The Easy Addition Pinterest Swears By For Making A Home Feel More Expensive

Many homeowners don't yet live in their dream homes. But just because you're still daydreaming about that idyllic farmhouse down the street, that doesn't mean you can't take steps to make your current space feel more luxurious ... and expensive. Doing so will also increase your home's value when you are ready to sell it and move on.

Whether a home looks and feels expensive actually has nothing to do with its price tag. Instead, it comes down to the basics, like the building materials you use and the design choices you make. Something as simple as painting your front door or displaying a great antique piece in your living room can make all the difference. Think about where the eye is naturally drawn — unique lighting fixtures, statement furniture, mirrors, architectural detailing — and bring this to life in your own home. Forget shelling out on a one-of-a-kind crystal chandelier; you can buy your furniture and lighting on Amazon if you find the right things!

However, Pinterest is sold on an easy addition to make a home feel expensive, and it's not what's on the ceiling, but what's on the ground that's going to count for more. Area rugs can be the key difference-maker in a home feeling bleh or beautiful. In addition to bringing color and style to any space, rugs anchor furniture, making a room feel pulled-together. They can enhance existing decor, plus add a nice touch of luxury. Who wants to be walking around barefoot on hardwood floors, anyway?

The right rug will elevate any room, even if it was a cheap buy. It's a decor choice that designers typically won't skip, and with good reason! When choosing an area rug, there are a few steps that home design experts recommend you take. Firstly, sizing. You'll want something that's of equal size to the room and its furniture. For example, if you have a bulky couch or sprawling decor, pick a larger rug — although you'll want to be sure to leave a few inches between the edges of the rug and the wall. Likewise, a narrower area with delicate furniture calls for something smaller that won't overwhelm the space.

Secondly, there are different types of rug materials to consider. A wool rug is best for a room where you spend lots of time, because wool is durable and repels water and dirt. Think Persian, Oriental, or Kilim rugs, which are high-quality and consequently tend to be more expensive. If you're thinking small, then a cotton runner or accent rug could be ideal. A cowhide is a common accent rug, and it can even be layered atop an existing rug. 

Not all rugs are created equal. Oriental rugs tend to be more expensive because they're hand-knotted and made from high-quality materials. When these types of rugs cover a wide surface area, you might find yourself spending more than you'd like. That's why there's a genius hack to creating the look of an expensive Oriental rug without breaking the bank. Instead of blowing your whole budget on a gorgeous antique rug, designers recommend buying a vintage runner at a fraction of the price and layering it atop a neutral area rug. The result? Great area coverage and an expensive vibe!

The power of layering your rugs shouldn't be underestimated. Doing so can add interest with different textures and make the room appear bigger. When you do so, designers recommend that you always start with a neutral rug as your base. Designer Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors likes to go with something like a "sisal, jute, or woven wool" rug. "This ... prevents overwhelm if the rug that you've decided to spotlight is very busy in pattern or color," she told Veranda. "A neutral base serves as the perfect complement."

Layering your rugs also empowers you to play with their placement. Say you decide your antique runner will look better elsewhere. Simply move it to another room, and you'll have a refreshed look and feel. Meanwhile, your original neutral area rug still gives you a luxurious vibe. Win-win!