The Secret Art of Looking Expensive (Without Spending Like It)

Let’s get one thing straight: I come from the high-end world. Custom millwork, imported stone, hand-forged everything — I’ve seen it, touched it, specified it. And yes, it’s gorgeous. But here’s what no one at the trade showroom will tell you: you do not need to max out your budget to max out your style.

Enter my favorite design sleight of hand: value engineering — a fancy term for being really good at knowing when to spend and when to cleverly save. It's not cutting corners. It's not cheap. It's strategic. And done well, it’s what makes a project feel thoughtful, tailored, and luxe without reading as try-hard or overdone.

Think of it as the cashmere-sweater-and-Zara-trousers approach to interiors. A little splurge, a little savvy. Effortless.

Spend Where You Feel It

There are certain things worth the splurge. The tactile things. The things you touch, lean on, sit in. These are the daily luxuries that make a home (or space) feel expensive even if everything else is playing a supporting role.

Where to spend:

• Countertops – especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Go for stone that wears well and looks even better with age.
• Hardware – it’s the jewelry of the space. Bad knobs ruin good cabinets.
• Sofas & Upholstered Seating – your body will thank you, and so will your guests.
• Lighting – you don’t need 12 fixtures, just one that steals the scene.
• Millwork & Trim – well-executed built-ins elevate everything around them, even the IKEA cabinet they’re hugging.

Save Where You Can Trick the Eye

This is where the magic happens — the unexpected swaps, the clever pairings, the humble materials styled like runway models.

Where to mimic (smartly):

• Tile – go matte over glossy, handmade look over actual handmade. A strategic layout + great grout = rich energy.
• Cabinet boxes – the interiors can be basic, the fronts are where the money should show.
• Drapery – linen blends over 100% linen, custom rods that look expensive but came from the hardware store.
• Accent Tables – vintage, market finds, or even repurposed outdoor pieces in a new context.
• Paint – always powerful, never pricey. A moody wall or a soft white can do more than any wallpaper if done with intention.

It’s All About the Mix

The most luxurious spaces? They’re never 100% designer. They’re layered. They have contrast, texture, a bit of high and low — a custom stone surround next to an off-the-shelf fireplace insert, or a splurgey statement sconce hanging above a dresser from Craigslist that’s been re-stained to perfection.

That’s the vibe. It doesn’t scream money. It whispers taste.

Final Word: Clever Is the New Expensive

Here’s the truth: anyone can throw money at a room and make it look good. But to make it look elevated without draining the budget? That takes vision. That takes restraint. That takes a little bit of designer alchemy.

So yes, I love a bougie moment. But I love it even more when it’s balanced with a smart swap and a wink. Because when your guest walks in and gasps, “Wait — that’s not marble?” you get to smile and say, “Nope. But doesn’t it look like it?”

Want help building a space that looks expensive but feels effortless? Let’s create a design that blends timeless materials, smart swaps, and just the right amount of indulgence.

Because good taste isn’t about what you spend — it’s about how you see.