When I was about twelve years old, my dad worked in the listing offices of some pretty swanky spec homes in Orange County! I would hang out with him on the occasional weekend and had my very first taste of interior design–playing with the very limited options available to buyers in the way of customization. Even back then, it was pretty limited. You could pick out your favorite palette selection with coordinated carpet and tile. That was it!
When the hubs and I bought our first home, we also bought a spec house. This time, though, we had the oppostrunitiy to personalize it before construction even began. That experience, along with my years in business gave me some tips on what to do and what not to do. Today, I’m sharing a few expert tips for elevating your builder-grade home…
Tip #1: Transform with Statement Lighting
My number one, go-to, never skip decorating failsafe is beautiful lighting. From my first project ever with its high-end lamp (client thought I was crazy, then LOVED it) to our staging mini-flips, it is literally always about the lighting.
Upgrading the lighting is an effective way to immediately give your builder-basic home a new style. You can start with one signature fixture–maybe in your dining room or foyer–then build out the rest of the plan from this. Match (or blend) your metals for consistency throughout the home.
Not all of these fixtures need to be wowee! One or two can have punch, a couple can tickle, and the others? They only need to be the supporting cast and not fight those leading ladies! Trust me on this one, okay?
Tip #2: Add Depth with Wall and Ceiling Details
Are all the walls white? Or the same shade of neutral? It’s time to add a little texture or color to some individual spaces. Using the same philosophy as your lighting, pick a couple of spaces to take center stage and let the others be a little more subtle.
A good technique is to create a color palette for the entire home. Pick a mid-tone hue you love that blends with the white/neutral that you’re already committed to so you don’t need to repaint everything. This can often be “pulled out” of a stone product in the kitchen or bath, or perhaps cabinetry if you have a color rather than a neutral. The goal for a professional look is to blend throughout.
Final color before moving ahead? Pick a stronger, bolder color as your accent. This combo of colors can be used to visually tie the spaces together, then use these to add accents to walls that need a little extra oomph. Maybe a wall, maybe painting out a fireplace. A bold wallpaper, some grasscloth. Painting a white vanity in a bathroom. A dark ceiling to set off a gorgeous light fixture in your foyer? Gorgeous!! Endless options to add drama.
Tip #3: Upgrade to Custom Window Treatments
Moving into builder-basic often means (gasp!) mini blinds or, worse, paper Redi-Shades. Horrors. Custom window coverings are an expensive but worthwhile endeavor. They are often one of the first things a homeowner will invest in, as they need privacy right away. Â
If that is not in the budget, or if drapery is preferred, there are lots of semi-custom drapery options available that can provide a lovely outcome as well as much-needed texture and sound absorption.
Tip #4: Boost Curb Appeal with Exterior Enhancements
Consider upgrading the exterior of your home. A new garage door–perhaps with some windows or a unique design? A fabulous new front door can be an amazing upgrade.
Budget-friendly upgrades might include cooler new light fixtures, house letters, a mailbox, and a front door paint color that matches your personal style.
The options to customize your new space are limitless! You’ll be confined only by your budget and by the needs of your family and your goals. My best suggestion is to live with the space for a few months and see how it feels. See how it lives. See how the space responds to the various changes in light and temperature.
If you would like a professional’s opinion about transforming your builder-grade home into a beautiful dream, then let’s chat about the options!
