How to Make Your Kitchen Look Expensive (Without Renos)
13 easy ideas to elevate your kitchen and get that designer look on any budget.
Kitchen renovations can easily run into the tens of thousands—sometimes even close to $100K. And while not all of us can make that kind of investment (especially when you're just starting out), it doesn’t mean you can’t have an expensive-looking kitchen.
In this blog post, I’m sharing 13 simple swaps and styling tips that instantly elevate your kitchen without any major renovation.
The best part? These ideas work in any kitchen, no matter the size. I’ve also linked products where it makes sense, so you can shop confidently. With just a couple hundred dollars, you’ll be well on your way to giving your kitchen that high-end, designer feel—without the high-end price tag.
A kitchen I designed in Homestyler.
Let’s begin!
1. Runner Rugs Instead Of Anti-Fatigue Foam Mats
I get why anti-fatigue mats are popular—they’re comfy and great for long hours at the stove or sink. But design-wise, they don’t add much. Swap yours for a pretty runner rug (and invest in good house slippers!) and you’ll see an instant upgrade.
Image Credit: AKB Design
2. Pick the Right Utensil Holder (It Matters!)
Utensil holders are one of the first things you notice on a kitchen counter since they’re tall and usually sit right by the stove—the main focal point. A clean, simple holder instantly makes your kitchen look more styled. When shopping, stick to classic cylindrical designs and avoid stainless steel or oddly shaped options. Those tend to look cheap and won’t elevate your space.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
3. Layer Your Lighting
Layered lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a kitchen feel refined and expensive. Recessed lights alone can make a space look flat, so mix in pendants over the island to create a true focal point. Then add a small table lamp on the counter or a picture light above open shelves for warmth and ambience. These simple additions make your kitchen look thoughtfully designed with very little effort.
Image Credit: Brown Stone Boys
4. Upgrade Your Counter Stools
If you have a kitchen island or peninsula with room for counter stools, this one’s for you. To get that designer look, stick to classic, timeless pieces. Choose wooden stools with a backrest, no swivels, and an upholstered seat if you prefer the comfort. It instantly makes the whole kitchen feel more elevated.
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Living
5. Declutter Your Countertops First
Styling matters, but nothing elevates a kitchen faster than decluttering your countertops. No amount of decor can fix a space covered in small appliances, utensils, and random bits. Start by putting things away, organizing drawers, and clearing the counters.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
6. Use Aesthetic Organizers
You might think organizers don’t matter because they’re not so important or hidden, but they really do. When your drawers, shelves and cabinets look neat, the whole kitchen feels more put-together and luxe. Invest in pieces like wicker baskets for pantry items, glass canisters with wooden lids, and bamboo drawer organizers—small upgrades that make your kitchen feel instantly more put-together and luxe.
Image Credit: Christina Aldana
7. Style Your Produce the Pretty Way
Fruits and veggies can totally be part of your kitchen styling, but skip the dated wire fruit baskets. Instead, use a wide decorative bowl to hold your produce—it looks cleaner, more intentional, and adds a nice touch of color to the counter.
Image Credit: Ashley Montgomery
8. Stick to Neutral, High-Quality Towels
When shopping for kitchen towels, stick to neutral colors and simple patterns—busy prints and text instantly cheapen the look. Choose thicker, good-quality fabrics over the thin, inexpensive ones. They last longer, look better, and make your kitchen feel more elevated without blowing your budget.
Image Credit: Amna Chaudhry Interiors
9. Mix Your Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware is one of those small design details that makes a surprisingly big impact. If all your cabinets and drawers have the exact same handles, your kitchen can look flat and builder-grade. Try mixing knobs and pulls (or any styles you love) to add more interest and give the space a custom, designer feel. It’s an easy swap that instantly elevates the look of your cabinetry.
Image Credit: Jean Stoffer Design
10. Rejar Your Soaps for a Cleaner Look
No matter how cute the original packaging is, nothing beats a clear or amber glass dispenser. Re-jarring your dish soap and hand soap is such an easy styling upgrade. Place the two bottles together on a small pedestal, tray, or even directly by the sink, and you’ll see how instantly elevated your kitchen looks.
Image Credit: Luxe B Co.
11. Style Your Kitchen with Art
Display framed art on a quieter section of your countertop, on a shelf, or on an empty wall. It instantly makes the kitchen feel more intentional and shows off your taste. Choose scenic or vintage-style artwork in brass or gold frames for a timeless, elevated look.
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Living
12. A Vase Makes Every Kitchen Better
I like to think of a vase as the potato of home decor—it goes with everything and instantly makes a space look better! If you have an island or a peninsula, place a vase with real or faux stems on it. It adds warmth, softness, and a welcoming touch in seconds.
Image Credit: Tiffany Leigh Design
13. Use Cutting Boards as Decor
Layering wooden boards is one of the most common styling tricks you’ll see in designer kitchens. They’re functional, they’re pretty, and they add instant warmth. Place them between the stovetop and backsplash, on floating shelves, or as a backdrop to your countertop decor. It’s an easy way to say, “Yes, I have taste.”
Image Credit: House Nine Design & Pollyanna Wilkinson
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you’re feeling inspired to give your kitchen a little glow-up. None of these tips require a renovation or a huge budget—they’re just simple, thoughtful swaps that make your space look polished, intentional, and honestly… a lot more “you.” Start with a few, take your time, and enjoy the process. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and it deserves to feel as pretty as it is functional.
And if you decide to try any of these ideas, I hope they make your everyday cooking and coffee moments feel a little more elevated!
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly love or would use in my own home.
