4 “Dream” Home Upgrades You Can Fake Right Now, According to Avid DIY-ers

This story is a part of our Old House New Issue, where we explore why people are no longer moving in 2024, and how to renovate your current home to make it work for you. To learn more about where to start on home renos, which projects to prioritize, and how to love the home you have, check out our full issue here.

Certain home upgrades feel like the stuff of dreams: calcutta marble countertops, bespoke bookshelves, or that iconic midcentury modern chair. However, you don’t have to wait for a magical direct deposit in your bank account to make those dreams a reality.

In fact, all it takes is a little craftiness and cleverness. DIYers have been duping luxury upgrades for years now, getting their hands dirty and coming up with creative ideas to upgrade their spaces. From scraggly furniture that turns brand new to small architectural updates, many of these can be accomplished on a budget—or even for free if you have the materials on hand.

Ahead, we tapped two designers and DIYers for their favorite luxury home upgrades that you can dupe yourself—along with tips and tricks to get it done.

Swap Out (or Paint) Your Hardware

Sometimes, making your home feel more luxurious is about customizing smaller details, rather than making a drastic change.

“There are endless options when it comes to hardware these days, and you can easily buy new, but you can also use what you already have!” says Rachel Smith, founder of The Crafted Life and author of Colorful Living.

You can start with a dresser or credenza you own—or even amp up the finishes on your kitchen cabinets. 

“Paint your current knobs to change up your color palette,” Smith says. “Just be sure to seal for high-trafficked areas. And remember, you can always change the placement of hardware or add it if there isn’t any.”

For example, Smith updated her IKEA Tarva Dresser by sanding the laminate surface to help the paint stick. Then, she simply primed and painted the piece pink all over, turning it into something out of Barbie’s Dreamhouse. The piece can then be sealed with and dried to protect it from wear over time. 

Brass hardware or flower knobs can add a touch of glam and chicness to furniture pieces, as well.

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Create Roman Clay or Limewash Walls

Roman clay is a matte, lime-based plaster applied to walls with a knife to give it a marble or ceramic appearance. However, the effect can be accomplished with a paint alternative. All you need is Roman clay paint (as the name goes—pretty straightforward), a trowel, tape, and a tarp to protect your floors. 

“The application involves applying the paint in layers and smoothing it out with enough pressure to create a stone-like finish,” says Sourya Venumbaka, founder of Sové Home. “The cost varies but a powder room project would cost around $150.”

Limewash is similarly loved for its chalky texture and ability to add depth to a space. And you guessed it—the effect is just a matter of applying paint, as well.

“Limewash has a more watery consistency,” Venumbaka says. “You would need limewash paint, a five-inch masonry brush, tape, a tarp, and something to mix the paint with. Limewash is applied with random brush strokes in small overlapping sections.”

This can be accomplished with two layers of criss-cross brush strokes across the wall—and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a limewash-specific paint.

The beauty of it? The process is not about perfection, but rather creating a shadowy, almost intentionally uneven effect.

Give Your Vents a Glam Treatment

Again, when it comes to luxurious upgrades, it’s easy to think big. But it’s important not to overlook the quote-unquote minor things, too—even something as simple as vents.

“When it comes to your vents, the good news is that brass spray paints have come a long way.” Smith says.

“To upgrade those classic white vents, sand lightly then apply your brass spray paint,” she suggests. “For even coverage, try two to three light coats. [Then], seal with a spray polyurethane to protect your paint.”

You can also find antique covers to swap them out with for a more unique look.

Incorporate Large-Scale Artwork

Everyone loves a beautiful piece of artwork, but sometimes our favorite original pieces aren’t the most accessible. 

“Nothing screams expensive or luxury like a large piece of art,” Venumbaka says. “It makes a room feel grand and can be an eye-catching statement piece.

So, to make artwork more budget-friendly—and have a more personal touch— Venumbaka likes creating her own.

“I DIYed a large canvas using stretcher bars and canvas from the art store and then created a color block of different green paint colors,” she says. “You can even find large canvas prints at the thrift store and paint over them for a budget DIY.”

Venumbaka made a piece for less than $100. She notes that simple but effective abstract art can pull inspiration from anywhere—and still have a striking impact.