Have you ever found yourself watching a home decor show or flipping through a design magazine and thinking, “That looks great, but how does a normal person do that?!” It can be so frustrating to see something you want for your own space but not know where to start!
Luckily, I have some good news for you – you don’t need a designer to rip your house apart and replace everything with more expensive fixtures and accents. You can give your home a makeover that feels luxurious just by focusing on a few of the details! Here are 4 things that are worth investing a little extra time and money into if you’re looking to give your home a more custom feel.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
If your home needs an upgrade, but you don’t want to take on a full renovation project, try mixing things up with a fresh coat of paint. A color refresh can really go a long way in making your home feel a little more luxe. And picking just the right color can actually make any space feel bigger and brighter!
Of course, painter’s remorse is a real thing and sometimes painting an entire room a new color doesn’t turn out the way you envisioned. So, ease into it by introducing the color into your room or house in smaller amounts, such as in a painted piece of furniture (if you’re up for a DIY project) or even just a few colorful throw pillows. Make sure the color doesn’t get old fast for you so that you don’t end up with a room that you’re sick of a few months down the road!
To make your paint job look a little more custom, check out Pinterest for interesting patterns, textures and color-blocking examples. Just make sure you watch a tutorial (or several) before you touch that brush to the wall! You don’t want to end up with a Pinterest fail on your hands!
Window Treatments
Another great way to dress up any room is with updated window treatments. Upgrade plastic blinds to custom-fit wooden or bamboo blinds, or try a roman shade that compliments your color scheme.
If you like the look of drapes, purchasing new ones is a great way to introduce color into any room – especially if you’re testing out a color before painting the walls! Drapes can also add a bit of texture with patterns that add a little more visual interest to the room. Just make sure you don’t have too many textures and patterns in a small space, as they can fight against each other a bit.
One thing to note when installing new drapes in any room, the higher you place your drapes on the wall, the higher your ceilings will look! So if you’re working with a low ceiling, raise your drapes several inches above your windows to create the illusion of a larger space.
If you have a little more money in your budget and you’re not a fan of drapes, look into black trim windows to replace traditional white windows. They provide a nice sharp contrast and can give your home a custom look from the inside out.
Lighting
A great light fixture can do a lot to upgrade any space and it won’t break the bank, either. So, if you’re looking for a customized feel in your home, lighting can be the perfect place to start. There are thousands of designs to choose from, so it should be easy to find one that matches your style.
Try replacing track lighting with custom recessed lighting or a set of pendants that suit the room. Of course, be sure to consult a professional before you install anything. Wiring is one thing you don’t want to risk making mistakes on!
If you’re looking for an even less expensive option, just a simple swap of your end table lamps – or just the lampshades – can make all the difference in any room. There are literally options for any budget!
Custom Furniture
Now, what do you do if you’re renting a home or apartment and can’t paint the walls or make changes to the lighting? Not to worry! There are options for you, too! If you’re stuck with the paint colors your landlord chose, put a little extra money into the way you furnish the space. A few special pieces can make any room look more custom-designed. I like to find unique pieces at local antique shops and flea markets to add a vintage feel to any room, but find what best compliments your design style.
If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, you can even grab an inexpensive piece of furniture and give it a makeover with paint or stain. And the great thing about a project like this is, if you don’t like the end result, you can always paint over it!
Ultimately, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got – whether it’s a rented space or a tight budget. But the good news is there are always options if you’re looking to upgrade your home. Sometimes, it just takes a little inspiration and creativity to get the ball rolling and then, before you know it, you’re relaxing in a space that feels like it came straight out of a magazine!