I see them all the time; those “builders special” homes that come with all the modern amenities but zero character and charm. Turns out there are plenty of ways to transform your bland and boring space into one worthy of a magazine! Here are my top 7 ways to take your home from cookie cutter to custom.

Give Your Interior Doors a Facelift

Most interior doors are standard builders white, but a great way to add character and a more polished feel to your home is by painting them a fun and interesting color! Whether it be a neutral like black or grey, or a fun pop of color like the blue seen here, this is a simple and unexpected way to add character to every room in your house.

Go High Gloss

High gloss paint is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel like a million bucks, especially when used on the walls! Lacquered finishes like these give an added layer of sophistication to any space, and while you will need to hire a professional to get the job done, the payoff is well worth it for an impact like this!

Build Up Your Molding

One of the simplest ways to give a room that custom feel so many of us are after is by adding crown molding, paneling, and wood detailing. While some high end molding can break the bank, there are plenty of tips and tricks to giving the illusion of a thicker crown molding yourself! These small details take a bland room and help to make it beautiful.

Swap Out Your Hardware

Most cookie cutter homes have standard, cheap hardware on all their doors that can make your home feel…well, cheap! Swapping out those hollow composite doors for solid wood ones is an ideal way to add value to your home, but if that isn’t within your budget simply try updating your hardware instead. Not only does it look great, but you can feel the difference between custom quality finishes and those off the shelf brands in your hands, and so will your guests.

Incorporate Fun Wallpaper

Wallpaper has come a long way, and is one of my favorite ways to add charm and character to a home. With so many options out there the process of finding the perfect one can feel daunting. But when done right, it leaves a lasting impact and is often a great conversation starter. Powder rooms, laundry rooms, and accent walls in bedrooms serve as the perfect space for a fun and interesting wallpaper.

Bold, Black Windows

Another perfect example of the magic of paint! This is my favorite design trend of the moment. Black window frames pull out the architectural details of your home and give a polished, dramatic look. When mixed with whites or lighter colors like in this image, they not only draw attention to the windows but help to balance off the room.

Paint The Ceiling

For many the idea of painting your ceiling anything other than builders white is a little intimidating, but when done right it has a huge payoff and impact on your space. Not only does it give the room a more custom and designer feel, but it can often create the illusion of taller ceilings. If you are stuck on a color, try reducing your wall color to around 20 or 30%!

xx Kelly