So, next time you are sitting in your house, take a look around and ask yourself, does this home accurately reflect my style? If the answer is no remember that updating a home doesn’t have to be an expensive and drawn-out process. Something as simple as painting a wall can transform your space. think of the dated features in your home as going nose blind. If you live with the look for too long the dated features in your home will start to hide from your eye.

What You Will Discover

Updating Home With Paint

before and after updating a room with paint

When starting your journey down the infinite possibilities of paint colors, I always suggest staying away from deep bold colors, like reds and yellows. Though these colors may be beautiful in a traditional setting, they are easy to get sick of and fade in and out of style quickly. When picking your paint go with a neutral light color that will create a great backdrop for any accents you may add to your home. Once you update your home with a neutral color then future updates can be as simple as new throw pillows. some of my favorite colors are Agreeable Gray (as seen in the after picture), Snowbound, Alabaster, and Chantilly Lace. If you are having trouble deciding, purchase larger paint samples.  Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore both carry 9”x14” paint color sheets.  Move the sample around the room and look at it at different times of the day.  The secret to a great color is its shade should change slightly in different lighting. Do not be surprised if your gray paint suddenly appears green or beige. Lighting can drastically affect paint colors. 

Painting is an easy way to update your home but still can be expensive and time-consuming. You want to do your homework so that you are not surprised later.  Just because you have neutral walls, it does not mean your home needs to be monochromatic.  When you want to add some color to your room, you have a few options to add a pop of color. You can add a colorful couch, a colorful pillow, or a colorful blanket. If you want to be a little bit more committal with your color choice you can choose an accent wall and paint that wall the color of your choosing.

Let’s Talk About Lighting

before and after updating lights

The jewelry of your house is lighting. Lighting styles change from Italian Baroque crystal to ultra-modern. New lighting can be the key to updating your home. When trying to choose lights, I recommend you find a local lighting store. I say this because 90% of the time the lighting that is carried at the big box stores is trendy and overused.  Many local stores will match prices and will provide services not able in the national retail stores.  Typical questions that an educated lighting store employee can easily answer include what size fixture do I need, will this fixture produce enough light, whether is it dimmable, and are companion fixtures available.  An exceptional lighting supplier will know the market well enough that if you communicate what you are looking for, they can find the perfect light fixture for your room.  Remember, to take your time with this purchase.  It is a long-term purchase and will often set the tone for the room.

Brick and Tile

Before and after updating tiles

Most of the time red brick fireplaces can make your room feel dark and dated. If you’re not okay with your fireplace reminding you of your childhood, then your ready for an update. The red color in the brick can make it hard for you to pick neutral light colors. Great updating techniques that can accomplish a much-needed cosmetic fix are lime washing or using the German smearing method. Lime washing will give you a more modern, uniform feel. Using the German schmear method will give your brick a reclaimed aged look. Tile can be easily updated with just a coat of paint. Take the 12×12 tile around your fireplace, for example. Choose an accent color and a stencil like Tantra Tile Stencils 12×12 16×16 18×18 Floor Stencil Tile – Etsy. With just a few coats of paint your tile can go from boring to breathtaking.

Window Treatments and Not Window Coverings

room with updated window coverings

Heavy light-blocking window treatments are not doing your room any favors. The lack of light makes the rooms feel smaller than it is, and the heavy feeling weighs down the room. The alternative is to find a simple updated sheer curtains. When choosing your curtains you don’t need to choose the expensive ones, just be sure to buy 2 sets per window, so the curtains have somebody.  When hanging your curtain rod be sure to go higher than the top of the window. When you do this it will make your ceilings feel taller, and it will encourage the eye to look up. A window can never be too big so don’t cover it with fabric. Hang your window treatments so when open they do not cover the window.

Furniture and Finishes

room updated filled with furnishings

When shopping for furniture and finishes, the key is not to rush. Take your time and acquire pieces that are special to you. Always be on the lookout for unique pieces that reflect your individuality. For me, the greatest complaint I can receive is when a client tells me the finished project is “so me!” Some designers say that people should never go to places like Home Goods when designing a house, I think this is wrong.  Eighty percent of the time when designers are looking for inventory, they go to the same suppliers that Home Goods sends their buyers. Take your time and evaluate the piece. Ask yourself if you have a place for the piece, how will it look in the room, and if the piece is timeless. Evaluate the cost and quality of the item.  An inexpensive plastic outdoor planter may only last a few seasons, but a new dining room table can become a family heirloom. Work past the initial “I love it and have to have it” stage.  Honestly evaluate the cost, quality, and life span of the item.

Enjoy the Process

Updating your home can be time-consuming and definitely not something that will be accomplished in a few short hours. If you think it may be time to start the process take a deep breath and think about what the finished product will look like. Next, divide your project into manageable phases. By doing this you can work toward your vision of an updated as your budget and time schedule. Do not rush to the finish line. Take your time, make well-thought-out decisions, and enjoy the process!