Advice Straight from the Experts
Upgrading your home doesn’t always mean knocking down walls or embarking on expensive renovations. Sometimes, small, strategic changes can have the biggest impact. To help homeowners make the most of their spaces, we spoke with local interior designer Britney Good, owner and principal designer at Britney Good Interiors, to get expert advice on easy, budget-friendly ways to refresh a home without a full remodel.
Simple and Affordable Ways to Make a Home Feel Stylish and Updated
If your home is feeling outdated but a major renovation isn’t in the budget, consider these quick and effective updates: Rearrange the Furniture: Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all you need. “Try a new space plan that still allows for optimal traffic flow while offering a new layout,” said Good. Simply moving pieces around can transform how a room feels.
Add Something Leafy: Plants breathe life into a room. Choose a bold or uniquely shaped pot to add character and dimension.
Upgrade Your Lighting: “New light fixtures can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of a room,” Good explained. For an easy update without hiring an electrician, swap out a lamp to create a new ambiance.
Swap Out Throw Pillows and Blankets: Incorporate fresh colors, textures, and patterns to instantly revitalize a space.
“Adding a woven basket for storage creates a functional yet stylish touch,” Good suggested.
Introduce Artwork: Whether it’s framed prints, canvas paintings, or wallpaper accents, wall decor adds personality and depth.
Good recommends making a statement with chunky, detailed frames or even wallpapering the ceiling to draw the eye upward.
Declutter and Organize: “One of the best ways to make a home feel intentionally designed is to declutter,” advised Good. Find creative storage solutions to organize essentials and maintain a curated, polished look.
Small Design Changes That Make a Big Impact
Sometimes, a single change can completely shift a home’s aesthetic. Two of the most effective transformations? Paint and rugs.
Refresh with Paint: “Colors have the ability to affect a person’s mood and productivity,” Good explained. Choosing the right hue can set the tone of a room, whether you want to create a calming retreat or an energizing space.
Invest in a Good Rug: “Pattern is key,” Good advised.
Like paint, a well-chosen rug influences a room’s overall theme. She recommends selecting a colorway that complements existing furnishings while balancing comfort and practicality. Soft textures work well in living spaces, while low-pile rugs allow for easy movement in dining areas.
Avoiding Common Design Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overlooking the importance of furniture scale. “Many people work with an interior designer for construction materials but not furnishings, which can lead to choosing furniture that is too large for a space,” said Good. Oversized pieces can make even a spacious room feel cramped.
To avoid this, Good suggests: Working with a Designer for Space Planning: Designers can help ensure proper furniture placement and scale.
Measuring Before Buying: Always check dimensions before purchasing new pieces. Allow at least 36 inches of walkway space to maintain an open flow.
Choosing Appropriately Scaled Furniture: For smaller rooms, opt for lighter, streamlined pieces rather than bulky ones.
Considering Multi-Functional Pieces: Items like sofas with hidden storage or expandable dining tables maximize function without cluttering the space.
Balancing Personal Style with Broad Appeal
If you’re considering selling your home, you may need to strike a balance between personal expression and broad market appeal. Good recommends:
Highlighting Key Features: Ensure elements like built-ins, natural light, and architectural details are well-lit and clutter-free.
Adding Subtle Personality: While it’s best to remove overly personal decor, small touches—such as wallpaper, decorative hardware, or unique mirrors—can still reflect your style while appealing to buyers.
Budget-Friendly Staging Tips for Showings
Staging can make a huge difference when selling a home, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Good suggests focusing on key areas: Main Living Spaces: Add rugs and light furniture in living and dining areas to define the space.
Bedrooms: If a room is empty, a styled air mattress can help potential buyers visualize its use.
Kitchen Islands: Simple additions like stools can make the kitchen feel more inviting and functional.
Final Takeaway
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to mean tearing down walls or spending a fortune. By making strategic updates—whether it’s rearranging furniture, refreshing lighting, or incorporating well-scaled furnishings—you can create a space that feels fresh, stylish, and functional. And if you’re considering selling, thoughtful staging and a balance between personal style and market-friendly design can help make a lasting impression on buyers.
