• Bring in some real or faux greenery in a planter that fits your design style to evoke a luxe touch.
• Layer a variety of textures and neutrals to curate a collected and cohesive look.
• Pay attention to the room’s scale and choose furniture pieces that will balance everything out.

If you’ve always craved an expensive-looking living room, note that you can certainly achieve this look on your own, without emptying your savings account in the process. The key is to make a few thoughtful, pro-approved upgrades that will have your space screaming “luxe” in no time.

Here, three interior designers weigh in with five simple yet impactful solutions that you will want to implement for a more elevated look. Don’t be surprised if the compliments from friends and family members start rolling in almost immediately.

Add Molding to the Walls

Even if your home doesn’t boast a ton of architectural character, you can easily add it upon moving in, and installing molding will work wonders in making your living room appear grander.

“Nothing says ‘expensive’ like adding molding to a feature wall,'” Rebecca Ward, the founder of Rebecca Ward Design, says. “It’s a custom detail that adds an extra touch of intrigue and character to the space, but doesn’t have to cost a lot!”

If you’re an avid DIYer, you may be able to install the molding yourself—and even renters can enjoy this look, too, if they wish. There are many online tutorials for renter-friendly picture frame molding, which you can attach using temporary adhesive and then later on remove at the end of your lease.

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Bring in a Tree

Don’t underestimate the power of bringing some eye-catching greenery into the home. Ward loves adding a potted tree to the living room for a luxe look.

“Live or faux, the green is an enriching neutral color for any palette,” she says.

Think beyond a standard terracotta planter and opt for something that better complements your design aesthetic. You can even peruse vintage shops for the perfect vessel. Keep in mind that if you do choose to go the faux plant route, you may also wish to purchase some moss to add to the top of your planter to make the setup appear a bit more realistic.

Layer Like a Pro

Elissa Hall, the founder of EDH Interiors and the co-founder of Sojourn Interiors, states the importance of bringing a variety of natural textures into a living room in order to create an expensive-looking space.

“Working in neutrals helps create that sumptuous, elegant feel,” she says.

She recommends mixing materials including wool, wood, stoneware, and beyond into the space to further create depth and visual interest that evokes quiet luxury.

Ali Burgoon Nolan, the founder of Studio Burgoon, agrees and cites the significance of layering textiles specifically.

“Mixing high-quality natural fibers like linen, nubby wool, or mohair through drapery, throw pillows, blankets, and upholstery creates a rich, collected look,” she says.

To ensure that your living room does not appear too busy despite the inclusion of so many different textures, you will want to stick to the same tonal palette across the board, Nolan instructs.

Keep Scale Top of Mind

The key to a well-designed living room? Paying extremely close attention to scale, Hall shares. Ensuring that the furniture pieces you select fit your space appropriately will make it look as though you have consulted a pro during the design process—even if you actually handled everything yourself!

If your living room is sizable, the designer recommends bringing in plenty of seating, perhaps in the form of a sectional sofa as well as some accent chairs or poufs. Small living rooms call for much more compact seating. Hall recommends choosing a rich upholstery like velvet or leather.

Go Big With Your Art

For a luxe look, say yes to oversized art pieces, Nolan notes.

“A statement piece, whether an oversized painting, a hanging tapestry or textile, or mixed media, adds instant sophistication and makes the space feel intentional,” she says.

Better yet, Nolan suggests going the original or vintage route rather than buying your large-scale art from a big box store or print shop. Doing so will instantly enhance the sense of luxury, Nolan says.