Although it’s easier than ever to work a little DIY magic on your house, some people just don’t have the knack. Or the time! I bet some of you would love to upgrade your bathroom light fixtures or add a mural to the kids’ bedroom, but you either don’t know how or are far too busy to tackle larger home projects yourself. Your house isn’t as inviting and cozy as you’d like, but you worry that any interior design changes you started … might never get finished.
Luckily, there are design changes that can be made at every budget and level of expertise that will make your house feel more like a happy home. Here are a few of my favorites!
Expert level: open up the space
To foster a sense of togetherness, consider switching up your floor plan to be more open and inclusive. Most homeowners used to want the dining room separated from the kitchen, and the majority of homes built before the 2000s reflect this preference. Now, however, busy families want their kitchen, dining, living, and family room areas to be open to the flow of traffic. This helps the family feel connected even when they’re in separate rooms. Easy access and the ability to see each other creates togetherness … without invading anyone’s personal space.
If your current floor plan separates the main floor rooms, this change may necessitate knocking down a wall or two. Unless you’re an expert renovator or fixer-flipper, don’t try this one yourself! You might remove a load-bearing wall and bring the whole house down around you! Hire a licensed contractor or design-build firm to help you decide how to open up your space.
Moderate level: add wood elements
One of the ways to create warmth inside of a house is to add more wooden touches. In my own renovation work as a real estate advisor and fixer-flipper, I’ve found that adding wide, 5-6 inch wooden trim to the walls is a fantastic way to warm up a room. Sometimes I add a pine trim board and then add a clear coat so the natural look of the wood shines through. I’ve also installed open shelving made from rough wood, and have lined built-in bookcases with the same raw sheets of pine to give a touch of nature and warmth to a room.
Working with wood trim is far easier than knocking down walls, but still requires serious skill and know-how. Even sourcing high-quality materials can be tricky. If you’re a total novice, you can skip the actual renovations and opt to swap out some of your painted furniture for natural wood. If you’ve done some light renovations, consider collaborating with a pro to install wood touches.
Beginner level: upgrade your entryway
What is the first impression someone gets when they walk up to and into your home for the very first time? What color is your front door? What does your mailbox look like? What type of house number plaque are you using? Do you have a doormat or planters by the front entrance? To create a welcoming energy in your home, start by paying attention to the details of your entryway. A brightly colored door is a fantastic way to add interest to your home’s exterior, but also works wonders in terms of drawing in guests and family members. Thoughtful touches in and around your main entry instantly make your home more inviting.
Once you enter through the front door, is there a place to hang your coat? Somewhere to take your shoes off and stash them safely? What about umbrellas, backpacks, and car keys? Is there a place to store and hold things in your entryway? If not, add a few fixtures and hooks!
Aside from painting your front door—which can be tricky if it has a thick finish on it already—most of these changes can be made by a novice. All you’ll need is a drill, some hardware, and a plan of action!
Beginner level: change up your color scheme
Choosing the right paint colors can make a huge impact on how a home feels to both visitors and residents. I’m not a fan of the white-and-gray craze that has been trending for some time now; there are plenty of other ways to create that clean, streamlined look without sucking all of the color out of a house. That said, paint colors that are lively and warm should be used sparingly in a home interior. Too many colors, especially dark ones, can make a space feel claustrophobic and tiny! If you want to add a whole lot of color, do so using decor and furniture. But painting accent walls or single rooms in vibrant hues will give your home personality and life.
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