Got a Budget? Consider These Stylish Upgrades

Almost no one has an unlimited budget to make every home improvement they would like but everyone wants a space they can enjoy and be proud of. So here are some of the ideas that I share with my Fairfield and Westchester clients as to how you can upgrade your home, to make a big impact, without breaking the bank.

KS Design Linley Kit closeup before _ after (1)

The Hearth Of Your Home
Updating your Kitchen is one of the best things you can do because we spend so much time there, not to mention the fact that its great for resale. A new Kitchen can be one of the most expensive upgrades, however, there are some lower cost alternatives that can give you a new modern look. Keep in mind that you don't have to do all of these things, as each individually will help to freshen up your space.

Adding new cabinetry is a high ticket item but you can easily transform an older style cabinet into something crisp and modern with paint! I do recommend that you hire a professional to do the job which is more expensive than doing it yourself but a fraction of the cost of replacement. In the end you will have a cabinet that looks almost brand new. Finishing off your cabinets with quality handles and knobs can change the entire look and bring a new sophistication to the room.

One other upgrade to consider is adding new counters. I've seen so many people move into a home where the counters are simply not their taste or they are simply tired of the choice they made many years ago. Swapping out your counters can make a huge difference with the overall look of your Kitchen and make a dated space look current. By the way, these same techniques can apply to your bathrooms as well.

Dining Room Before
Dining Room by kellydesigns

Swap Out Lighting
One of the easiest ways to give your home that refined look is to add attractive
light fixtures. Pendant lighting and well placed sconces can really dress up a room while a beautiful chandelier can be a downright show stopper. There are so many creative styes and colors to choose from that shopping for lighting is just plain fun!
Look for pieces that match your decor and try to maintain some level of consistency from room to room. Lighting can add depth to a darker room, create ambience, be just the thing to add a pop of color and add visual interest to an otherwise bland space. Today's light fixtures are so much more than functional. They add character and more often than not are a true work of art. Search for styles that you love no matter what the cost, then try to find similar versions that are within your budget.

411 Birch Rd_ Fairfield_ CT 06824_ USA-23
Ennis12
384 Wormwood Rd Fairfield CT-small-008-12-003-666x444-72dpi

Add Woodwork
Another great way to beautify and create interest is with wood work. This too can be costly but there are options that come in a range of prices and there are less expensive methods that can achieve a similar look. Crown molding can transform a room from plain to rich and gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Baseboard molding gives you similar results and anchors your room as well.

Upgrading the trim, around doors, windows and openings is one of the simplest improvements you can make, yet it adds so much character to your room. Paneling is a wonderful way to enrich your home and there are various styles to choose from including cottage inspired ship lap, classic tongue and groove or historical board and batten framework. You can also opt for less expensive options such as picture frame molding or pre-made wainscot panels. Whatever your style and budget there is something you can do to make an impact in every room and give your home that polished look.

Blue-and-White-Living-Room-by-kellydesigns

Upgrading the trim, around doors, windows and openings is one of the simplest improvements you can make, yet it adds so much character to your room. Paneling is a wonderful way to enrich your home and there are various styles to choose from including cottage inspired ship lap, classic tongue and groove or historical board and batten framework. You can also opt for less expensive options such as picture frame molding or pre-made wainscot panels. Whatever your style and budget there is something you can do to make an impact in every room and give your home that polished look.