Looking to add some luxury to your home? Here are four luxury home upgrades to make your space look and feel more high-end. These upgrades can transform the atmosphere in your home into that of a relaxing oasis and increase your home’s value at the same time.
Add a Step-In Shower
Bathrooms used to be merely functional spaces, but not anymore — a spa-like environment is a growing trend for bathrooms.
A tub and shower combination is standard in most homes, but more and more homeowners want a step-in shower and separate soaking tub. Investing in this change for your bathroom will not only increase your home’s value but will also bring you some luxurious bathing and showering options.
If you want a luxe bathroom, splurge on an ultra-deep soaking tub with a marble ledge.
Investing just $3,000 into a bath and shower remodel will pay off at $1.71 for every dollar invested, according to Zillow.
Other options include upgrading to a rainfall showerhead or adding body jets. You can install an inexpensive rainfall showerhead for under $100. Body jets add a spa-like massage feature that creates a relaxing and rejuvenating shower experience.
Upgrading your bathroom fixtures to brushed nickel, chrome, or bronze finishes can also make a big visual impact. Pay special attention to faucets, showerheads, cabinet hardware, and lighting fixtures when selecting finishes.
Upgrade Linoleum or Vinyl Flooring
Painting your linoleum or vinyl flooring is an inexpensive way to make your home — even the laundry room — look more luxurious.
Gray and off-white are excellent colors if you need inspiration. If you have concrete floors, you can upgrade them by adding linoleum or tile and then painting them.
Visit your local tile supply store for choices. You can browse through hundreds of tile patterns, colors, and textures to find the perfect look for your space. Keep in mind that natural stone and porcelain tiles tend to have a more high-end, luxurious aesthetic than ceramic tile.
In addition to flooring, consider adding tile to your kitchen backsplash or shower walls. Tile backsplashes instantly provide visual interest to kitchens. Natural stone, handmade ceramic tile, and metallic tiles are especially attractive for backsplashes.
Upgrade Window Treatments
Swap out basic vinyl blinds for something more elegant. Luxe draperies or woven wood shades add instant sophistication to any room. For bedrooms, blackout curtains in rich colors like eggplant or navy are a great upgrade.
If your budget doesn’t have room for new window treatments in every room, focus on the main living areas first. The kitchen, dining room, living room, and primary bedroom are good places to splurge. Add drapery panels inside window casings for an elegant look.
You can also upgrade blinds and shades using smart home technology. Motorized blinds that open and close automatically per a schedule or voice command give a high-tech, luxurious feel.
Update Cabinet Hardware
The knobs, pulls, and handles on your cabinets are easily overlooked but have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Installing new knobs and pulls is a simple DIY upgrade that can make cabinets look custom. Swap out worn or dated hardware for modern brushed nickel bar pulls or crystal knobs to give your kitchen a glamorous new look.
If you’re on a budget, change just the most visible hardware. For example, replace the pulls on lower cabinets but leave the upper pulls unchanged. You can also mix metals and finishes for visual interest.
Beyond the kitchen, changing hardware on bathroom vanities, dressers, built-ins, and other cabinetry refreshes the space. Look for cohesive designs across each room for a harmonious and thoughtful aesthetic.
For further information, watch this video: https://todayshomeowner.com/kitchen/video/how-to-replace-the-hardware-on-your-kitchen-cabinets/
So, Is Making Small Luxury Upgrades Worth It?
Making small but impactful upgrades is an inexpensive way to make your home feel more luxurious. Upgrades like installing luxury vinyl tile flooring, painting cabinets, or adding new lighting fixtures are DIY-friendly projects that create a huge impact on the space. For projects like tiling large surfaces or installing new cabinets, consider hiring a professional to ensure it’s done properly.
While luxurious materials and brands naturally cost more upfront, you’ll likely recoup much of the investment when it comes time to sell, thanks to the increased home value. In my experience, these upgrades also increase your enjoyment in your home in the meantime.
FAQs About Luxury Home Upgrades
How much do luxury home upgrades increase resale value?
It varies based on the specific project, but you can generally recoup 50% to 75% of the cost of minor luxury home upgrades. More extensive projects like adding a step-in shower earn even higher returns.
What are the best high-end materials?
Natural stone, hardwood, porcelain, and ceramic are top-of-the-line surface materials. Stainless steel, crystal, and solid brass are excellent choices for hardware and fixtures.
Should I hire a designer?
If you’re doing a whole-home renovation or struggle with design, hiring a designer saves time and frustration. Designers know how to maximize the look and value of updates. For minor upgrades, you can likely DIY the project if you have a specific vision. Otherwise, leave it to the professional designers so you don’t end up with a space you dislike and no money left to fix it.
What luxury smart home upgrades should I make?
Smart locks, lights, thermostats, and integrated audio systems make homes feel high tech and luxurious. Other great upgrades include motorized window treatments and a smart water monitoring system.
How can I add luxury on a budget?
Paint, hardware, window treatments, and lighting are inexpensive upgrades with a big visual impact. Another option is refinishing surfaces like floors rather than fully replacing them to save money but create a whole new look and feel to the room.
