Making your home feel high-end doesn’t have to mean knocking down walls or breaking this month’s budget. Sometimes, it’s the little things that hold your space back from looking its best.

Here are eight common issues and their staging approved swaps that can instantly elevate your home while making your friends and family think you’ve really pulled the place together.

1. Too small rugs
A properly sized rug should extend under at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs and around 12 inches from the walls. Going bigger will make the room feel more grounded, cohesive and put together.

2. Threadbare towels
If your bathroom towels look like they’ve survived a decade of teenage sports seasons, it’s time to upgrade. A fresh set of matching towels (bonus points for solid, neutral colors) instantly makes a space feel like a spa instead of a locker room.

3. Dead plants
We love greenery, but if your plant has given up on life, let it go. A browning fiddle-leaf fig doesn’t say elegant, it says “I’m overwhelmed.” Swap it out for a healthy houseplant or even a realistic faux version. There are some great options out there!

4. Plastic picture frames
Nothing dates a space faster than cheap plastic frames in mismatched finishes. Invest in a few simple, quality frames in the same tone (black, wood, or brass are classics). Your photos, and your room, will thank you.

5. Word art everywhere
Guests don’t need a sign to remind them to “Live, Laugh, Love” or where the pantry and laundry room are. Let your space tell the story instead of directing your guests through your home.

6. Vertical blinds
If you can swap vertical blinds out for drapes, roman shades, or even simple roller shades, your windows will look bigger, cleaner and far more up to date. Quick Tip: Drapes create the illusion that ceilings are higher when they are hung close to the ceiling and kissing the floor.

7. Sad pillow inserts
If your throw pillows look like pancakes, the inserts are too small. For a luxe, full look, your inserts should be at least two inches larger than the pillow cover. For example, use a 22-inch insert in a 20-inch cover. It’s a huge visual payoff and the pillows will need to be fluffed less often.

8. Giant family portraits
Save the family portraits for small frames on consoles, sides tables or shelving and leave your walls for artwork. Small changes make a big impact

Staging is about showing a lifestyle buyers want to step into. Even if you’re not selling, these easy changes can make your space feel fresher, more intentional, and a whole lot more expensive.

Hi, I am Jacqueline. I am the owner and lead designer at Spruced Interiors. I have over eight years of experience in high end design and color consultations. Staging became a passion project of mine. I am excited to bring my knowledge from the custom design world into the Real Estate environment and help buyers imagine their future.

Spruced Interiors focuses on transforming houses into highly desired homes for potential buyers. The style is timeless and with vibrant pops of color to catch a buyer’s eye.