9 Upgrades to Transform Your Builder-Grade Home
Buying a home is such an exciting milestone, but it can be a long, stressful journey. By the time you're nearing the finish line, all you want is to get those keys in hand and finally close. Decorating? That often feels like an afterthought. Most of us are so focused on just moving in that we don’t even start thinking about the little design details until we're deep into scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration. The result? A home that looks eerily similar to every other builder-grade house on the block!
If this sounds all too familiar, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’m sharing 9 upgrades to help you break free from that cookie-cutter vibe and elevate your builder-grade home. And the best part? You won’t need to break the bank or call in contractors (except maybe for a lighting upgrade). Most of these you can tackle on your own.
1. Replace The Hardware
Builder-grade homes tend to come with the same bland, cold nickel hardware everywhere you look. From door knobs to cabinet handles, everything is basic, uninspired, and lacking any real style or personality. The quickest way to start changing that is by swapping out the hardware and Amazon has some really good affordable options.
Opt for matte black door knobs for both interior and exterior doors. It’s modern, sleek, and an easy update. For your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry cabinets, opt for brass hardware to add a touch of warmth and elegance. This simple change will instantly elevate your space and help make your home feel like it truly reflects your personality.
2. Ditch The Oversized Bathroom Mirrors
Nothing drains the style out of a bathroom faster than a plain, builder-grade mirror. You know what I’m talking about! Those huge and taking up nearly the entire wall mirros, especially if you have a double vanity. While it might create a sense of grandeur, it leaves no room for adding that personal touch or any real design elements.
Ditch the oversized mirror and replace it with something more stylish and detailed. Here's a pro tip: if you have a double vanity, opt for two separate mirrors, one above each sink. For a single vanity, choose a mirror that's about two-thirds the width of your sink. This allows space for adding chic wall sconces on either side, elevating both the style and ambiance of the room.
Sconces are fantastic way to replace those overly bright builder-grade vanity lights. Not only do they bring softer lighting, but they also inject a ton of character and personality into your bathroom. Once you complete this project, it’ll feel like a whole new space!
3. Replace The Boob-Lights
If there's one element of a builder-grade home I absolutely cannot stand, it has to be those old, dingy "boob lights" that are somehow still a go-to for builders. They’re outdated, plain, and just dull; sorry, I really hate them! If you’re nodding along, trust me, you’ll want to consider swapping them out ASAP.
I highly encourage replacing these lights (which builders love because they’re cheap and easy to install) with something more stylish. You don’t need to break the bank either, there are plenty of gorgeous, affordable options on Amazon that look super luxurious. A simple lighting swap can dramatically transform your space, adding style and giving your rooms the bright, beautiful lighting they deserve. You'll be surprised how much of a difference this small update can make!
4. Ditch The Dull Blinds For Stylish Window Treatments
If your builder-grade home came with window treatments, read up! Builder-grade blinds scream “corporate office” more than “cozy home.” While they do their job, they often lack warmth and personality, making your home feel sterile. Ditch the cold, office-style blinds and replace them with something that adds texture and warmth to your space.
By installing soft, flowing curtains or Roman shades, your home will begin to feel custom and elegant. You can go with light, airy fabrics like linen for a breezy vibe or choose rich, textured materials to add depth and coziness. This simple swap not only elevates the overall aesthetic but also gives you a chance to introduce new colors and patterns into your rooms.
When selecting window treatments, it's best to avoid bold prints or bright, colorful fabrics, as they can quickly overpower a space and bring you right back to that cookie-cutter look you're trying to escape! Stick with neutral tones or warm neutrals. Think soft whites, beiges, or greys. These colors not only keep your space feeling light and airy but also add a touch of elegance. Neutral tones are timeless, creating a high-end look without breaking the bank. Plus, they allow you to play around with other accent decor without overwhelming the room.
5. Invest in New Vanities
If you can swing it, replacing those generic builder-grade vanities is one of the most impactful and, yes, expensive upgrades you can make in your home. While it can feel like a significant investment, the difference it makes in transforming your bathroom is well worth it!
Standard vanities often lack character and can leave your space feeling bland. Also a lot of times vanities in powder bathrooms are stand along sinks with no cabinets. This dated look is far from stylish and makes bathrooms feel very generic. Opting for a stylish, unique vanity can elevate the entire room and create a more luxurious, custom feel. Look for options that reflect your personal style, whether that's a vintage-inspired piece, a sleek modern design, or a rustic farmhouse look.
If a complete replacement isn't feasible right now, consider updating the hardware or adding a fresh coat of paint to the existing vanity as a more budget-friendly alternative. This way, you can still achieve a refreshed look without the hefty price tag of a full replacement!
6. Replace The Faucets
While it may seem like a small detail, new faucets can dramatically enhance the overall look of your kitchen and bathrooms, elevating their style and functionality.
Go for modern designs, such as sleek pull-down sprayers in the kitchen or elegant, high-arc faucets in the bathroom. Brushed nickel and matte black finishes are trending right now but also timeless. These can add a touch of sophistication and elegance. Replacing outdated faucets can also improve water flow and efficiency, making it a practical choice as well as an aesthetic one.
7. Reimagine Those Walls By Adding A Fresh Coat Of Paint
Yes, your house may be newly built or recently redone, complete with fresh coats of paint, but builder-grade homes often prioritize functionality over style when choosing their paint colors. Typically, you’ll find shades of gray, taupe, or bright white. These colors blend in with the rest of the homes on the block and leave little room for character and personality.
Before you dive into decorating based on those initial paint colors, I highly recommend considering a repaint. A pro tip is to tackle this room-by-room after you move in. This way, any inevitable wear and tear that occurs during the moving process can be easily fixed during your repainting phase.
For most of your home, lean toward soft, neutral colors like White Dove, Alabaster, or Ivory Lace. These shades create a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows your decor to shine. If you’re planning to convert a den into a home office or hangout space, consider a moody warm color that’s still easy on the eyes but adds depth and interest.
Here’s a 10 step process to paint a wall by Architectural Digest.
8. Replacing Interior and Exterior Doors
A major upgrade you can consider for your builder-grade home is replacing the doors, both interior and exterior. This includes the front door, any back doors, and even the garage door. If your home is older and in need of some TLC, or you simply want to elevate its style, this tip is for you!
Replacing the interior doors with more stylish options can significantly transform the overall look and feel of your home, one door at a time. Think about options like solid wood doors for a classic look, sleek modern designs for a contemporary feel, or even decorative glass panels for a touch of elegance. Not only do upgraded doors enhance aesthetics, but they can also improve insulation and energy efficiency.
For the front door, consider a bold color or unique design that makes a statement and boosts curb appeal. This can set the tone for your home and create a welcoming entrance. Check out these blog posts on HGTV and This Old House, they layout steps on how to replace doors.
If you're up for the challenge, investing in new doors can make a big difference in how your home feels and functions.
9. Replace Pendant Lights With Stylish Fixtures
One more effective way to upgrade your builder-grade home is to replace those basic pendant lights with more stylish fixtures. If you have an island or a peninsula in your kitchen with pendant lights, know that they are a very powerful design element that can make or break the look of your kitchen.
Swapping out generic or outdated pendant lights for more unique, designer-inspired options can instantly elevate your kitchen from a builder-grade to a designer-style! When choosing fixtures, ensure that it complements your decor style.
These upgrades to a builder-grade home will help you in creating a home that's warm, inviting, and uniquely yours. Don’t forget that you can tackle many of these as DIY projects that will save you big bucks.
Your dream home is just a few steps away. If you have any favorite upgrades or tips that worked well for you, feel free to share them in the comments below. Happy decorating!
