For last week’s edition of #WalkthroughWednesday, we toured a brand new build by JMG Custom Homes. The house was really well built, I was digging the layout and the quality craftsmanship. Overall, it was a beautiful house you’d be proud to call your own. But it felt a little…vanilla. I know what you’re thinking. What is wrong with this lady that she wants to change a perfectly good, perfectly (brand spanking) new house? I’m sorry. It’s just that I don’t want your new home looking like everyone else’s on the block. Because rest assured – those light fixtures, that hardware, those finishes – they are all in the same family as your neighbor’s. And the neighbor next to them. Heck, even the neighbor in the next town over. We don’t currently have a new construction home, but have in the past. And even still, we have a few of those dome lights that haven’t yet been swapped. They’re on the list. And here are some other easy peasy DIY switches you can make to upgrade from builder to brilliant with very little money, time, or effort.

1. Lighting. I mentioned the dome lights above. They’re commonly found in the foyers, hallways, and bedrooms. They’re a hit with many builders because they cost roughly $10 at the big box stores and I’m sorry to be the blunt one here, but they look it. Sign up for coupons from Overstock or Wayfair, do the same for West Elm and cb2 and find some fabulous replacements that better suit your personality.
2. While we’re replacing lights, we’ve got a few more for you to add to your cart. Did you notice your exterior lights when you pulled in the driveway? Probably not. Because you’re so used to seeing them in the neighborhood and they’re all looking the same. Why not go a bit bigger and bolder? Especially bigger. Oftentimes, builders select inexpensive exterior lights that look like they belong on an episode of Tiny House – not yours. And so what. Even if you have a Tiny House, I know you’re as excited about curb appeal as I am and this sets the tone for what to expect inside. You’re not keeping up with the Joneses, you are Mrs. Jones.
3. Bathroom Basics. Here’s where you can really pack a punch. Those mirrors over your vanities have to go. All of them. They have no business in your home. If you have a double vanity and one long frameless mirror, even worse. Run to Home Goods right now. This is such an inexpensive swap that will make a huge impact in your bathroom. Jon likes to buy really big mirrors so there isn’t any patching and painting involved…but I say patch and paint. You don’t like the color that came with the house anyway.
4. Hardware. In the house I toured last week, the kitchen was light and bright, a great footprint, neutral, good quality. But that little alarm was going off in my head. Something was amiss. This was a 300k (+) home and the hardware on the cabinets was chintzy. Another example of buying in bulk for the savings. This is the easiest swap of all. Check places you might not think about for hardware like Anthropologie, Etsy, cb2 (that’s where I got ours from) and we’ve had great luck with Overstock too. This switch doesn’t even involve tools and should take less than 30 seconds per drawer pull! Bonus points for backing up a number to the bathroom and changing the hardware in there too!
5. Age. You are surrounded by a sea of newness. Ahhhh, deep inhale. That new house smell gives me all the feels. But it’s all new. And chances are a lot of your furniture is too. You want to balance it out with a few key vintage pieces that will help you achieve that lived in, loved, collected look we’re always talking about at #NixonPack Properties.

Bonus – Paint, wallpaper, texture – anything on those walls to showcase your personality and the vibe you’re going for. It doesn’t have to be every wall in the house. Maybe you do something like this in the dining room. Something along these lines on your bedroom ceiling. Whatever flavor is your favorite…anything but vanilla.

PS – Want to see the tour? It’s saved in our stories on instagram and we’d love to have you tag along for a new house tour every Wednesday!