'I design luxury homes for a living. These 5 items under $100 will make your house look expensive.'

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Between the skyrocketing price of avocados and the relentless climb of interest rates, the "cost of living crisis" has moved from a headline to a permanent resident in our bank accounts.

For many of us, the dream of a sprawling architectural masterpiece has been swapped for the reality of making a modest rental or fixer-upper feel like a sanctuary (on a budget).

We all want our homes to look 'bougie,' but when the renovation fund is looking more like a 'spare change' jar, it can feel impossible.

Vicky Cutler, the founder and lead architect of Cutler & Co Architects, spends her days designing the kind of luxury homes most of us only see on Pinterest.

However, she's the first to admit that you don't need a million-dollar budget to achieve a high-end aesthetic.

Watch: Would you live in this sharehouse? Post continues below.

"As an architect who designs luxury homes for a living, I'm well aware that budgets are tighter than ever," Vicky told Mamamia.

"Maybe your first house or apartment is smaller than planned, or your renovation fund vanished quicker than expected. Right now, everyone wants a home that looks high-end without the high-end spend."

According to Vicky, the secret isn't in the square footage, but in the strategy.

If you're looking to elevate your space without the eye-watering price tag, here are Vicky's top architectural tips for making your house look expensive on a budget.

1. Make an entrance.

We've all heard it before, but Vicky insists first impressions are everything. If your front porch looks neglected, it doesn't matter how beautiful the living room is.

"First impressions count, so aim to set the tone before someone steps inside," she said.

Rather than a total exterior overhaul, she suggests focusing on the small, tactile items people see first.

"Consider a quality letterbox or a custom door mat. These details suggest the home has been curated, which naturally elevates how premium it feels."

Vicky's budget buy: The family name Personalised Door mat, $55.

Image: Personalised Doormats.

2. The details in the chrome.

One of Vicki's designs, note the matte black lush handles. Image: Instagram, @vthree.architecture.

If you're living in a standard build, your doors likely came with the most basic, 'contractor-grade' chrome handles available.

Vicky said this is one of the easiest things to swap out for an instant hit of luxury. By moving away from the "standard" look, you create an illusion of custom design.

"Swap basic chrome hardware with something different, like a matte black or a rose gold. These are small tweaks that won't break the bank."

"Swap standard handles and knobs for sleek levers and knobs in black, bronze, or brass. These instantly make doors look bespoke, and there are plenty of options under $100."

Vicky's budget buy: Sydney Door Handle Matte Black Yabby Tapware, $68.

Image: Tilecloud.

3. Texture is everything.

Luxury isn't just about how a room looks; it's about how it feels. To Vicky, architectural "coldness" is the enemy of a premium home. To fix this, look at your floor.

"Nothing is more welcoming than a plush rug to land on. They're are luxurious underfoot and give a sense of warmth and luxury."

While high-end wool rugs can cost thousands, the high street has stepped up its game.

Vicky added, "There are several budget-friendly options available at Temple and Webster, and we also like this forest green option at Kmart."

Vicky's budget buy: Kmart Nyla Forest Rug Large, $95.

Image: Kmart.

4. Shine a light on it.

One of Vicky's designs, adding warmth with different lighting, chic. Image: Instagram, @vthree.architecture.

If your home is currently lit by the clinical, harsh glare of overhead downlights, Vicky has some news for you: it's killing the vibe.

Architects use lighting to create "zones" and moods, and you can do the same for less than a hundred dollars.

"Swap the out-of-the-box downlights with wall sconces and pendant lights. Warm lighting and textured features look more opulent, and warm the room."

Vicky's budget buy: Temple & Webster Lena Travertine-Look Wall Sconce, (currently on sale $89.99.)

Image: Temple & Webster.

5. Raise the bar.

Finally, if you want your home to feel like a high-end hotel or a curated penthouse, you need a focal point for entertaining. You don't need a built-in joinery unit to achieve it, though.

"A bar cart trolley makes a great statement piece without the expense of a full, built-in bar," Vicky said. It's about the finish here, think metallic.

"A bar cart with chrome or gold finishes can make a room stand out. Style it to make it your own with your favourite drinks and glassware."

Vicky's budget buy: Lifewit Drinks Trolley on Wheels, 2 Tier Bar Cart, currently on sale $93.49.

Image: Amazon.

Ultimately, making a home look expensive isn't about being flashy; it's about intentionality. As Vicky pointed out, when you take the time to swap a handle or choose a specific texture for your feet, you're telling a story that the home is cared for.

You might be on a strict budget, but with a few clever architectural pivots, no one ever needs to know.

Feature Image: Instagram, @vthree.architecture.

Victoria (Vicky) Cutler is the highly in-demand founder and lead architect of Cutler & Co Architects, formerly known as VThree Architecture.

With over 25 years of experience, Vicky has established herself as one of Australia's most sought-after architects, completing more than 100 residential projects across Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.