Easy Upgrades to Builder Grade or Dated Spaces - Part 4

Although many people don’t want to make major improvements to their home, most homes need work at some point. Here are some additional ways to enhance the value of your home with some simple swap outs or updates.

Light fixtures

I can’t think of a more cost effective way to update the look of a home than by updating light fixtures throughout. It makes a tremendous difference and the options for quality, attractive and affordable light fixtures continue to amaze me. There are so many options. I don’t mind repeating some fixtures in places like bedrooms and bathrooms. Schoolhouse lights are a classic and come in more traditional styles as well as more modern designs as well. They’re certainly a welcome change to the “boob” lights that are typically seen in homes, particularly in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.

I like mixing metals or textures in lighting as well. I’m thinking about using a champagne bronze and oil rubbed bronze combination in an open floor plan of a condo. However, it’s near the ocean and I think adding either a natural woven material or rope fixture could compliment and not duplicate other newer light fixtures.

Doors & Window Trim

Unless you love your doors and want them to remain in a natural wood state or painted white (most likely the color they were painted when you purchased the home), allow me to suggest painting your doors (and inside trim of windows) . . . black. It makes a bold statement for pennies and adds visual interest to a home.

Here’s an example of a condo I completely renovated when I painted the window trim throughout the unit.

Here’s another example of my condo in Boston where I painted the old doors (that needed some love) and changed the hardware to compliment the period of the building. Big impact. Low cost.

Wallpaper

I love beautiful wallpaper. In my opinion, it’s never been out of style but I know it’s having a moment right now. Some of my favorite places to use wallpaper would be an entryway, living room, bathroom and bedroom. Actually, I’d love it anywhere as long as each pattern and color palette you choose compliments the one that may be close by in an adjoining room. 

Choose continuous patterns that allow your eye to travel throughout a room. Textures are wonderful as well. I am particularly fond of grasscloths. There are many that are great “imitation” grasscloth wallpapers out there as well. Spend some time online looking, or if you have a local paint and wallpaper store, plan a visit. It’s a great way to add personality to a space in a short amount of time.

Built-Ins

Ok, I know built-ins can be costly. However, they add so much value to a home and warmth to a room, to say nothing of the storage they provide. If you’re living in under 1000 square feet of space, believe me storage is a premium. Of course I could lose many of the items that I don’t need or use as well. That’s an ongoing process. 

Around a fireplace. I like a closed cabinet below with open shelving above to display nice things. Entertainment centers that are built in and allow for storage below and to hide some of the less than pretty cords and wires that come with entertainment. Built in closets or closets designed by a closet organizational company can pay off big time. Again, especially if you live in smaller quarters. Built-ins are the bomb! Just sayin’.

Flooring

Consistency with flooring is key. Nothing stops the eyes from moving in a space like having every room in a home with different flooring. If you’re lucky enough to have hardwood floors throughout most of your home, my advice would be to add them in the rooms where they don’t exist. You can refinish them so they’re the same color and they will look seamless! If you’re in a hodgepodge of random flooring – pick a team – and use throughout. Personally, I prefer a darker floor because it’s grounding and has a richer look. Most people love lighter floors so you should do it in your own space. Keeping and maintaining the same product for flooring is key though. There are many great options to choose from now. 

I hope these tips will help you in making adjustments to your own home. If you have any photos you’d like to share, please send them to me at nmichaels@nancmichaelsinteriors.com –I’d love to see them. If it’s ok with you, I’d love to share them with my readers as well. Just make a note when you send them my way!