In brief
- A luxury bathroom remodel is the costliest decor upgrade at $60,000 to $120,000 or more.
- Converting an attic into legal living space typically costs $20,000 to $80,000.
- A garage conversion averages about $16,199, and a full interior repaint costs $12,648 to $23,540.
- Smaller upgrades such as reupholstery, wallpaper and lighting cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
As of October 2026, the most expensive house decor upgrade is a luxury bathroom remodel, which costs $60,000 to $120,000 or more in the US, according to Block Renovation. An attic conversion into a full living space comes next at $20,000 to $80,000 or more, followed by garage conversions averaging about $16,199.
This list covers nine upgrades that change how a home looks and feels, from structural projects to finishing touches such as marble, designer wallpaper and statement lighting. All figures are US national averages or typical ranges from cost guides published for 2026, and local prices can be much higher in big cities.
Most expensive house decor upgrades at a glance
| Rank | Upgrade | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luxury bathroom remodel | $60,000 to $120,000+ | Block Renovation, 2026 |
| 2 | Attic conversion to living space | $20,000 to $80,000+ | Block Renovation, 2026 |
| 3 | Garage conversion | $6,012 to $27,090 | Angi, via Bob Vila |
| 4 | Whole-house interior repaint | $12,648 to $23,540 | Fixr |
| 5 | French or patio doors | $2,000 to $5,000 | Bob Vila |
| 6 | Marble countertops | $40 to $100 per sq ft | HomeAdvisor, via Bob Vila |
| 7 | Sofa reupholstery | $600 to $4,000 | Bob Vila |
| 8 | Designer wallpaper | $800 to $2,000+ installed | Fixr |
| 9 | Chandeliers and statement lighting | $300 to $3,000 to install | Inch Calculator |
1. Luxury bathroom remodel: $60,000 to $120,000+
A full bathroom remodel is the costliest single decor project in most homes. Block Renovation puts the national average at about $16,500, with most projects between $10,000 and $30,000.
Also readLuxury Gifts for Men 2026: 12 Premium Picks Worth BuyingThe luxury end is far higher. A high-end remodel costs $35,000 to $60,000, and a luxury or primary suite bathroom runs $60,000 to $120,000 or more, at $400 to $600+ per square foot. That money usually goes on stone tiling, custom vanities, freestanding tubs, walk-in showers, new plumbing and recessed lighting.
2. Attic conversion: $20,000 to $80,000+
Turning an attic into a bedroom, office or suite adds usable space without extending the footprint of the house. Block Renovation says most attic projects cost $10,000 to $50,000, with a national average of about $20,000 to $25,000.
A conversion into legal living space typically costs $20,000 to $80,000. Its sample budgets show a 550 sq ft bedroom at about $43,900 and a 700 sq ft primary suite with a bathroom at about $78,000. Small attics can cost more per square foot, because stairs and egress windows cost the same regardless of size.
3. Garage conversion: about $16,199 on average
Converting a garage into a living room, guest room or studio is a common way to create space. According to Angi figures quoted by Bob Vila, a garage conversion costs $6,012 to $27,090, with a national average of $16,199.
State averages range from about $14,187 in Illinois to $23,187 in Massachusetts. Insulation, flooring, windows and any plumbing make up most of the bill.
4. Whole-house interior repaint: $12,648 to $23,540
Repainting in neutral colours such as grey, white and soft beige remains one of the most popular ways to refresh a home. Fixr puts the cost of painting a house interior at $12,648 to $23,540, or about $5.75 to $10.70 per square foot of floor space.
By room, a living room costs about $1,839 to $3,424 and a bedroom about $827 to $1,540. Premium paints, high ceilings and wall repairs push the cost up.
5. French or patio doors: $2,000 to $5,000
Related names:
Wuellner, Margarita J, Ph.D., transmitter
PCR Servic
Glazed French or patio doors bring in light and open a living room to the garden. Bob Vila puts installation at $2,000 to $5,000, with a national average of about $3,500.
Large or custom units can cost more than $10,000. They are often chosen as a cheaper option than wide bifold doors.
6. Marble countertops: $40 to $100 per square foot
Marble, along with solid wood and antique gold fittings, is one of the clearest signs of a high-end interior. Bob Vila, citing HomeAdvisor, says marble slab countertops cost $40 to $100 per square foot, with an average of $60.
At those rates, a 50 sq ft kitchen counter would cost about $2,000 to $5,000 before edging and sink cut-outs.
7. Sofa reupholstery: $600 to $4,000
Reupholstering an existing sofa can give it a new look without buying new furniture. Bob Vila says it costs $600 to $4,000, with a national average of $1,750.
Fabric choice makes a large difference. Velvet costs about $55 to $65 per yard and leather about $45 to $55, and a detailed sofa may need up to 18 yards.
8. Designer wallpaper: $800 to $2,000+ installed
Fixr says professional wallpaper installation costs $800 to $1,200, with most homeowners paying about $1,000 for a 12 by 18 foot room in standard vinyl. Textured or premium papers in larger rooms can cost $2,000 or more.
Designer papers sit in a different bracket. Gracie hand-painted panels start at $1,000 per panel and can reach $4,500, and De Gournay panels are custom-priced, often above $1,000 each. Peel-and-stick rolls, at $20 to $45 each, are the low-cost option.
9. Chandeliers and statement lighting: $300 to $3,000
Replacing tired fixtures with pendants or a chandelier changes a room quickly. Inch Calculator says installing a chandelier in a new location costs $300 to $3,000, while swapping an existing one costs $150 to $500. Pendant lights cost about $150 to $300 to install.
The fixture itself is extra and can cost far more than the installation. For the top end, see our list of the most expensive chandeliers in the world.
How we ranked these upgrades
We ranked each upgrade by the upper end of its typical project cost in US cost guides published for 2026. Ranges overlap, and a single designer wallpaper wall or custom chandelier can cost more than a basic bathroom refresh.
Prices cover labour and standard materials unless noted. For homes where these budgets are routine, see our list of the most expensive houses in the world.
Sources: Block Renovation, bathroom costs, Block Renovation, attic costs, Bob Vila, Fixr, wallpaper, Fixr, interior painting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive home renovation?
Among common decor and renovation projects, a luxury bathroom remodel is the most expensive. Block Renovation says a luxury or primary suite bathroom costs $60,000 to $120,000 or more in 2026, compared with a national average of about $16,500 for a typical remodel.
How much does an attic conversion cost in 2026?
Block Renovation says most attic projects cost $10,000 to $50,000, with a national average of about $20,000 to $25,000. Converting an attic into legal living space usually costs $20,000 to $80,000, and a primary suite with a bathroom can reach about $78,000.
How much does it cost to reupholster a sofa?
Reupholstering a sofa costs $600 to $4,000, with a national average of about $1,750, according to Bob Vila. Velvet costs about $55 to $65 per yard and leather about $45 to $55, and a detailed sofa can need up to 18 yards.
What is the most expensive wallpaper?
Hand-painted panels from makers such as Gracie and De Gournay are among the most expensive wallpapers. Fixr says Gracie panels start at $1,000 each and can reach $4,500, while De Gournay panels are custom-priced and often cost more than $1,000 each, before installation.
How much do marble countertops cost?
Marble slab countertops cost about $40 to $100 per square foot, with an average of $60, according to HomeAdvisor figures cited by Bob Vila. A 50 sq ft kitchen counter would cost about $2,000 to $5,000 before edging and cut-outs.
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