How to Fake a Designer Home With DIY Tricks
Can We All Agree That “Rich Girl Aesthetic” Doesn’t Have to Come With a Rich Girl Budget?
Look, I’d love to casually drop $15k on a custom velvet sofa and handwoven Moroccan rug too—but let’s be real. That’s not the vibe (or the bank account) for most of us. The good news? You can absolutely fake a designer home with some clever, budget-friendly DIY tricks. And no, it won’t look like your Pinterest board had a nervous breakdown.
I’ve tested these hacks in my own space, and I swear by them. So if you want a home that feels elevated, curated, and straight out of a high-end magazine (minus the high-end prices), you’re in the right place. Let’s do this.
1. Paint Is Magic. Use It Like One.
Never underestimate the power of a paint can.
If your walls are still builder beige, I’m begging you to change that. One afternoon + a gallon of paint = a totally different room.
Here’s what works:
Soft white (think “Swiss Coffee”) for an airy, gallery vibe
Deep moody tones (navy, charcoal, olive) for drama and depth
Two-tone walls or half-painted walls for a boutique hotel feel
Bonus tip: Paint your doors and trim in a contrasting color. It’s giving architectural detail without the renovation price tag.
2. Swap Basic Hardware for Designer Dupes
Those plastic knobs and builder-grade handles? Yeah… they’re doing your kitchen zero favors.
DIY upgrade ideas:
Matte black, brass, or acrylic pulls (Amazon has tons of options)
Swap light switch plates to black, brushed gold, or even marble
Change your faucet to a sleek gooseneck design—it’s a game-changer
This literally takes a screwdriver and 30 minutes. And suddenly your bathroom feels like it belongs in a spa.
3. Frame Like You Mean It
No offense to the poster-taped-to-the-wall crowd, but we’re grown now. Let’s frame our art like we care.
Here’s the trick:
Use oversized frames with thick matting (it’s giving gallery-worthy)
Shop IKEA, H&M Home, or thrift stores for affordable options
Print digital art from Etsy—it’s budget-friendly and totally custom
Hot take: Frame personal photos in black and white. It instantly elevates them from “family album” to “art moment.”
4. Elevate Your Curtains Like a Stylist
Want your space to feel taller, brighter, and a lot more expensive? Fix your curtain game.
Do this instead:
Hang rods close to the ceiling (NOT right above the window frame)
Let the curtains touch the floor or puddle slightly
Choose light, airy fabrics like linen or sheers
FYI: Ready-made panels can look custom with just a hem and some pleating tape. No sewing machine required.
5. Go Big on Statement Lighting
Bad lighting = bad vibes. Harsh overheads? Nope. Time to glow up.
Here’s what changes everything:
Swapping builder-grade fixtures for dramatic pendants or chandeliers
Adding plug-in sconces above a bed, desk, or art wall
Mixing floor lamps and table lamps for warm, layered lighting
Pro tip: Facebook Marketplace is your BFF for scoring designer-style lighting on the cheap.
6. Style Surfaces Like a Pro
Here’s the thing: A well-styled coffee table or console instantly makes your home feel “done.”
Use this formula:
One stack of 2–3 coffee table books (neutral or artsy covers)
A sculptural object or ceramic bowl
Something living (plants, flowers, even a cute branch from outside)
Rotate items seasonally. And remember—less is more. Don’t clutter. Curate.
7. DIY Faux Built-Ins (Yes, You Can)
Built-ins scream custom. But custom = $$$. So here’s the hack.
Try this:
Grab some IKEA BILLY bookcases
Add trim/moulding around the top and sides
Paint everything the same color as your wall for a seamless look
Suddenly your living room looks like it was designed by an architect. No one has to know you spent $250 and a weekend making it happen.
8. Upgrade Your Bedding (It's Time)
If your bed looks like it belongs in a dorm, let’s fix that.
What works every time:
Crisp white sheets (hotel vibes!)
A linen or textured duvet in a neutral shade
Oversized Euro pillows in front, standard ones behind
Layer throws or a quilt at the end of the bed. Mix textures. Boom. Luxe for less.
9. Think in Threes
Designers love odd numbers, especially threes. It’s a simple styling trick that works everywhere.
Use it here:
Group 3 vases or candles on a table
Hang 3 art pieces in a row
Use 3 types of textures in a space (linen, leather, wood, etc.)
Your eye will thank you. Your space will look instantly elevated.
10. Add Texture Everywhere
Designer homes feel as good as they look. Why? Texture.
Layer these textures:
Boucle or velvet throw pillows
Woven baskets or jute rugs
Wood accents or raw-edge trays
Ceramic and stone decor
Too many smooth surfaces = flat. Add texture for depth and warmth.
11. Hide the Ugly Stuff (Seriously)
No one needs to see your router, your random cords, or your detergent.
Try these fixes:
Hide routers inside woven boxes or behind books
Use cord covers or paintable cable raceways
Store laundry supplies in amber glass jars or labeled canisters
Out of sight = out of mind = designer vibes all around.
12. Declutter Like a Minimalist, Not a Monk
You don’t have to go full Marie Kondo, but editing your space makes a huge difference.
Ask yourself:
Does this add beauty or function?
Would I pack this if I moved tomorrow?
Then let it go. Clutter kills design faster than a busted IKEA shelf.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a six-figure budget or an interior designer on speed dial to create a space that feels chic and expensive. These DIY tricks help you fake a designer home with style, confidence, and a lot of creativity.
So go grab a paintbrush, swap that hardware, and rearrange that living room like your rent depends on it (because vibes do matter). And remember—you can fake it till you make it, as long as it looks this good 😉