5 Ways to Personalize your New Construction Home

A new construction home has a polished look and feel to it when you are touring around the newly drywalled rooms for the first time. Everything is brand-new, clean and fresh like a blank canvas. Often times, unless you are working on a custom built, new construction homes are in a development, community or street with other similar models. Though the exterior core of your new construction may have to look similar to your neighbors, the details and the design of the interior can be unique to you.

1. Paint or Upgrade your Front Door. As guests walk up to your house your front door is the first impression they have of your home. It should be welcoming, inviting…overall it should reflect YOU! Unfortunately, most new construction homes have standard fiberglass exterior doors in neutral colors. If your development allows, I suggest painting or changing your front door to a color and style that not only elevates your curb appeal and compliments the architecture of the house but also brings out your personality.

upgrade your front door. this single fiberglass door was changed to a custom wrought iron double door for a grand welcome.

2. Upgrade your Fixtures. Unless you are building a custom home where you can specify all the fixtures and finishes, I suggest upgrading your builder grade fixtures (such as your light fixtures, door hardware, etc.) to your personal style. This can be overwhelming but doesn’t have to be done all at once. My advice is to focus on one room at a time, this will make each room feel complete.

upgrade your fixtures. designed by sharina liverman

3. Add Architectural Features. Architectural features such as fireplaces, molding, ceiling finishes, wall applications can all take your simple blank canvas and transform it to your personal oasis. The key is to know what features to add and where.

add architectural features.

4. Paint your Walls. Painting your walls is the least expensive way to transform a new construction home. If you are purchasing your home while it is under construction some builders are willing to paint using your specified colors instead of the standard flat off-white or beige throughout. This will allow you to move into a freshly painted house that you don’t have to worry about.

5. Add Wallpaper. Add texture, pattern, color, and design to your space by incorporating a wallpaper that compliments the overall decor of your home. Wallpaper is a great way to add your personal style to your new construction. Depending on your design you can use it on an accent wall, in the hallway, on the ceiling, or in a small room. The possibilities are endless.

Do you live in a new construction home? What are some personal changes you made or would like to make to your blank canvas? Share in the comments below!

À la prochaine,

5 Reasons How Paint Can Transform a Room

Painting your walls can change your space for the best or the worst. I love to walk into a space and feel comfortable, excited, happy, relaxed, or even surprised! The reason why I can have those feelings when I walk into a space is because something as simple as a wall color can play a large role in designing a successful room. One of the largest structures in a room are the walls and painting them the right color can MAKE or BREAK the design of your room. 

Have you ever chosen a wall color then paint your walls, place all the furnishings back into the room and feel like you're in a different room? That's because color is one of the most important elements in interior design. I decided to focus on 5 reasons paint can transform your room to a new level visually.

"Choosing the right color, finish, or pattern for your room is key to transforming your space."

1. Creates a Backdrop. Since walls are one of the largest structures in your room, painting them will make a dramatic difference in how your room looks. Design Tip: If prefer to not have the walls the focus of your room then I suggest painting them a neutral color or even white. This will create a backdrop for your key pieces (e.i. artwork, pillows, accent furnishings) to shine. White walls are always a great option if you prefer a fresh, clean look.

2. Adds Pattern and Texture. If you like the idea of adding a focal wall or want to highlight a surface like the floors, ceilings or a column then using a faux finish or special technique with paint can allow you to create a custom pattern or texture that no one else will have. Be sure you consult with your interior designer and paint specialist first. 

A professional faux finisher created a leather-look pattern with paint.

3. Adds Contrast. A successful room design includes visual interest. Nothing adds more visual interest than contrast. Even if you have a monochromatic color palette, add contrast by using a darker wall color than your floor surface. This will add a layer of interest to the design of your room.

We gave this master bedroom a slight contrast by painting a darker hue on the focal wall.

4. Adds Color. Color has the power to affect your emotions. It's a good idea to take some time and determine how you want to feel in your room. Warm colors can make a space feel cozy, exciting, playful, and energized. Whereas, cool colors can make a space feel relaxing, soothing, and peaceful.

5. Freshens a Room. A fresh coat of paint is a quick and easy way to liven or freshen your room. New painted walls have a clean and bright layer of finish to them that will add a new look to your room.

If you are frustrated trying to choose a paint color for your room or don't know what will look great with your existing design, this is your time to get your PAINT CONSULTATION for a flat rate! This will save you TIME & HEADACHE. I will choose the right paint color and finish for your walls that will have your guests impressed with your NEW room! Plus your painter will be excited that you finally made a decision! GET STARTED BY CLICKING>>>HERE.

Here's to beautiful colored walls!

P.S. Not located in the Tri State area? No worries, Paint Color Suggestions is an online service offered at a flat rate per room. 

5 Items Under $75 that can Change any Living Room

Happy New Year! Are you ready for a change? It's a New Year so why not spruce up one of the rooms in your home. Let's start with your Living Room! Let's create a new look that reflects your style. Here are some great updates that can change any living room without spending tons of money.

Change your layout. Switching the layout or setup of your existing furniture is one way of giving your room a new look. If your room allows, place your longest piece of furniture (usually the sofa) on the longest wall. This will improve the flow and traffic pattern of the room. FREE

Paint.Paint.Paint. Changing or adding paint to the walls is one of the least expensive ways to create a completely new look to any room. Decide on the mood you want to achieve. For example, to create a relaxing, yet inviting living room think of sage greens or taupes. Since you are using your existing furniture, use some of the colors from your sofa, chairs, and/or loveseat. $30 - 60 gallon

Pillows. Pillows are a key accessory to any room. They can add color, texture, and prints to enhance a room. If you want a new look add a pair of pillows on your sofa and/or a small kidney pillow on an accent chair, if you have one. Don’t be afraid to blend different pillows together. For example, if you are using a swirl pattern pillow on the sofa use a woven textured pillow alongside it to add a contrast. $25 & up  

Display of accent pillows designed by sabine.

Lamps. Lighting is key to any room, especially the living room where you have company over and where the family gathers. Although your living room may have a ceiling lighting fixture or recessed lights, it is important to add lamps as a task lighting source. Lamps also add to the overall design of the room. Choose a floor lamp to place beside an accent chair and two table lamps on each end table beside your sofa. For a contemporary room, choose a lamp with a rectangular or round shade. For a more traditional room, choose a lamp with a bell shade. If your room is half contemporary and half traditional choose a simple shade like a round or rectangular with a detailed base. $30 & up

Wall Decor. Other than the furniture, the second place that stands out to the eyes are the walls. What you put on your walls and how it is hung defines the style and design of your living room. Focus on the largest or longest wall space in the room and add a collage of family pictures or place a set of 2 - 3 pieces of artwork. Make sure you hang your artwork at eye level, which is typically 4 ½ - 5 feet from the floor depending on the ceiling height. $40 & up

grouping of artwork designed by sabine. looking for custom artwork? LEt us make one for your space. custom artwork.

Start the New Year with a fresh new Living Room!

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Need more help? Let us design your living room with paint colors, furniture layout and a shopping list all for one FLAT RATE. Get your votre chambre by GEORGETTE MARISE TODAY! >>Click here to choose your package.

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