Easy Upgrades to Elevate Your Home

Value-Added Designs

Small Details, Big Impact

A lot of the time, they are the smallest changes that create the most perceived value. For most of us, where a full renovation isn’t on the cards, these quick wins are the best way to make your home look more elevated and inviting.

1. Swap Out Hardware

New hardware makes such a difference. If your doorknobs, drawer pulls, or cabinet handles are looking worse for wear or dated, consider swapping them out for new ones. This is such a simple upgrade that you can DIY yourself, and it’s easy to find relatively inexpensive hardware online.

2. Statement Lighting

Think of lighting as the jewelry of your home–it’s a finishing touch everyone notices. But again, builder-grade homes skimp on quality lighting which is why you always see can lighting, basic flush mount drum lighting, or “boob” lighting–yes it’s actually called that.

So, to add value to your home, get statement lighting. It could be anything from a bold chandelier to a linear pendant to interesting wall sconces. And as I’ve said in so many of my videos, remember to layer your light. Don’t rely solely on the “big light.” This is where you can really add value to your home–it will make it look much more put together and elevated!

If you want to learn more about lighting, check out my video on [How To Light A Space|Mistakes, Rules + Lighting In Interior Design]

3. Trims & Moldings

Traditional home details like crown molding, wainscotting, and baseboards instantly make spaces feel more sophisticated and elevated. These are details that builders skimp on these days which is why almost all new builds look exactly the same - an empty white box.

If you’re up for a DIY project or have the budget to hire a tradesperson, I’d recommend adding in moldings and trim. Even if you’re not going for a traditional style, the hybrid between old and modern is always interesting.

With that being said, an empty white box has the advantage of being completely neutral, which means you can mold and decorate them to whatever pleases you.

Neutrals With A Twist

People love neutral palettes because they’re timeless and versatile. That means a neutral base – neutral walls, neutral flooring, and neutral hardware. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have color at all–that’d be boring after all!

Instead, incorporate color in non-permanent ways through soft furnishings like pillows, blankets, rugs, decor, and even statement furniture pieces.

These interiors seem quite bright and colourful but they’ve both got white neutral backdrops. All the colors have been added to the decor and furniture! It could be as simple as having a colorful bookshelf!

Of course, I’m not saying you must have a neutral base. If you love color, go ahead and add it in more permanent ways like in your tiles, backsplash, and hardware, especially if you intend to stay in your home for many years to come. But if you’re flipping a home and intend to sell in the short term, a neutral base will attract the greatest interest.

Increase Curb Appeal

The outside is a major draw for potential buyers. Here’s how you can improve it.

Firstly, have an inviting front entry. This could mean a fresh coat of paint over your whole facade or just your front door, new house numbers, a new mailbox, or perhaps planting some nice flowers in planter boxes.

I love how they’ve lined their steps with pot plants in the image below. While the plants aren’t super bright and colorful, the subtle purple, red, and green provide a charming touch of color to the otherwise neutral facade. And for the little Victorian cottage, I like how they’ve painted their door in a pale mint green to contrast with the bright white detailing.

Secondly, create “zones” in your backyard or on your balcony just as you would inside your house in a living room. So, for example, with an outdoor dining area, you may add an outdoor rug or a pebbled area, string lights, and weatherproof cushions to make the space more inviting and also defined.

Photography by Michael Clifford

Hopefully, you’re inspired to do some small home upgrades this weekend to make your home feel more inviting.

Struggling with decorating your home?

Check out some of our ​templates and resources​.

Or check out my ​Practical Home Design​ course where I cover a step-by-step process so you, yourself can confidently make your own choices and design a home that you’ll love. There are roughly 3 hours of video content, and I'll also provide you with guides, handbooks, templates, and a bunch of resources to aid your learning.