Small apartments don’t have to feel cramped, chaotic, or cheap. With the right design strategy—and a bit of clever DIY—you can transform a compact home into a polished, Pinterest-worthy space that feels custom, intentional, and luxurious.
This guide distills 20 high-impact DIY upgrades that deliver maximum style with minimal budget. These are the same design principles used by professional stylists, interior designers, and small-space architects—refined and presented through the lens of practical, renter-friendly living.
If you want your home to look expensive without spending a lot, this is your definitive playbook.
Core Principles of High-End Small Apartment DIY
Before diving into the ideas, it’s important to understand why certain DIY upgrades look expensive. High-end design consistently includes:
1. Clean visual lines
Minimal clutter, symmetry, and harmonious shapes.
2. Strategic lighting
Warm, layered lighting turns even basic rooms into editorial-level interiors.
3. Texture mixing
Stone + linen + metal + wood = instant sophistication.
4. Oversized focal points
A single stunning element looks more luxurious than a collection of small décor.
5. Functional beauty
Aesthetic choices that also solve small-space problems.
Each of the 20 DIY ideas below leverages these principles to give you a polished, elevated, modern look.
THE 20 SMALL APARTMENT DIY IDEAS THAT LOOK EXPENSIVE
1. DIY Grid-Style Wall Paneling
A classic interior-designer trick that instantly makes a space look custom-built.
Why It Looks Expensive
The geometry adds structure and architectural interest—something most apartments lack.
How to Do It
- Use lightweight MDF strips (renter-friendly).
- Attach with adhesive strips or removable mounting tape.
- Paint everything in one color to create a seamless look.
2. Floating Shelves With Hidden Brackets
Floating shelves are both visually light and incredibly functional.
Why It Looks Expensive
They create a minimalist, custom-built impression—especially when styled with restraint.
Expert Tip
Use thick shelves (1.5–2 inches) for a high-end look.
3. DIY Slat Wall Feature
A slatted wood panel adds a sense of depth and warmth instantly.
Why It Works
Texture + symmetry = designer-level sophistication.
Materials
- Pine or poplar lattice strips
- Wood stain in natural or neutral tones
- Strong adhesive or removable mounting tape
4. Renter-Friendly Stick-On Backsplash
Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Pro Insight
Choose matte, stone-inspired, or subway tile patterns—glossy patterns can look cheaper.
5. Oversized DIY Canvas Art
High-end homes always feature large-scale artwork.
Why It Looks Luxe
Large art makes walls feel intentional and reduces visual clutter.
Step-by-Step
- Use a cheap canvas.
- Apply joint compound or modeling paste for texture.
- Paint in soft neutral gradients.
6. Elevated Entryway with DIY Console Table
You only need a narrow plank of wood + two metal brackets.
Designer Tip
Style with:
- A round mirror
- A small vase
- A tray for keys
- A warm lamp
7. Magazine-Worthy Bed Headboard Wall
Use peel-and-stick reeded panels, oversized art, or minimalist wall molding.
Pro Tip
Extend the “headboard” design beyond the bed width to make the room look bigger.
8. DIY Under-Cabinet LED Lighting
One of the most high-impact upgrades.
Why It Works
It creates a soft glow that instantly elevates even old cabinetry.
Tools
- Battery-powered LED strips
- Warm white temperature (2700K–3000K)
9. Modern Plant Ledges
Plants = instant life + visual height.
Design Tip
Use long, narrow shelves to create a “green horizon line.”
10. Luxe Window Treatments on a Budget
Floor-to-ceiling curtains = high-end look.
Instructions
- Mount rods close to the ceiling.
- Use double-width panels.
- Choose linen or linen-look fabrics.
11. DIY Mini Coffee Bar
Create a dedicated corner with floating shelves + a small cart.
Why It Looks Expensive
Defined zones elevate small spaces and feel curated.
12. Stick-On Wallpaper Accent Wall
Choose subtle textures for the most expensive look.
Best Patterns
- Linen texture
- Soft geometric
- Muted florals
13. DIY Marble Contact Paper Countertops
Fake marble can look beautiful if you choose the right pattern.
Expert Recommendation
- Choose matte, thick, stone-like patterns.
- Avoid glossy fake-marble veining.
14. Minimalist Gallery Ledge
A ledge looks more curated than individual nails.
Pro Tip
Stick to a color palette of:
beige + cream + soft black + tan wood.
15. DIY Frame TV Illusion
Turn any TV into art with a frame-style mount + screensaver art.
Why It Looks Expensive
It blends technology into the decor seamlessly.
16. Upgraded Cabinet Hardware
The fastest luxury upgrade under $50.
Designer Hardware Finishes
- Brushed brass
- Matte black
- Champagne gold
- Brushed nickel
17. DIY Floating Nightstands
Free floor space = visually larger room.
Step-by-Step
- Use a wood box organizer.
- Mount with heavy-duty brackets.
- Add a warm lamp.
18. Create a Faux Built-In Bookshelf
Use IKEA Billy shelves + trim pieces.
Why It Works
Built-ins signal “custom” and “architect-designed.”
19. DIY Candle Shelf Nook
A small luxury touch: a softly lit vignette.
Designer Tip
Mix candle heights + textures.
20. Renter-Friendly Room Divider
A fabric screen, slatted divider, or curtain zone works wonders.
Best Materials
- Light oak
- Linen
- Rice paper
- Soft neutrals
Comparison Table: Expensive-Looking Impact vs Budget Required
| DIY Idea | Cost Range | Skill Level | Luxury Impact (1–5) | Renter-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grid Wall Paneling | $$ | Medium | 5 | Yes |
| Floating Shelves | $–$$ | Easy | 4 | Yes |
| Slat Wall | $$ | Medium | 5 | Partial |
| Peel-and-Stick Backsplash | $ | Easy | 4 | Yes |
| Oversized Canvas Art | $ | Easy | 5 | Yes |
| Entryway Console | $–$$ | Easy | 4 | Yes |
| LED Lighting | $ | Easy | 5 | Yes |
| Curtains | $–$$ | Easy | 5 | Yes |
| Built-In Bookshelves | $$ | Medium | 5 | Yes (temporary build) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Choosing the wrong color temperature
Cool lighting = cheap.
Warm lighting = luxurious.
2. Over-decorating
High-end spaces have breathing room.
3. Mixing too many wood tones
Stick to 2–3 tones maximum.
4. Not embracing vertical space
Shelves, curtains, and tall decor elongate the room.
5. Buying cheap-looking hardware
Quality hardware is the fastest “expensive” upgrade.
Pro Tips for a Truly High-End Small Apartment
1. Follow the 60/30/10 Color Rule
60% neutral base
30% secondary shade
10% accent tone
2. Use “quiet luxury” materials
- Linen
- Stone
- Wood
- Matte textures
3. Choose oversized over small decor
One large vase > 10 tiny trinkets.
4. Keep surfaces warm, not sterile
Add soft elements: throws, candles, plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best small apartment DIY ideas for beginners?
Floating shelves, oversized canvas art, LED lights, and peel-and-stick wallpaper.
How can I make a small apartment look expensive on a budget?
Use warm lighting, floor-to-ceiling curtains, large art, and neutral tones.
Are renter-friendly DIY projects safe?
Yes—use removable adhesives and peel-and-stick solutions.
What colors make small spaces feel bigger?
Whites, beiges, soft greige, muted taupe, and pastel neutrals.
How do I decorate a small apartment without clutter?
Use vertical storage, reduce surface decor, and focus on a few statement pieces.
What’s the cheapest high-impact DIY project?
LED lighting and creating your own large-scale textured art.
How do I make a tiny bedroom look luxurious?
Use layered bedding, a headboard wall, floating nightstands, and soft lighting.
How can I divide a small apartment without walls?
Use curtains, slatted panels, or open shelving as room dividers.
What textures look expensive?
Linen, natural wood, unglazed ceramics, matte stone patterns, and woven fibers.
Can I add paneling in a rental?
Yes. Use lightweight MDF strips with removable mounting tape.
Conclusion: Small Upgrades. Big Luxury.
Transforming a small apartment isn’t about square footage—it’s about strategy. When you combine intentional design, renter-friendly DIY techniques, and smart visual principles, even the tiniest space can feel curated and luxury-level.
Start with one or two ideas from this guide, build momentum, and watch your apartment evolve into a Pinterest-worthy sanctuary—stylish, modern, and unmistakably YOU.
