1. Avoid Matching Furniture
To elevate your home in a high-end, contemporary way, avoid matching furniture sets. They often make a room feel dated and predictable. Instead, choose pieces that feel cohesive but not identical. Mixing styles, textures, and finishes brings more character and depth to your space — and often looks more curated and luxurious.
For more ideas on creating balance without matching sets, Houzz offers helpful styling insights.
2. Declutter Accessories
Over time, it’s easy to collect small décor pieces, but displaying too many can make your home look cluttered instead of elevated. Refresh your space by paring down the smaller items and introducing a few larger, intentional pieces. This instantly gives your home a cleaner, more sophisticated, and high-end look.
If you’re preparing your home for sale, decluttering is one of the first steps — we explain more in our guide: How to Prepare Your Home for Sale.
3. Do “Themes” With Subtlety
If you love farmhouse, coastal, or modern styles, keep the look subtle rather than overly themed. When a room “screams” a theme, it can appear less elevated. Instead, incorporate small design elements that reflect your style while blending with the rest of your home. The goal is a cohesive, understated look — not décor that feels kitschy or overly literal.
For a deeper look at how design psychology works, visit Architectural Digest.
4. Go for Large, Statement Art
Just like simplifying accessories, decluttering wall décor can dramatically elevate your home. Large, statement art pieces help anchor a room and create visual impact. You don’t need to spend a fortune — there are plenty of places to find oversized art that looks high quality. Whether bold or neutral, choose art that complements your space and adds a refined touch.
To explore how artwork increases buyer interest, see our blog: Artwork for Home Staging: The Secret to Adding Style & Value.
5. Choose Artisan Over Mass-Produced
Some décor pieces look generic, while others feel unique and handcrafted. Opting for artisan-looking items adds warmth, depth, and personality to your home. This doesn’t mean they must be expensive — many affordable stores offer beautiful pieces that look custom or handmade. These subtle upgrades can greatly elevate your home’s overall style.
Even Better Homes & Gardens suggests incorporating handmade details to elevate interiors.
6. Consider Floors, Walls, and Ceilings
To truly elevate your home beyond décor, consider the foundational elements like floors, walls, and ceilings. Updating these can completely transform your home. Elements like old carpeting, outdated wallpaper, or popcorn ceilings can age a space instantly. If possible, refresh paint colors, remove outdated textures, or upgrade flooring to something more modern. These improvements elevate both your home’s look and its value.
If selling soon, you might also explore the difference staging makes in these areas: Vacant vs Occupied Home Staging.
7. White, Layered Bedding
Hotel-style bedding is timeless for a reason. Crisp white bedding instantly elevates a bedroom, making it feel fresh, calming, and luxurious. You can still add color through throws or pillows, but keeping the main bedding neutral and layered creates a high-end, designer look.
See more about creating comforting spaces for buyers in our staging psychology post: Home Staging Psychology.
8. Add Contrast
Designers often use contrast to create visual interest and elevate a room. Incorporating contrasting elements — such as dark accents in a light room or mixed materials — adds sophistication. Deep and dramatic earth tones are trending for 2025–2026 and can make otherwise neutral spaces feel polished. Even painting trim or architectural details an accent color can enhance the look.
If you want to see this strategy in action, check out our design trends guide: Interior Designer–Approved Trends to Try in 2025.
9. Update Fixtures and Finishes
Swapping outdated fixtures and finishes is one of the quickest ways to modernize your home. Lighting, hardware, and small architectural details can influence the entire vibe of a room. Updating or refinishing these items instantly refreshes your space and gives it a more upscale feel.
For more ways to get top value when selling, explore: Luxury Home Upgrades That Boost Value.
10. Think About the Little Things
Luxury is often found in the details. Consider upgrading everyday essentials such as glassware, plates, serving pieces, soap dispensers, or hand towels. Choosing cohesive, well-made items elevates the overall feel of your home. Remove anything overly kitschy or worn out. Small, thoughtful updates create a big impact without spending much.
For a full list of small changes that make a big difference, check our resource: Top 5 Ways to Refresh Your Home in 2025.
