Six DIY Tips to Personalize Your Builder-Grade Home

Your home should be a reflection of your personality and style, but sometimes builder-grade homes can feel a bit cookie-cutter. At Lofty Designs, we believe that even with a small budget, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of adding your personal touch to your living spaces. Keep reading to learn more about six transformative DIY ideas that will make your builder-grade home feel truly custom.

Upgrade the Lighting

Lighting sets the tone for your home and can instantly elevate its ambiance. Swap out the standard light fixtures with statement chandeliers, pendant lights, or wall sconces that reflect your style. Using task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms can be both functional and chic, and adding a chandelier to your dining or living room can change the feel of the room from simply utilitarian to beautifully functional. Picture lighting in hallways to highlight gallery walls or artwork is another great way to really personalize the ambiance in your home and highlight things that are important to you!

Teardrop Capiz. Chandelier via CB2

Replace the Backsplash

Builder-grade kitchens and bathrooms are prime candidates for customization. Upgrade your default backsplash with elegant materials like marble, mosaic tiles, or hand-painted ceramics. Not only will these options make your home look more luxurious, but you’ll also create multiple opportunities to customize each space. These options not only lend a sense of luxury but also give your space a distinctive character that speaks to your aesthetic.

Add Accent Walls with Textured Paint or Wallpaper

Empty walls are a great place for you to showcase your creativity and personal style. Add depth and dimension to your rooms by creating accent walls with textured wallpaper, or a pop of color with paint or colored trim. Whether you opt for a subtle pattern, bright colors, or a bold accent, adding your own personal touches to the wall space in your home will instantly make your builder-grade home feel more like a custom build.

Azurea Flora Metallic Wallpaper via Periogold

Invest in Custom Window Coverings

Window treatments are more than just functional; they're an opportunity to infuse your space with style and luxury. Consider custom window coverings such as draperies, Roman shades, or plantation shutters. You can even upgrade to motorized shades or curtains to increase the value. Choose fabrics and designs that align with your interior vision to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Switch Out Light Switches and Plumbing Finishes

Updating the plumbing and cabinet fixtures in your home can have a HUGE impact on the look of your space. Switching out basic stainless steel faucets for brushed gold, burnished bronze, or polished nickel finishes will add a touch of sophistication and flair to your home and subtly elevate the appearance without breaking the bank. Or consider upgrading your light switch plates as a pop of color and functional decor in your home!

Custom Labeled Metal Switch Plate Cover via Etsy

Add Shelving Built-Ins 

Built-in shelving offers both practical storage and a chance to display your treasures. If you have small corners, tiny closets, or empty wall areas you’re not quite sure how to fill, consider building in shelving! You can use these shelves to showcase book collections, travel mementos, or any other personal or decorative items, and transform ordinary walls into showcases for your personal collections, books, and decorative items. Customize the shelving to suit your needs, whether it's open shelves for a minimalist look or glass-front cabinets for a touch of elegance.

Even when you purchase a builder-grade home with no customization at all, it’s easy to make some small post-purchase adjustments that will help you feel like your home was custom-built just for you. At Lofty Designs, we know that luxury design is more than just what you spend, and is about thoughtful, intentional design that meets your needs and resonates with who you are. We would love to help you get started, or provide any assistance you may need. Let us know how we can help!