8 DIY Home Improvements for Your Builder-Grade Home
Use these custom home improvements for your builder-grade home!
Whether you've recently purchased a new house or are looking to upgrade your current home, taking it from that generic "builder-grade" design to your own unique aesthetic is a worthwhile investment. There are many DIY home improvement projects that can help to personalize your home, be it installing tile, upgrading flooring, or something as simple as swapping out hardware. But somewhere along the line the hub bub of everyday life often manages to side-track even that easiest DIY projects.
If you are feeling a little frustrated with your home improvement ideas (or lack thereof), it might be time to pause and find a little inspiration. Aside from the obvious things like adding art and accessories, painting the walls, or bringing in your own furniture and decor, there are many personal, custom touches you can add to make your home stand out from the rest.
Here are eight genius (and totally DIY-able!) ideas for how to upgrade your home and make it feel more like you.
1. Add an Accent Wall.
Doing something unique with the walls in your home will instantly give it a face-lift. Instead of a full remodel, consider an eye-catching wall treatment like shiplap, board and batten, or picture molding to make your boring walls stand out and really elevate your space. Bonus? Most of these DIY wall treatments are incredibly budget-friendly, as long as you’re willing to put in a little bit of elbow grease.
Nothing says “my house looks like every other house on my street” like the ubiquitous generic light fixtures that come standard in builder-grade homes. Spend a little time shopping for new lights to install around your home, and you’ll be amazed at the difference they can make. You don’t have to break the bank to get beautiful, unique lighting in your home, and this small switch can make a huge difference in making your house feel more like you.
Many newer builder-grade homes don’t come with cabinet hardware – and if they do, it’s usually pretty boring. If you are looking for an easy DIY home improvement idea, consider adding new high-end hardware to your cabinets. Swapping out old hardware will only take a few minutes but create a new look. Pick something unique and fun to make a statement with your bathroom or kitchen cabinets.
Installing built-ins can make your home feel so much more custom, and built-in shelves add storage that’s often much needed. They also allow you the space to display your favorite decor pieces. You can keep it simple with some DIY floating shelves, or you can go all out and design your own aesthetic using a variety of accent shelves.
Adding trim around a window or even replacing your door trim with something a little more special, is a quick and easy DIY project that will go a long way in making your home feel complete and custom. Spend some time researching trim profiles you love, and try to recreate the look on your own. You’ll be amazed at the difference a bit of window trim can make.
6. Get Creative With Paint.
Not ready to commit to adding trim to your walls? Try a unique paint treatment. Add a fresh coat of paint to the ceiling, paint stripes on the walls, or even paint a rainbow mural! Paint is affordable, easy to use, and easy to change, so feel free to go wild, because it doesn’t have to last forever. This is a great way to try out different styles and figure out what you really and truly love.
7. Add Custom Features Specific to You
Are you a big plant lover? Add a shelf in a large window specifically to display all of your plants! Work from home? Build a DIY desk! Try to think creatively about what makes your family or needs unique and work on making your home fit those needs!
A little tile goes a long way. Replacing your kitchen backsplash or adding tile to your bathroom or laundry room can make a huge difference in how your entire space feels, and it’s a pretty beginner-friendly project, too.
With a little bit of creativity, elbow grease, and time, it’s easy to take a builder-basic home and turn it into something that’s customized to your needs and likes. Try one of these – or all of them – to make your house stand out and feel tailor-made for you.
Amanda Hendrix is the blogger behind Love & Renovations, a site all about how to make your house a home, even if you don't have any DIY experience. Amanda shares real life, accessible projects with all of the messes, mishaps, and fun along the way!
