'I'm a lifestyle writer. Here are 20 items I've found to make any home look more luxe.'

I'm always on the lookout for home decor. 

Whether I'm in a physical store or scrolling through an online shop, if they have a homewares section, I'll always end up over there, having a rummage to see if there's anything that will look good in my space.

Because beyond the big-ticket items like couches and beds, it's the small pieces that can transform a house into a home. They add a little extra ~something~ and make a living room, kitchen, or any room in the house look more luxurious. I'm obsessed.

Watch: How to make any room look bigger. Post continues after video.

Below, I've categorised the items that I believe make homes look more expensive without actually spending all that much. 

Hand wash.

Before you question how hand wash is a home decor item (don't you just pop some soap in a dispenser...?), sorry but it absolutely is. Brands are creating hand washes that not only leave your mitts feeling and smelling good but also look chic AF on your countertop. 

While these bottles are on the exy side, hear me out: buy the cute bottle (you deserve it!), use up the delicious-smelling soap, and when it runs out, fill it up with the cheaper stuff.

Compagnie De Provence Liquid Soap Seaweed, $44.95.

Image: Mamamia and Adore Beauty.

Grown Alchemist Hand Wash, $38.

Image: Mamamia and Adore Beauty.

Ouai Hand Wash, $49.

Image: Mamamia and Sephora.

Candles.

Candles need no explanation but here's a short one: they look great and make the house smell delightful. 

Urban Apothecary Velvet Peony Candle, $34.95.

Image: Mamamia and Adore Beauty.

Palm Beach Collection Limited Edition Standard Candle - Waterlily & Seagrass, $44.95.

Image: Mamamia and Myer.

Glasshouse Fragrances Sacred Heart, $54.95.

Image: Mamamia and Glasshouse Fragrances.

Maison Balzac Sainte T Candle, $69.

Image: Mamamia and Adore Beauty.

Coffee table books.

Coffee table books are the first thing that come to mind when I think of touches of luxury. These books look expensive (because many generally are) and elevate any space in an instant.

They not only look good on their own, but they're also useful layering pieces to pop underneath candles, flowers and paperweights. And they will last a lifetime, so consider them investments. 

Matisse (Taschen Basic Art Series 2.0) by Volkmar Essers, $35.

Image: Mamamia and Bed Threads.

Slim Aarons Style, $75.

Image: Mamamia and Angus Robertson.

Assouline Palm Beach, $170.

Image: Mamamia and Bed Threads.

Architectural Digest at 100 A Century of Style, $180.

Image: Mamamia and Angus Robertson.

Cookbooks.

Just like coffee table books, cookbooks spice up a kitchen, and are functional thanks to the recipes inside!

Bill Granger Australian Food Book, $44.95.

Image: Mamamia and Seed Heritage.

Ottolenghi Test Kitchen Shelf Love, $44.99.

Image: Mamamia and Booktopia.

Dining In Book by Alison Roman, $49.95.

Image: Mamamia and Seed Heritage.

Vases.

Vases are one of those homeware items that everyone should own a few of. As coloured glass is one of the biggest home decor trends in 2021, we suggest investing in some simple vases and one or two with a pop of colour.

Vue Casablanca Vase, $29.95.

Image: Mamamia and Myer.

Country Road Mair Small Vase, $39.95.

Image: Mamamia and Country Road.

Salt&Pepper Anja 25cm Glass Vase in Amber, $59.95.

Image: Mamamia and Myer.

Seed Heritage Tate Bud Vase, $99.95.

Image: Mamamia and Seed Heritage.

Placemats.

Fact: placemats make any dinner party table more fancy. They might not be home decor items you keep out permanently, but when you have guests over (which all Australians now can again), you'll be thankful you own them.

Seed Heritage Linen Placemat, $39.95.

Image: Mamamia and Seed Heritage.

Bed Threads 100% Linen Scalloped Placemats in Pink Clay & Turmeric (Set of Four), $80.

Image: Mamamia and Bed Threads.

At Mamamia, we independently choose and write about products our writers genuinely recommend. We have affiliate partnerships, so if you use these links to buy something, Mamamia may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Supplied, Instagram/@bed.threads, Adore Beauty and Myer.