually comes down to a handful of overlooked details.
These are the small upgrades that change how a room reads at a glance. They’re easy to implement and relatively inexpensive — and best of all, they don’t require you to hire a contractor.
Switch the Lampshades
Chances are, you don’t need new lamps—you just need better shades. Clip-on empire shades, parchment paper shades, or anything softly pleated looks far better than the shades that often come with lamps.
Lampshades are also an easy way to make a thrifted lamp look expensive and there are so many affordable options on the market.
from top left: fringed shade; raffia empire shade; metal cone shade ($100!); conical rattan shade (under $100!)
Raise Curtain Rods Higher Than the Window
Mounting rods just under the crown molding (or at least several inches above the window frame) makes ceilings feel taller and rooms feel calmer.
The Shade Store is my personal go-to for custom shades and drapes. They made the roman shades in my bedrooms and dining room and the drapes in my living room. Simply the best and most affordable option I have found and they offer a huge amount of fabric and hardware options.
But if you’re looking for something even more affordable, these are extra long and extra wide and under $150 (or under $100 if you get the “open box” option). I recommend searching “linen” or “linen look” panels, which look more expensive.
Replace Builder-Grade Hardware (Yes, Even in Rentals)
Cabinet pulls, knobs, and backplates are jewelry for your room—and most homes are wearing the equivalent of Claire’s 5 for $5 earrings. Replacing them is one of the cheapest ways to add visual weight and gives instant “custom” energy.
left column, going down: green cabinet pull; pink cabinet pull; bone cabinet pull; squiggle cabinet pull; wood cabinet pull // right column, going down: oversized green cabinet knob; marble door knob; silver door knob
Use One Oversized Object Instead of Many Small Ones
A single large bowl, sculptural lamp, or oversized tray will always read more expensive than five tiny decorative items. Visual restraint signals confidence!
from left: Gaetano Pesce large vase; cream footed bowl; marble tray
Add a Table Lamp Where People Default to Overhead Lighting
If a room is relying solely on overhead lighting, it will always feel unfinished. Layered lighting is one of the biggest tells between “decorated” and “designed.”
from left: shell lamp; mid-mod style mushroom lamp (under $50!); portable space age-style lamp; pink crackle lamp
Swap Glossy Frames for Wood, Metal, or Acrylic
Shiny black frames are the fast-fashion of wall decor. Wood, brass, or acrylic frames instantly elevate even inexpensive art.
from left: acrylic shadowbox with linen backing; set of two matte gallery frames; set of two colorful hobnail frames
Add a Real (or Convincing) Textile Layer
Think: a wool throw over a chair, a linen tablecloth, a fur rug, a bed scarf at the foot of the bed. Simply put, texture = depth, and depth reads as expensive.
from left: fringe cotton pillow ($30 and really fun!); black throw blanket; pink boucle mushroom ottoman; shag rug (I have this exact rug in my closet and it is the best)
Edit Your Surfaces (Then Add One Good Thing Back)
Clear the console, nightstand, or coffee table entirely—then add one strong object back (a dish to store your jewelry, bookends to house your latest reads, a carafe for your water). Negative space is a luxury!
from left: blue carafe and cup; Christian Dior dish; midcentury wooden bookends
Upgrade Switch Plates & Outlet Covers
This is such a sleeper move, but once you notice cheap plastic plates, you can’t unsee them. It may sound insignificant, but trust me: you shouldn’t ignore the details you touch every day.
from left: antique brass switch plate; bronze light switch (I have these in my house); copper wall plate
Add A Weird Thing
An object that feels slightly unexpected—a framed textile, a vintage stool, a sculptural lamp in a corner. Expensive rooms feel collected, not algorithmic!
from left: Gaetano Pesce Look At Me mirror; face vase; large modernist bowl; console table
CURRENT OBSESSIONS
I did the Kroma reset again this year and I was left with a couple packets of broth. So I added them to my rice while I cook it and WOW. This is a genius move. So much flavor and added nutritional benefits. I was pleased to learn you can order the broth on its own, without ordering the entire cleanse (it’s available in 24K beef, chicken or veggie). I love them all and when added to rice, it turns the rice a gorgeous yellow color (there’s turmeric in the broth) and makes it taste heavenly.
I just ordered more undies and can’t get enough of this bralette and matching high-waisted panties. Crazy comfortable, flattering, wireless and seamless. So good under something a bit more tight as you really can’t see it underneath.
If you’re looking for a subtle self-tanner, this stuff is insane. Not much else to say. It functions as skincare, too, so you can put it on bare skin and it sinks in like a moisturizer (I am very fair and it doesn’t leave me streaky or orange, just healthier-looking).
Completely agree on adding table lamps. Table lamps are what create coziness for me — which is probably why I keep buying them. In my projects, I intentionally limit downlights and build atmosphere through layered lighting instead.
Thank you for the post🤍
Just saying thank you for putting these posts together. I know it must be a lot of work but my goodness, it sure is fun to click each link. The lamps from wayfair are gorgeous. They have a pink one as well the orange. So pretty