It’s no great secret that home renovations can cost a mint. Hiring contractors, buying materials, bringing in expert designers to make sure all the elements come together “just so” … it adds up fast! But as a real estate mentor and property investor who has single-handedly flipped more than 400 units, I’m here to share some industry secrets with you.
There are dozens of ways to upgrade your home’s interior without draining your savings account. Getting that eye-catching designer look is more about ingenuity than money, I promise. Let me show you what I mean.
Open up interior walls
This one will likely take some expert help, unless you’re a skilled renovator yourself … but I can’t say enough about the importance of open space for making a home look modern! Removing the walls between kitchens and dining rooms is one of my favorite ways to create a fresh, expansive feel in a house. Modern homes are designed to allow for the easy flow of activity and conversation, with family members spread across the first floor but still able to interact. Just removing a wall or two can transform a home that feels stodgy and old fashioned into a welcoming, vibrant space.
Pay attention to finishes
There are many finishes to choose from when choosing materials, lighting fixtures, faucets, door knobs, door pulls, hinges, even floor transitions … and it’s amazing to see how much the right sheen can do to elevate a space. There are tons of different finishes to choose from, including brushed nickel, chrome, brass, antique brass, brushed gold, matte black, black oiled bronze, and wood. What gives that high-end decorator look is to choose one as your primary finish and use it across the home. If you absolutely must, choose one complimentary second finish, but no more! That consistency of sheen across hardware and fixtures unifies the entire home.
Create a “mock” tray ceiling
This is a remarkably easy technique that uses four trim pieces and rubberized molding to create rounded corners with the same reveal as the trim. Situating a “mock” tray around a chandelier in a dining room gives it a designer look, and painting the inside space with a gorgeous color gives it a WOW factor. The total cost for this project is around $125, which includes the material and labor. Quite a bargain for an eye-catching touch!
Known your sheens
This might sound obvious, but I’m including it because it’s a mistake I see so many homeowners make. And it cheapens the look of a house! Never use gloss or semi-gloss paint on your walls. And I mean NEVER. The best rule of thumb is to use semi-gloss on trim, doors, and bathroom walls: this makes clean-up easier on surfaces that tend to get sticky or dirty. Use a flat sheen on the rest of the house. Flat is easier to touch-up, and imparts a sleek, modern feel to the entire home.
Add color to the ceiling
Painting ceilings in unexpected colors is my trademark. I usually do this in a dining room or kitchen where the main walls are a warm neutral and I’ve opened up the space between those areas. I like to use a soft, light grayish-blue in both rooms since it adds unexpected color without being too invasive. I have also used a dark, dramatic navy blue on the ceiling of a single room to make a statement. Consider the overall color scheme of the space, and also the amount of light it gets; don’t do a dark color on the ceiling if the room itself is already small and dark. Colorful ceilings are an easy project, and instantly make any space look chic and inviting.
If you’re interested in even more tips for upgrading your space on a budget, check out my video blog! Or if you’d like to work with me as your mentor, take a peek at my Small Town Dynasty program. Through this intensive and exclusive mentorship, I pass along my unique knowledge around turning small towns into lively, family-friendly communities … a process that can save tiny, unloved towns from economic oblivion. Participation is by application only, and I’d love to see your application come across my desk!