From Builder-Grade to Bespoke: Weekend Warrior Edition
The county where I live, like many areas of the country, is undergoing a growth spurt. Neighborhoods are sprouting up seemingly overnight, most built by national construction companies, which are building nearly identical developments across the country. The plus side for the buyer is that these companies can efficiently produce a brand new house in a matter of months. However, this efficiency is partly due to the reduction of options offered during the design process. A basic home package usually comes with the choice of a few paint colors, floor options, and cabinet finishes. Upgrades are possible, but those are still limited. The result is a house that looks a lot like the neighbor’s, and their neighbor’s, and probably several other houses in other similar developments. In an age where we can personalize nearly every aspect of our lives, I believe that our homes should be the first place where we leave our mark. But how do you go about personalizing a builder-grade house, without doing a major remodel on your brand new home?
I have compiled a pretty long list of ideas for eliminating the “cookie cutter” feel of these new homes, so I’ll be breaking it down into multiple posts. This first installment focuses on projects that an average homeowner could tackle in a weekend or two. Keep in mind that everyone’s ability level will vary. For the sake of this series, though, consider these projects to be Level 1.
Paint
This is, of course, the easiest and most obvious answer to the problem, so it makes a great starting point. When your initial color options are reduced to three shades of white and a gray, you may find it challenging to personalize your space. Not to mention, in the design world, bland neutrals are on their way out. Color is the new hotness, and a fresh coat of paint can keep you on trend. Plus, paint is one of the most cost effective ways to elevate your space, and it is so easy to change on a whim. Don’t be afraid to play around and experiment with color. You can always paint over it!
Window Treatments
Most basic home packages will leave you with bare windows, though some might offer an upgrade to miniblinds. I believe that any type of window treatment is better than nothing, but for a more custom look, try using shades or curtains. They provide a higher level of privacy and can block sunlight to help keep your house cool in the summer. In addition, window treatments really set the tone for a space. Consider lacy, sheer panels for an airy bedroom, or rich drapes for a moody study. Most homeowners can handle the task of hanging a curtain rod, though other options, like shades or decorative blinds, might be more of a challenge to install. Whatever you choose, the right window treatments can definitely make a statement.
Hardware Upgrades
For the purposes of this article, I’m lumping cabinet hardware and door hardware together. The same basic principles apply to both. This is another simple weekend project, given that the holes have already been drilled for you. You will need to consider the type of hardware that came with the house, in order to make this a smooth transition. In other words, if the cabinet doors all have knobs, then you want to stick with knobs to avoid having to drill new holes. Otherwise, the sky is the limit! Find some unique cabinet hardware that speaks to you, or upgrade your interior doors with funky vintage knobs. You’ll be surprised by how much of a difference those simple swaps can make.
Keep an eye out for my next installment featuring projects for DIY experts.
