5 Small Decor Switches That Make Your Home Feel Expensive (But Aren’t)

Below are five small decor upgrades that can instantly add charm and a sense of understated luxury to your home—without straining your budget.

1. Swap Out Plastic for Ceramic or Glass Containers

Open shelving in a farmhouse-style kitchen or laundry room is a major trend—but nothing ruins the aesthetic faster than a bunch of mismatched plastic containers. Replacing plastic detergent bottles, spice jars, or dry goods containers with ceramic crocks, clear glass canisters, or amber apothecary jars is a quick win.

Not only does it make your counters and shelves look more uniform and intentional, but it also introduces texture and shine—two hallmarks of elevated design.

Pro Tip: Look for vintage-style labels or chalkboard tags for a more personalized farmhouse touch.

2. Layer with Linen and Cotton Textiles

Want to instantly make a room feel richer and cozier? Add textiles made from natural fibers. Linen curtains, cotton throw blankets, and waffle-knit towels bring a softness that both looks and feels luxurious.

Unlike synthetic materials, natural fabrics drape better, age gracefully, and add texture—which makes a space look “finished.” Neutral tones like cream, sage, or dusty gray work perfectly with farmhouse palettes.

Farmhouse Tip: Mix subtle patterns like ticking stripes or windowpane checks with solid neutrals for an effortless layered look.

3. Add Antique or Antique-Look Wall Hooks

Sometimes the smallest details have the biggest impact. Installing antique brass or black iron wall hooks by the entryway or in the bathroom adds instant vintage character.

These are great for hanging market totes, aprons, hats, or even decorative hanging plants. Look for hooks with decorative backplates or scrollwork if you really want to lean into farmhouse charm.

Best of all, wall hooks are budget-friendly and practical—you’re adding both utility and visual appeal in one easy move.

4. Use Woven Baskets to Hide the Clutter (and Add Warmth)

Woven baskets are a farmhouse staple—and for good reason. They’re functional, earthy, and add a natural texture that warms up any space. Whether you use them to store blankets by the couch, towels in the bathroom, or mail by the door, they create a clean, cohesive look.

Go for baskets made from water hyacinth, seagrass, or jute to keep the look authentic and organic. Mixing sizes and shapes creates visual interest, while sticking to one material keeps things cohesive.

5. Introduce Compact, Stylish Storage with Wicker Baskets

If you want something that looks custom but still fits your budget, one of the best-kept secrets in affordable decor is multi-functional wicker basket sets. These compact storage pieces blend seamlessly into farmhouse interiors and give you both hidden storage and surface area for styling with candles, small vases, or books.

One great example? A 3-tier wicker drawer basket set with a wood frame and neutral-toned woven drawers. It tucks beautifully into narrow spaces like bathrooms, hallways, or even beside the bed—and it looks far more expensive than it is.

This kind of piece quietly elevates your home while still serving a real function. It’s the type of item people often ask, “Where did you get that?”

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to overhaul your entire home—or spend thousands—to achieve a high-end look. Small, thoughtful switches like these help transform your space from basic to beautiful. When you focus on texture, natural materials, and cohesive styling, even modest pieces can have a designer-level impact.

Looking for a final touch that pulls farmhouse charm and function together? A compact wicker basket storage unit made with real woven materials can make a subtle yet stunning difference. It’s one of those “small switches” that speaks volumes.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enjoy exclusive special deals available only to our subscribers.