Customizing Your Home: Stylish Ways to Make Your Home Stand Out
Does your home feel a little generic or “builder grade”? Or perhaps there are some design choices that the previous owners made that just don’t feel like “you.” Don’t worry – there are plenty of things you can do to make your home feel and look more custom without breaking the bank or undertaking major remodeling projects. Here are some of my favorite ways to infuse your style into your home, ranked from easiest to hardest.
Quick and Easy Changes
Mirrors
Nothing says “builder grade” like a plate mirror. Fortunately, replacing plate mirrors with framed versions is a simple and relatively inexpensive fix (depending on the kind of mirror you choose, obviously!). You can even scour flea markets and antique shops find unique frames that can made into mirrors. If you have a double sink, think about hanging two mirrors rather than one large mirror. Just be prepared to do some possible drywall and paint touch-ups.
Light Fixtures
If you want to stand out from every other house on the block, a few statement lighting pieces can really help. Again, this is something that you can spend a lot of money on or just a little. Some of my favorite places to look for unique lighting: Rejuvenation, Schoolhouse Electric, Restoration Hardware, or even local vintage shops.
More Intensive Projects
Paint and Wall Treatments
Coming up with a cohesive color palette for your home can give it a more custom look. This doesn’t mean that every room has to “match” – but it doesn’t hurt to lay out all of your swatches and make sure that they complement each other. You also shouldn’t feel like you have to do a totally different color in each room; the home should feel coherent. I recommend using a neutral in the common spaces of the home and then adding accent colors in rooms that stand on their own.
If you want to make more of a statement, consider wallpaper or other wall treatments like grasscloth. Try using a really unique wallpaper in a powder room as an efficient way to make an impact. You can also do a temporary wallpaper if you’re feeling afraid of commitment. Chasing Paper has some beautiful options. Note that most wallpapers require the wall to have a smooth texture (something that most Stapleton homes don’t have), so you may need to call on a handyman to help prep the walls for you.
Worth Saving Up For
Countertops
Granite was once the sign of a high-end kitchen, but its popularity is waning. If you want your home to stand out, choose another natural stone like marble or soapstone, go with a manufactured stone like Caesarstone or Neolith, or pick an elemental material like butcher block or concrete.
Fireplace Surround and Mantel
Switching out a basic fireplace surround and mantel for beautiful tile and a custom mantel can be a wonderful way to draw attention to the heart of the home. For this Stapleton home, we used a modern gray tile balanced with a traditional mantel.
New tile surround and hearth by Gala Stude Interiors, Inc.
You can also go an all-traditional route with marble tiles or create a rustic look with a reclaimed wood mantel.
The thing to remember is that little changes can make a big impact (and slightly bigger changes can make a HUGE impact). A professional designer can guide you through which projects to tackle and help to create a cohesive look throughout your home.
For information on Gala’s services, contact her at gala@galastudeinteriors.com or 720-261- 4662.
