Why do some homes look more luxurious than others? If you take two houses that are nice but not extravagant and put them side by side, you may find that one has a certain richness that the other lacks. It can be hard to spot the reason, especially if the more sumptuous home doesn’t have expensive furniture and hasn’t undergone a major remodel.

Sometimes the difference is in subtler things. As it turns out, there are a number of steps any homeowner can undertake to make the place look more luxurious. Better yet, they don’t cost a lot of money. Here are some tips on how to make your home look expensive without emptying your bank account.

Put the Kibosh on Clutter

Every luxurious space looks open and decluttered. It’s a cliché that less is more, but in lavish home design, it’s true. A few refined and generously spaced living room pieces outshine an abundance of lesser furnishings. A limited number of statement decor items provide just the right level of accents. A bookcase looks more elegant when there’s open space on some of the shelves. Make a practice of picking up mail and papers from coffee tables and moving them to a less conspicuous part of the home.

Walls Set the Tone

Even when you don’t notice them, walls establish the emotional tone of a room. In a luxurious space, that tone is calm, smooth and easy on the eyes. Neutral wall colors are best for a natural and relaxed background. Brightly colored walls can be stunning, but they create an ambiance that’s more avant-garde than subtly lavish.

To make a room feel larger, consider painting baseboards and molding the same color as the walls. It’s also gentler on the eyes than a contrast. Speaking of baseboards and crown molding, if yours are thin (or if you don’t have crown molding at all), a thicker version yields a look with more character.

Big Art

Small pictures on a large wall look like they’re not quite doing what’s asked of them. Too few and they look insignificant; too many and they’re cluttered. On the other hand, a large piece of artwork fills the space and gives the room a high-end feel. If you do use smaller wall art, consider generous matting to make it fill a larger frame.

Layered Lighting

The most refined rooms have lighting that’s indirect and comes from several sources. If there’s overhead light, a chandelier or pendant softens it as opposed to a plain overhead fixture. Table lamps can be turned on and off to vary the overall illumination to the occasion. You can elevate these by swapping out the lampshade for something chosen just for this room. Also, sconces are inexpensive and make great accent lights.

Think about Texture

With a variety of textures, a room’s contents appear to be thoughtfully collected over time. Natural items are particularly good at creating this impression. Examples are wood, glass, stone, metals and anything woven. If the sofa, chairs and pillows are all smooth, the space isn’t as interesting as it could be. You can experiment with pillows, using texture, patterns and colors to get a look that’s just right.

Texture is effective throughout the home. Think bed linens that contrast with a wooden frame. Bath towels that set off metallic fixtures. Refined tablecloths and dishware on the dining table even when it’s not mealtime.

Ample Rugs

Any area rug will add warmth, color and texture, but large rugs make a room feel bigger. A less expensive but sizable rug will often look more stately than a more costly but smaller one. That’s especially true if all your furniture legs fit upon it. The floor is second only to the walls in setting the stage for a room, and whether your flooring is wood, vinyl or even carpeting, the right area rug establishes a luxurious presence.

Dressy Windows

Large windows denote luxury, but even if your windows are smaller, you can give them the illusion of floor-to-ceiling height. It’s done with floor-length curtains. Hang the drapery hardware well above the window frame and close to the ceiling, and choose curtains that graze the floor. For an extra touch of elegance, use sheer curtains to soften external light for a relaxed yet expansive feel.

Finishing Touches

To complete your glamorous upgrade, add a few touches of high-end materials. These would include marble, luxury metals, crystal, leather and polished wood. Most often such additions would be through home decor items such as candlesticks, vases and table sculptures. However, a small carved table or a stunning lampshade might fit into your plans. Exercise restraint: too many glitzy items can be chaotic and a bit confusing.

One of the easiest ways to add a touch of glamor is to swap out hardware. Attractive drawer knobs and cabinet pulls are plentiful, varied and inexpensive. Also consider upgrading kitchen and bathroom fixtures. If you have the generic fixtures that came with the home, it’s amazing what a transformation a handpicked faucet can make.

So if you want a more luxurious look, it doesn’t take much to get started. Make changes a few at a time, and watch your home evolve in elegance with every innovation.