Owning a builder-grade home can come with its charm. These homes often have a clean slate, making them perfect for customization. However, many homeowners find that the standard finishes and features can feel a bit lackluster over time. Fortunately, a few strategic upgrades can transform your home into a stylish and highly personalized space. Here are some expert suggestions to take your builder-grade home to the next level.
Add Architectural Molding
Adding architectural molding is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to upgrade your home. Crown molding, wainscoting, and chair rails can instantly elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room.
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Crown Molding:
- Crown molding adds a touch of elegance and can make ceilings appear higher. Choose a style that complements your home's decor—whether it's a simple design or something more intricate.
- Wainscoting:
- Installing wainscoting in your dining room, hallway, or bathroom adds texture and depth to walls and helps protect them from scuffs and marks.
- Chair Rails:
- Chair rails provide a decorative element and help protect walls from damage to furniture. This is particularly useful in dining rooms and hallways.
Upgrade Baseboards
Often overlooked, baseboards play a significant role in the overall look of a home. Builder-grade homes typically come with small, plain baseboards. Upgrading to taller, more detailed baseboards can add a subtle yet sophisticated touch.
- Choose the Right Height & Style
- For a dramatic effect, opt for baseboards at least 5-7 inches tall. The added height creates a more polished and high-end look. Baseboards come in various styles, from traditional to modern. To add interest to the space, look for baseboards with some level of detail or a unique beveled edge. You can also add shoe molding to add depth and dimension.
Replace Interior and Exterior Doors
Doors are often one of the most noticeable elements in a home. Replacing standard hollow-core doors with solid wood or paneled doors can make a significant difference.
- Interior Doors:
- Upgrading to solid-core doors looks better and improves sound insulation between rooms. Consider adding glass-paneled doors to areas like the home office or dining room to allow natural light to flow through.
- Exterior Doors:
- Replacing your front door with a more substantial, stylish option can dramatically improve your home's curb appeal and value. Choose a door with sidelights or a transom window for added architectural interest.
Upgrade Light Fixtures
Light fixtures can make or break a room's atmosphere. Builder-grade homes usually come with basic, utilitarian fixtures. Upgrading to modern, stylish lighting can completely transform a room's look and feel.
- Chandeliers and Pendants:
- Replace basic ceiling lights with chic chandeliers or pendant lights. These work great in entryways, dining rooms, and kitchens.
- Layered Lighting:
- Incorporate multiple layers of lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to highlight different areas and functions within a room.
- Recessed Lighting:
- Install recessed lighting in living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms to provide even, general illumination without taking up visual space.
- Under-Cabinet Lighting:
- This is particularly useful in the kitchen. It provides task lighting for countertops and adds a warm, inviting glow.
- Wall Sconces and Floor Lamps:
- Wall sconces can provide accent lighting in hallways and reading nooks, and floor lamps in living spaces can serve as both task and accent lighting.
Frame Out or Replace Bathroom Mirrors
Builder-grade bathrooms often feature large, unframed mirrors. Framing out these mirrors or replacing them with stylish, framed versions can significantly upgrade the bathroom's look.
- Framing Existing Mirrors:
- You can add a wooden frame around your current mirror for a quick and affordable upgrade.
Picture provided by Two Page Curtains
- Replacing Mirrors:
- Opt for framed mirrors that match your bathroom's style. Round or oval mirrors can add a touch of elegance, while rectangular framed mirrors offer a classic look.
Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
Swapping out old cabinet hardware for new, stylish options is a quick and easy way to update your kitchen or bathroom.
- Choose Quality Hardware:
- Invest in high-quality knobs and pulls that complement your cabinetry and overall home aesthetic. Make sure that the scale of the hardware works for the size of the cabinet door and the home's overall style.
- Mix and Match Styles:
- Don’t be afraid to mix different styles and finishes. For example, you might use sleek, modern handles on your kitchen cabinets and classic, vintage knobs in the bathroom.
Install New Window Treatments
Home builders are infamous for installing the cheapest window coverings or skipping them altogether. However, upgraded window treatments are a great solution if you’d like to add dimension and visual interest to any room.
- Think Layers
- For a luxe look, consider adding several layers to your window dressings. We love the look of a good textured shade coupled with floor-to-ceiling drapery panels in a complementary color.
- Functionality With Good Looks
- If you’re looking for a more contemporary and cleaner look, there are a wide variety of blinds now on the market that look great and keep out the light. Some of our favorite options are plantation shutters, cellular shades, and Roman shades.
Upgrading a builder-grade home doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. You can transform your home into a stylish and personalized haven by focusing on key areas like architectural molding, baseboards, doors, light fixtures, bathroom mirrors, and cabinet hardware. These changes enhance the aesthetic appeal and add value and functionality to your living space.
Ready to get started on your home upgrades? Contact our team of experts for personalized advice and recommendations. Let's make your dream home a reality!
