If you own a home that was built after World War II, it’s likely that it is part of a housing tract, where many of the houses look very similar. Some people don’t mind this, but others want their homes to stand out in one way or another.
Here are four relatively inexpensive ways you can help transform your “cookie cutter” home into something special.
Frame Out Your Bathroom Mirrors
Most tract homes have bathrooms with just plain, unframed mirrors attached to the wall with clips. For a small amount of money, and just four cuts of the saw, you can install trim around the mirror and it will make a surprising difference in the look and feel of your bathroom. You can glue the trim directly to the mirror using an adhesive product like Liquid Nails. Use caulking to fill any gaps, and then paint it the color of your choice.
Add or Upgrade Your Trim
Adding trim around your house is a great way to give it a more “custom” look. If you have just basic, builder grade baseboards, change them out for baseboards that are taller, with some extra detail. Adding crown molding is another great way to upgrade your home. Or you can add trim around your windows if they don’t already have it. Finally, if you have kitchen cabinets that don’t go all the way to the ceiling, add some crown to the top of your cabinets. You might be surprised what a big difference this can make.
Paint Your Front Door
Your front door is one of the first things people see when they come over. Paint it a fun color to give your home an unexpected “pop”. To get the best results, take the door off of its hinges, remove all hardware and lay it flat to paint. That way, you avoid drip marks and accidentally painting any portion of your hardware. Finish the look with a cute door mat that welcomes guests.
Furnish Your Home with a Few “Conversation Pieces”
You don’t have to settle for the décor that’s sold in furniture stores and department stores. Get a little creative! Shop at thrift stores, antique stores and yard sales and look for interesting items that can be used for décor. Instead of hanging pictures on your wall, hang unique items that reflect your personality, hobbies, or heritage. Another popular idea is to find an antique dresser and turn it into a bathroom vanity. A good friend of mine wanted a piano for her home, so she found a cheap one on Craigslist, had it tuned, and painted it robin’s egg blue. Everyone who enters her home comments on it.
