5 Ways to Personalize your New Construction Home

A new construction home has a polished look and feel to it when you are touring around the newly drywalled rooms for the first time. Everything is brand-new, clean and fresh like a blank canvas. Often times, unless you are working on a custom built, new construction homes are in a development, community or street with other similar models. Though the exterior core of your new construction may have to look similar to your neighbors, the details and the design of the interior can be unique to you.

personalize-your-new-construction.png

1. Paint or Upgrade your Front Door. As guests walk up to your house your front door is the first impression they have of your home. It should be welcoming, inviting…overall it should reflect YOU! Unfortunately, most new construction homes have standard fiberglass exterior doors in neutral colors. If your development allows, I suggest painting or changing your front door to a color and style that not only elevates your curb appeal and compliments the architecture of the house but also brings out your personality.

upgrade your front door. this single fiberglass door was changed to a custom wrought iron double door for a grand welcome.

upgrade your front door. this single fiberglass door was changed to a custom wrought iron double door for a grand welcome.

2. Upgrade your Fixtures. Unless you are building a custom home where you can specify all the fixtures and finishes, I suggest upgrading your builder grade fixtures (such as your light fixtures, door hardware, etc.) to your personal style. This can be overwhelming but doesn’t have to be done all at once. My advice is to focus on one room at a time, this will make each room feel complete.

upgrade your fixtures. designed by sharina liverman

upgrade your fixtures. designed by sharina liverman

3. Add Architectural Features. Architectural features such as fireplaces, molding, ceiling finishes, wall applications can all take your simple blank canvas and transform it to your personal oasis. The key is to know what features to add and where.

add architectural features.

add architectural features.

4. Paint your Walls. Painting your walls is the least expensive way to transform a new construction home. If you are purchasing your home while it is under construction some builders are willing to paint using your specified colors instead of the standard flat off-white or beige throughout. This will allow you to move into a freshly painted house that you don’t have to worry about.

5. Add Wallpaper. Add texture, pattern, color, and design to your space by incorporating a wallpaper that compliments the overall decor of your home. Wallpaper is a great way to add your personal style to your new construction. Depending on your design you can use it on an accent wall, in the hallway, on the ceiling, or in a small room. The possibilities are endless.

Do you live in a new construction home? What are some personal changes you made or would like to make to your blank canvas? Share in the comments below!

À la prochaine,

 
signature copy.jpg


No. 1 Reason Why You Should Invest in Your Powder Room

Powder Room...It may be one of the smallest rooms in your home but it's one of the few rooms that get the most attention. Think about it, when guests come to your home there is usually a large percent chance they will ask to use the restroom. Therefore, make sure you are investing in the design of your powder room. 

I used a grass cloth wallpaper in half of the space to add texture. I switched the pedestal sink for a vanity sink with a raised bowl for a spa experience.

I used a grass cloth wallpaper in half of the space to add texture. I switched the pedestal sink for a vanity sink with a raised bowl for a spa experience.

No. 1 Reason - Guests always use the powder room.

The powder room isn't for you, it's for your guests. Even if it's the size of a tiny closet, it cannot be forgotten or an afterthought. The design & decor of your powder room should be the cherry on top! This is the room that you really want your guests to say "WOW"! Take a chance and be daring in your powder design. 

If your home tells a story, your powder room has to be part of the story. It needs to reflect the overall style of your home. If you have a new construction home with builder grade or contractor grade finishes you may want to consider upgrading all the finishes at one time or one by one. When it comes to designing a small space like a powder room the smallest detail matters, from the flooring choice to the mirror style to even the sink and door hardware choices. 

"The importance is in the details." -Russ Cooper

If your powder room is not inviting, aesthetically pleasing, or outdated it may be time to think about upgrading the design. Are you overwhelmed with the thought of selecting from the hundreds and thousands of options? Where do you start--- I'm here to help you. Let's work hand in hand to create a powder room that is not only functional but will impress your guests. Let's include you powder room into the story of your home. LET'S START!

Here's to gorgeous powder rooms!