From Plain to Premium: Budget-Friendly Ideas to Make a Room Look More Expensive

In every homeowner’s perfect fantasy world, we would all have professional interior designers standing at the ready to make our homes glimmer with luxury, sophistication, and style. Unfortunately, the reality is that creating magazine-ready rooms costs a lot of money, and what design professionals recommend may not always be within everyone’s budget.

Luckily, there are hundreds of hacks for achieving a custom, upscale look without breaking the bank. Thanks to the rise of DIY-ers and other trends like repurposing antiques, it’s fairly easy nowadays to get a high-end look for an inexpensive price tag. 

With just a few strategic updates and some simple restyling, you can take your home from plain to premium, making it look like you spent a lot more than you really did. 

Here are our favorite premium hacks that will make any space feel like a million bucks.

Give standard hardware a fresh facelift 

You’ve probably guessed that hardware would make our list as one of the easiest but impactful updates for added luxury. This is because new hardware is quick, inexpensive, and instantly transformative. Whether you opt for a new bathroom faucet finished in Luxe Gold like this Brizo model, or you decide to upgrade your tub with a sleek wall-mounted faucet, swapping outdated hardware for something more modern will elevate any space. From kitchen cabinets to bedroom furniture, there are plenty of knobs just waiting for an upscale revival!

Add tech-focused features for a “smarter” home

We all like to be in the loop with the latest innovations in technology, and many (like Google’s Alexa or Amazon’s Echo) have already made their way into our homes. But there is a whole host of affordable tech-focused home decor that can make a room immediately more upscale and cutting edge. For example, this gorgeous high-tech medicine cabinet gives you a mirror with one-touch task lighting, USB charging ports, and a touch control audio system to play music. You can even swap out your boring old toilet for this innovative model, which comes with cool features like a heated seat, deodorizer, and UV lighting for self-cleaning. From smart appliances to motorized window shades and self-watering planters, adding tech-focused upgrades will give your home an overall “smarter” and modernized vibe.

Customize your walls with decorative molding

It might surprise you to learn that one of the most budget-friendly ways to give your home a luxurious feel is to bring your walls to life with decorative molding. With a little focused time and some DIY know-how, you can add your very own decorative molding in a single weekend! The fun part is choosing a design that sparks an upscale quality – like a curvy shape or a leafy, Romanesque pattern. If you don’t trust yourself to take on the project, hiring a professional is still relatively inexpensive and will definitely be worth the investment long term. For added elegance, make sure the molding matches the existing color of the walls so everything looks seamless and sophisticated.

Integrate some metallic items for added flair

Integrating a few metallic items to a room will give it that luxe look you’re hoping to achieve – just be careful not to overdo it! Things like a gold-leaf mirror, a few pieces of vintage silver, or a brass table can all make a room feel more expensive and will communicate glamor on their own. When it comes to metallics, it’s okay to think small and contained. In other words, a little goes a long way. A good approach is to think about decorating with metal like choosing jewelry for an outfit. In doing so, don’t be afraid to mix metals to make your accessorizing a bit more unique!

Ready to turn your home into a luxurious retreat? Shop our premium products now.

Shop Premium Products Now

Cleaning the Bathroom Sink Made Easy

Cleaning the bathroom sink is as simple as tossing some powdered cleanser or spraying some all-purpose cleaner and give it a scrub, right? Think again. Cleaning the sink may seem straightforward, but there are any number of things you can do to ruin your sink just by making some simple cleaning mistakes. 

It all comes down to what your sink is made of. Here’s how to make sure your sink gets clean without any damage. 

What is your sink made of?

Before you start thinking about cleaning, determine the material of your sink. Ceramic and porcelain are common materials for the bathroom sink but you also might run into acrylic, cast iron, quartz, glass, or even wood. Each require different care and maintenance. 

Ceramic, Porcelain, Fireclay

All of similar composition, ceramic, porcelain, and Fireclay bathroom sinks should be cleaned with non-abrasive cleansers and soft cloths. Avoid acidic cleansers. There is a level of porosity to these materials, so it’s important to clean up stains quickly before they sink in. Daily maintenance is the best way to keep your ceramic, porcelain, or Fireclay sink looking its best.

For tough stains, line your sink with paper towels then spray the towels down with hydrogen peroxide. Let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes then remove towels and rinse. Oxygen bleach is another good option for tough stains. 

Acrylic

Acrylic bathroom sinks are a fan favorite for their nonporous nature. They don’t stain easily and are resistant to mold and mildew. They can be cleaned with warm water and dish soap. For tougher stains, fill the sink with warm water and add a splash of bleach and let sit for up to 5 minutes. Any stains that don’t come out, simply give them a rub with the water and bleach solution.

Stone, Composite Stone & Engineered Stone

Both stone, composite, and engineered stone are all considered natural products. They are easy to maintain when given the daily care and protection they need. 

Clean with mild detergent and warm water using a soft cloth. Rinse and thoroughly dry after cleaning. Keep acidic cleaners and makeup off the stone sink and clean up spills quickly. 

Metal

Much like stone, metal sinks like copper, brass, or stainless steel can be cleaned regularly with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth. Scrubbing or abrasive cleansers should be avoided as they can scratch the metal. 

If oxidation occurs on your brass or copper sink, make a mixture of salt and vinegar or lemon juice then rub it on the sink, let sit for 10 minutes then rinse clean. This will restore a lot of the shine and color of the sink.

Glass

Glass sinks, as you might know from the glass in your shower, are best cleaned directly after use. Warm water and simple soap or detergent with a soft cloth will do the trick. Vinegar is also an excellent glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleansers. Rinse and dry thoroughly and buff out any water spots since they will be visible from the outside as well as the inside of the sink.

Wood

Wood sinks should be cleaned daily after use with a simple wipe down with a towel. Clean them regularly with mild soap and soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners. You may want to refinish your wood sink occasionally or treat with a wood conditioner to keep the wood looking its best. 

Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron sinks have been around for a long time and there many preferred ways to clean them. Simple non-abrasive cleaners and implements are best with mild detergents or cleaners. Some opt use bleach to restore an enameled cast iron sink to its full glory.

Vinegar is another time-tested cleaner for the sink. Many swear by Bar Keeper’s Friend cleanser to keep enameled sinks at their best. Others invest in enamel cleaning creams. Drying the sink out after each use is a great way to keep the sink cleaner and looking great!

Need to clean other items in the bathroom? Check out the best ways to clean the shower. 

Best Ways to Clean the Shower

6 Most Common Types of Bathroom Layouts

When you’re remodeling, buying, or selling a home, being aware of the different bathroom types is essential. Most homes (with the exception of apartments) usually have two or even three different types of bathrooms, such as a full bathroom, a half bathroom, and a quarter bathroom in various combinations.

For potential buyers, the types of bathrooms that a home has is one of the most important factors in making a purchase decision. For example, a family of five likely needs two full bathrooms and a half bath to comfortably accommodate everybody, whereas a couple would probably be satisfied with one full bathroom. 

Since we spend a lot of our time in our bathrooms, and their functionality can either make or break the overall harmony of your home, let’s explore the different types of bathroom layouts and which are most on-trend today.

Full Bathrooms

In order to be considered a full bathroom, the layout must contain a sink, toilet, and shower/bathtub combination, or a separate bathtub and shower that are spaced apart. 

Most homes will have at least one full bathroom. In fact, you can almost guarantee that any low- to mid-priced home with two or more bedrooms will have one full bathroom. This type of bathroom is extremely versatile and adds value to a home, serving many functions and sometimes including a “his” and “her” design that features a spacious layout and two sinks.

Primary or Owner Bathrooms

A primary or owner bathroom is usually the biggest and most private bathroom in a home, incorporating all of the same features as a full bathroom. This type of bathroom is attached to or can be accessed from the home’s largest bedroom as an ensuite design. 

Besides their location, primary bathrooms often go above and beyond the traditional features of a full bathroom and include special amenities – such as double vanities, whirlpool tubs, walk-in showers, built-in shelving, heated towel racks, and semi-enclosed toilets for maximum privacy. Master bathrooms are seen by many to be a space for retreat and relaxation, which often means that they are the most high-end type of bathroom.

Three-Quarter Bathrooms

Three-quarter bathrooms have a layout that contains a sink, toilet, and either a separate shower or a separate bathtub. Since most new bathrooms or remodeling projects today aren’t being built with bathtubs, the third component in three-quarter baths tends to be a shower.

While not quite as spacious as a full bathroom, three-quarter bathrooms still offer plenty of benefits without taking up much square footage. It’s common to find this type of bathroom near a guest bedroom or as part of a finished basement, as it offers everything needed but is likely to be used less often by the residents. 

Powder Rooms or Half-Baths

Powder rooms, which are also called half-baths, feature only two of the standard four components of a full bathroom: a toilet and a sink. Thus, this is the smallest type of bathroom and takes up relatively little square footage.

Normally found by the entrance of a home or close to the kitchen, half-baths allow for more privacy for the homeowner, as visitors can use this smaller bathroom without entering the bedroom areas. Also, since full bathrooms tend to be more personal spaces with garments and medicines or hygiene products, half-bathrooms keep visitors from seeing these types of items.

Jack and Jill Bathrooms

The final type of bathroom that’s most commonly seen in homes is the Jack and Jill bathroom, or the shared bathroom. This type of bathroom is positioned between two bedrooms and has two doors, granting equal and easy access from either bedroom. 

Jack and Jill bathrooms usually feature one or two sinks, a toilet, and a shower or bathtub. Extremely fun for kids, this style is an ideal choice for larger families, where the bathroom might be occupied at any given time of day. Not only does this type of bathroom provide convenience for whoever occupies the adjoining bedrooms, but it also saves on space, as you won’t need to have one bathroom for every person or bedroom and can use that extra square footage for other purposes.

Which Type of Bathroom is Most On-Trend Today?

Since not every home can accommodate every type of bathroom, there isn’t necessarily one layout that is more on-trend than any other. However, there is a shared understanding that the ensuite bathroom is a must-have in home design. Buyers will look more favorably upon homes with ensuites, as this type of bathroom is something most people want.

Once considered a luxurious advantage, ensuite bathrooms are increasingly popular features in homes of all different shapes and sizes. This is because they offer a level of convenience that can’t be denied, and they add a huge amount of value to a home compared to standalone full baths. 

The ensuite isn’t just for the primary or owner bathroom anymore! You’ll find them in the other bedrooms of the house, making the bathroom more private and accessible. The more “suites” you have in your home the more valuable, and the more attractive. 

No matter what type of bathroom you have, these vanity and faucet pairings will go great with any interior style or aesthetic.

See Vanity & Faucet Pairings

How to Update Your Bathroom Hardware: 3 Fundamental Tips

Did you know remodeling your bathroom can add significant value to your home for resale? Some analysts claim that undergoing a bathroom remodel can boost a home’s value by as much as 53-58% of what is spent during the renovation.

Even if you aren’t planning a full-scale remodel, there are certain areas where you can focus your attention in the bathroom that will show potential buyers your good taste and modern sensibilities. After all, who doesn’t love a bathroom that’s been updated!? 

One of the main features that plays an important role in the overall look and feel of a bathroom is the hardware or fixtures. From sink faucets and towel bars to soap dispensers and cabinet hardware, these small details are not something to be overlooked. Giving your hardware an update and choosing fixtures that are high quality, stylish, and match the bathroom’s design scheme is essential to a high-end space.

Here are 3 fundamental tips for choosing the perfect bathroom hardware during a renovation.

1. Opt for eco-friendly faucets

More and more homeowners are growing concerned with the environmental impact of the materials and furnishings in their living spaces – and this of course applies to the bathroom. A great way to make sure your bathroom sinks are sustainable is to opt for faucets that conserve water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), replacing old faucets can save homeowners nearly 700 gallons of water per year!

To ensure you’re choosing the most water-efficient option, look for WaterSense-labeled faucets, like this Delta model. The WaterSense label certifies the faucet uses at least 20% less water than the industry standard, all without compromising on performance. Additionally, it’s best if the faucet has a flow rate of under 1.5 gallons per minute, which you can confirm with the manufacturer.

2. Choose the right faucet based on your vanity’s design

The design of your bathroom sink or vanity will help to immediately eliminate fixtures that are too high, too big, or are simply the wrong style. Depending on the layout and dimensions of your overall sink, you’ll need to make sure the new faucet not only fits the allotted space but also fits with the bathroom design you’re hoping to achieve.

For example, at Decor Planet, we offer faucets in several different categories including widespread vessel faucets, single hole faucets, wall mount faucets, and center set faucets for smaller vanities. If you’re planning on remodeling your vanity or sink entirely, you’ll have more freedom in choosing a faucet fixture that’s different from your current model – such as a wall mount faucet for a modernized design. However, if you’re sticking with your existing vanity, you should know straightaway which faucet category you’re limited to.

3. Make sure all of the fixtures are cohesive

As we mentioned earlier, there are numerous fixtures that all play a part in creating a functional bathroom – including larger, more obvious features like towel racks and smaller intricacies like cabinet hardware. From an interior design perspective, it’s best to opt for the same type of finish for all of your bathroom hardware. Otherwise, you’ll run the risk of the space looking overly eclectic or even badly disjointed.

Some of the most popular finishes for bathrooms include brushed, satin, polished, antique, and satin metal. Whichever finish you choose is purely a matter of personal choice, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure the hardware matches with permanent fittings like the showerhead or toilet handle. Remember: harmony is the key to pulling the look together!

Now that you’re ready to update your bathroom hardware, you can turn your focus to other leading style trends that combine luxury and functionality. Here are some of the hottest bathroom trends as picked by design pros.

Check Out Bathroom Trends