A totally custom-built house may be a homeowner’s ultimate dream. Who wouldn’t love everything tailored just to their liking? However, custom-built homes are not always feasible or advisable for every location or situation.

So many factors affect home choice- budget, stage of life, proximity to employment and amenities, school district, deed restrictions, H.O.A.’s and so on. Even if all those things pointed to building a custom home, not every individual is well-suited to going through a process where they have to make choices on every…little…thing on a daily basis for like two years straight.

Spec homes and tract homes can be a great alternative. However, one turn off for buyers is that often everything in a subdivision style neighborhood can start to look the same. Too much repetition, on the inside and the outside, can start to feel a little too “cookie cutter”.

So how can you give your home lasting value and start to make it your own with out going completely custom?

Today, I want to encourage you to start where you are.

If you are looking to buy, sell or are currently living in a suburban subdivision full of tract homes or spec homes, then this post is for you! Even if you have not had the luxury of making all the choices from the beginning of your home’s existence, you can still update, upgrade and customize your home to add value and make it your own.

It can seem like an overwhelming task, but I have created a detailed list that can help you go from “builder basic” to a more updated and fresh place to call home.

Read on for my list of three steps to modernize your home. I’ve broken these three big steps down into smaller, actionable projects designed to help you move forward from a cookie-cutter, blank-canvas house to a fresh, modernized and customized home.

“The cookie-cutter neighborhood is an iconic American symbol of suburbia — the architecture is uniform, the lawns manicured, the colors drawn from the same palette. Facades of the houses may vary, but local kids immediately know where to find the bathroom or kitchen when they enter a neighbor’s home, since it’s structured exactly like their own. From above, the streets exhibit a striking similarity.”

— Dana Varinsky, Business Insider Article

Quote source: Business Insider Article from Mar. 9, 2017, “An American cultural revolution is killing cookie-cutter homes — here's what homebuilders are selling instead”

Where to start a home renovation?

First, consult with a local real estate agent about home values in your area. They can give you guidance on projects that will enhance your home’s value. They can also advise you on ways to not ‘over-improve’ for your neighborhood. Find an agent that understands modern style homes and home improvement.

Next, observe for yourself. Take a look around at your house with fresh eyes, as if you were a visitor coming in for the first time. Take note of what is not functioning well (or at all), things that are perhaps a little dingy or obsolete these days, maybe some areas where maintenance has been deferred or where more drastic repairs are needed.

Pick and choose from the list below of steps and actionable projects to accomplish as your budget/schedule allows.

Download our Modern Renovation Checklist.

What if I don’t want to spend any money to renovate?

No matter what your preferred design style, as you seek to refresh your home do not underestimate the power of a good cleaning. Remember, start where you are. A deep clean and purging out unused or unnecessary items may be all it takes to give your space a little lift.

If you are a D.I.Y. ninja or you have a little to spend on a professional cleaning service there are some small jobs that can go a long way to renew a home’s appeal. Old tile and grout can be cleaned for a refreshed look, old tubs or showers can be restored or resurfaced, some wood floors and brick walls can be refinished. If your budget is modest, do your best to work with what you have and ensure that your home is as clean, uncluttered and in good repair as possible.

3 STEPS TO MODERNIZE YOUR HOME:

1. Take away the unnecessary

This step is about preparing the space you currently have to be the backdrop for the space you want to create. You want to edit what you do have so you can create a baseline, then add back value and character with the next steps.

Remove:

Walls. For lovers of open concept living spaces, remove walls that unnecessarily divide up communal living areas. Work with a professional to determine if walls you wish to remove are structural or seismic before you take anything down. Do whatever you can to create space and a good flow (a.k.a. traffic route) though your home.
Say goodbye to excessive traditional style baseboards, moldings, trims and popcorn ceilings. Unless you have a true period home, these items are not integral to supporting the character of your home. Be aware that things like crown and base moldings may cover up imperfect drywall joints that may need repair.
Dated wallpaper and heavily textured wall finishes (faux finishes). Sand for a smooth finish if necessary. You can read more about this process in our post “Do Modern Homes Have Textured Drywall?”
Wall-to-wall carpet, especially in high traffic areas.
Old shower doors, especially if they are not functioning smoothly.
Overgrown or difficult to maintain landscaping.

Declutter—Your home is not a storage unit. It is a space for LIVING IN!

Your physical belongings.
Your home decor items.
Any unnecessary decorative elements that have been built into your home. Think that scroll-y thing above the kitchen sink or an outdated fireplace mantel.
Be decisive. Will you really miss that item? Could you use that space for something better and more conducive to the life you want to lead? “Clutter is the physical manifestation of unmade decisions fueled by procrastination.” ― Christina Scalise, Organize Your Life and More

2. Upgrade from builder standards

This step is all about adding value to your home. To add value, replace aging or out-of-date systems and customize your home by replacing builder grade items.

What you choose to do will depend on the age and current condition of your home. With a newer home or one you may be selling in the near future, you may just choose to replace items for a cosmetic upgrade. For an older home, you may be looking at upgrading and maintaining more structural elements or mechanical systems as well.

This may seem like a a long list, but select what is applicable to your space and then prioritize. Remember, unless you are flipping a home on a strict project timeline, you can make these types of changes in phases over time.

In every room:

Doors
- Replace interior hollow core doors (and closet doors), the kind with faux raised panels and faux wood texture. Simple flat or single recessed panel style doors can transform the look of a home.
- Choosing solid core doors can improve sound transmittance from room to room.
- Adding full-lite doors with frosted glass can bring in more natural light to interior spaces. With frosted glass, the level of opacity can be varied depending on the level of privacy required.
- If replacing all of your doors is out of the budget, a fresh coat of paint on interior doors and trim can make a big difference. Also, attention to keeping doors and trim clean (dust and fingerprint free) as part of your regular cleaning routine, can go a long way.
Hardware
- Upgrade interior door hardware and hinges. Lever door handles provide easy access for people of all ages and ability levels because they require less grasping skill and dexterity to operate.
Trim and Moldings
- Replace traditional baseboards and shoe moldings with a simple 6” flat baseboard, painted to match the rest of your trim.
- If you are doing a more in-depth renovation that involves replacing drywall, install recessed baseboards to create an even more minimalist style.
Update light switches and switch plates, outlets and outlet covers.
- Just plain white. No almond, buff or off-white!
- Be consistent! All plates and switches should look alike and be of the same style.
- Go for a clean look with hidden screw, snap-on cover plates, like these. My only exception is for hidden plugs and switches (inside of a cabinet, behind the microwave, etc.), there it is ok to go with just a basic, standard white switch plate or receptacle cover. No need to spend extra for nicer covers that are never seen.
- Consider occupancy sensors if you have rooms where lights tend get left on regularly (ahem… kids rooms, bathrooms).
- Rocker switches are far easier to keep clean and grime free than standard toggle style switches. They are also a better universal design option as they do not require grasping and can be operated by people of all ages and ability levels.
Change out light fixtures, ceiling fans & exhaust fans. Designer’s plea: PLEASE… unless it’s an Edison bulb in a trendy fixture, no one wants to look at the bulbs in your light fixtures! BYE BYE CFL’s in downlights!!!

Take wall cabinets to the ceiling to take advantage of every inch of storage space.

In the kitchen:

If budget allows, a kitchen renovation can really set the tone for an upgraded modern home. The national average of cost recouped for a major kitchen remodel of a midrange home value is just under 60% (source).
At minimum, update cabinet doors on builder grade cabinets to a simple full overlay, flat panel or shaker style and have cabinets painted with a sprayer.
If your cabinets are in decent shape and are already a neutral style, consider replacing outdated countertops with an easy to maintain surface like quartz.
Make the best use of space in your pantry. Add shelving where needed and use an organized and unified storage system to group like items together to make your cooking and prep time more efficient.
Add or upgrade cabinet hardware and hinges.
Choose quality, water efficient plumbing fixtures.
Choose quality, energy efficient appliances that all match. Fingerprint resistant finishes help keep things looking cleaner.
Consider adding a home bar! Read up on these 4 Key Design Elements Your Modern Home Bar Needs and other great uses for a home bar, besides happy hour!

In the bathrooms:

Consider replacing built-in builder grade vanities with a more modern free-standing vanity piece.
Replace shower doors. A fresh rod and curtain can make an improvement with minimal investment. If your budget is more generous, frameless glass tub and shower enclosures are the ultimate luxury in an updated bath.
Choose quality, water efficient plumbing fixtures. Don’t forget about the toilet!
Change out light fixtures & exhaust fans.
Add or upgrade cabinet hardware.
Update bath accessories such as towel bars, toilet paper holders, and robe hooks.

Exterior:

Be sure to educate yourself as to what changes are acceptable within your community or improvements that may require H.O.A approval.
Most importantly, make sure the exterior of your home is in good repair and that you follow through on a plan for annual maintenance. Even if you can’t do much to update the overall look your home’s exterior, a home kept tidy and in good repair is always in style.
Consider hiring a contractor to update windows if they are in bad repair, too small or poorly located. Choose an updated and energy efficient style replacement window line.
A fresh coat of paint can update the look of your home. Adding elements of stone, block, or wood can help change the aesthetic of your home’s exterior.
Update or add modern style guardrails or handrails to steps, porches and decks. Be sure to comply with local regulations.
Update your house numbers and mailbox.
Change out that traditional raised panel or ornate stained glass front door for something more modern. Add color for enhanced curb appeal.
Choose smart home security products.
Update and automate your exterior lighting and landscape lighting. Adding timers and automation for exterior lighting can mean that you never have to come home to a dark house again!
Update the garage door with a fresh coat of paint or replace it with a more modern package.

3. Add character

Enhance your lighting.

Let in as much natural light and views of nature as possible.
Remove dated window coverings such as vertical blinds, shutters and drapery. Choose mesh solar shades as a minimalist alternative. Automate them for a smart home win!
Add multiple lighting levels throughout your home. Gone are the days when just one dim, overhead light in the middle of the room will do. Provide lighting for various activities. General overhead lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and ambient lighting all have a part to play in a well-lit space. With much more efficient options available, good lighting does not have to break the budget.
Add dimmers and lighting automation. With the right solutions, you really can say “Siri- watch TV” and all your lighting will adjust to your favorite pre-set level for binge watching your favorite Netflix series.
For more info on the why and how of good home lighting see these additional resources
- Professional Builder’s article “Tips for Providing Lighting That Sets Your Homes Apart”
- HGTV’s Lighting Tips for Every Room

Banish the 50 shades of beige.

Try a fresh coat of white paint on interior walls. Use your walls to create a neutral backdrop or base layer in your home. Then, add layers of interest by taking some chances on bolder and more modern fixtures, furniture and accessories that bring out your personality.
Build the cost of several paint samples into your project budget before you begin. Not every paint color will look good in your home and they never look the same as the tiny chip in the paint store. Narrow down your paint choices and then get several samples to test out on the actual wall in your actual space with your actual lighting (both natural and artificial). Live with a patch of it on the walls for a few days, then make a final decision. Repeat if necessary with revised selections.
Add contrast! Everything in your space should not be the same color, tone and texture. But remember, balance matters here!
Where to look for color pallet inspiration:
- Houzz is a great place to start. Create an idea book just for paint color inspiration. Save a bunch of photos that strike your fancy (don’t forget to make a note about why you saved the photo). Once you have a number of images, look for common elements of what you liked as a place to begin.

Build in storage.

Open plan spaces need extra closed storage to keep things tidy and organized.
Take your closets up a notch. Add additional shelving or hanging rods beyond the standard single set installed by the builder. If budget allows, investing in a customizable closet organization system can help you take full advantage of the space you have. It also allows for more flexibility than a completely built-in solution.
Add build in full walls of storage where possible. Use built-in book cases and cabinets for closed storage in place of multiple pieces of mismatched furniture. This allows for a more unified and uniform look.

Use high quality organization systems.

Repetition is key here. One-off, odds and ends, and mixed lot storage boxes and bins only add to visual chaos.
Use the same system throughout for visual consistency. A standard size for modular bins and boxes allow things to stack and nest neatly.
Don’t forget to label!