One of the things you'll notice about a builder's show home is that it's immaculately "staged", or furnished and decorated. Wouldn't it be nice if you could give your home an upscale look as classy as a show home? It can be done, and on a budget, too. The tips and ideas below will help you create a home that looks like a million bucks!

Keep it Clean

While it may seem obvious, starting with a clean home is the first step to making your home a showplace. Make a cleaning list: check baseboards, windowsills, and other out of the way places like the tops of armoires. Once everything is clean and dust free, take a look around. There may be a colour theme that you can expand upon, or you might decide to go in a whole new direction.

Set a Budget

Next, figure out what your budget is, for redecorating and revamping. Some projects give a lot of bang for the buck, while others are labour or dollar intensive. One strategy is to choose one major renovation or upgrade and decorate on a budget for the rest of the project. The more you can work on upgrades yourself instead of buying items, the further your money will stretch.

The Living Room

The first room that meets the eye in most homes is the living room. Before redecorating, look around with a critical eye toward clutter, then remove anything that doesn't need to be there. What stands out? Is there an old, beloved piece of furniture that has seen better days? Time for a refinishing project! It could even end up being the focal point of your new look.

The Dining Room

If you're a do-it-yourself type, wallpaper and trim can make a big difference in the atmosphere of your home. To create a sumptuous dining room, paper the bottom three feet of each wall and paint the rest in a complementary colour. Then install a chair rail trim around the room, between the two. Buy or make a matching runner to cover the length of the table. Then, place a showpiece bowl in the centre of the table and fill it with potpourri, flowers, or fresh fruit.

The Kitchen

In the kitchen, there are a lot of inexpensive ways to add elegance to the surroundings. If you don't like your cabinets, make them look like new by painting or replacing the cabinet fronts. At the same time, you can add new hardware that matches other elements of the kitchen. Find window-topper curtains with an upscale design, then add touches of the same colour with countertop accessories.

The Bathroom

Bathrooms are fairly easy to redo. It won't break your budget to purchase high-end bathroom rugs and a matching shower curtain, but it will make a big difference in the bathroom ambience. An upscale set of countertop accessories can also raise the tone of the décor. Finally, make sure that your towels are of good quality and match the other elements in the room.

The Bedroom

One way to add luxury and class to a bedroom ensemble is to use layering in the linens. For the bed, start with a neutral colour bed skirt. Add sheets and a thin bedspread, then top with a coordinating duvet. Prop solid-coloured pillow cases and decorative pillow shams on edge against the headboard. Next, add a couple of small throw pillows that are similar but not identical. If there's room in your master bedroom, adding a small loveseat also adds a fancy touch.

The Entryway

The foyer or entryway is an often-overlooked area of the home when it comes to decorating. One way to class up this space is to add one good quality piece of furniture. If there's enough room, it could be a finely crafted wooden bench. Another option is to place a narrow entry table flush against the wall. Add an elegant runner and an exquisite small lamp to the top, and you'll be surprised at the upscale appearance.

It's All in the Details...

Accessories

Sometimes, the smallest details can make a space look luxurious. For example, you can add a unique and beautiful vase or bottle to an end table and fill it with nosegays. Another decorating tip that costs almost nothing is adjusting lighting in each room to the best advantage. This may mean moving lamps or changing the wattage of bulbs to emphasize the best points of the room.

Pillows & Rugs

Great deals can be found on rugs and pillows, and it's surprising how much they dress up a room. Shop at rug warehouses and online stores to find discontinued and discounted textiles. The trick is to mix and match, using similar patterns and colours. You don't want too much uniformity, but all of the elements should work well together. A beautiful throw blanket draped over a rocker or chair also adds flair.

Curtains

Curtains add beauty and class to any room. If you need sunlight in a dark room, you can still hang curtains. First, use an opaque light-coloured shade or blind to cover the windows for privacy. For the main style item, add a fancy, decorative curtain rod. Then hang one panel of curtain material on each side of the window. You can even use a curtain topper that hangs an inch or two below the top of the windows. Framing the windows this way also makes them look larger.

Creating a show home isn't just a matter of spending money. You can use your own time, energy, and craftiness to replicate the elegant look of a model home without spending a fortune. Even if you're not crafty, there are a lot of bargains to be found online and in thrift stores. Mastering the details that make a home a palace can be a fun and energizing experience!