Making Big Changes with Less Work (& Less Money!) with Heather Fox
Interior designer Heather Fox of Fox Homes and HGTV’s “Stay or Sell” offers her insights on some quick and relatively simple projects that can make a big impact in your home.
Let’s face it: home projects are expensive, and even more so in 2022 with rising costs at every turn. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or want to make the space feel more like your own, making big changes doesn’t have to be expensive or take hundreds of hours. With some relatively small tweaks, you can make your space instantly feel more true to your style. The biggest compliment that I get from my clients as a designer is when someone says, “Wow, this really feels like me!”
So, without further ado, here are my top three ways to make a big impact on a small budget, with a little advice on how to make them feel like YOU.
Light It Up!
I like to call light fixtures the jewelry of the home. They are the great accents that can make all the difference when you enter a space.
First: how do you choose the right fixtures? Start by determining what you love! Spend some time on Pinterest to see what makes your heart go pitter-patter. Most of my clients find that they pin the same styles over and over. Try it: pin 10 things you like, and see if they all have a theme. It’s an easy way to become more confident about what your style is, if you’re uncertain.
Next: how do you find the right fixture on a budget? My favorite budget-friendly lighting is from Etsy. Most of it is artisan-made and so unique. I would suggest reading reviews of makers to be sure they are good quality and also confirm that the vendor works with US lighting regulations. I’ve had incredible luck with finding high quality lights for a great price!
Expert tip: Have you ever been in a poorly lit room and felt like you instantly needed to go take a nap? Or have you ever been in a room that was so bright that you needed sunglasses? Neither instance is what we’re after in the world of design. So, not only is it finding the right light fixtures to suit your style, but also the right light bulbs (reference my blog to read more about that).
Paint, Paint, Paint!
Okay, so painting a wall or a room isn’t totally effortless, but it’s something most everyone has done before. I love how transformative paint can be! It can make a space feel completely different—even make the old feel new again.
A good paint job comes down to one thing: preparation! Use painters tape; buy a quality paint brush and roller; and make sure you don’t rush through it. Also, take your time to choose the right color. Order a paint chip of whatever color you’re liking, or better yet, get a small sample to paint on a wall. As you’re putting up the sample, be aware that it may take a few coats to make the color feel like it’s supposed to.
[For an easy and less messy assessment of wall color, some paint stores will send convenient peel & stick color samples, try this sample order form from Sherwin Williams!]
An accent paint color on one section of this dining room. With Avella Graystone Travertine waterproof porcelain tile flooring. See more tile for kitchen, home, and bathroom flooring on the Tile page.
Jazz Up That Hardware!
And now, the easiest trick of them all: new knobs and pulls on your cabinets. It’s as simple as measuring your current cabinet hardware (measure the distance between the two screws!) and counting how many you need. Often, I will bring a piece of the old hardware with me to the store to make sure the holes are the same width and size. New hardware is massively impactful. It’s a simple way to bring in a new metal color or simply update things to feel more your style.
Expert tip: worried about matching your metals? Don’t be! Just be sure the color repeats in the space so it feels cohesive, but know that you can mix and match. If you want to incorporate brass, just be sure to add it somewhere else in the space as well through an accessory or frame.
So there you have it—the easiest ways to make a big impact without a big budget. I love when people’s homes feel like a reflection of who they are, and I promise with these easy changes, your home can feel more like you!
Know of any easy home hacks that can make a big impact? Show us! First follow @LLFlooringOFficial on Facebook or Instagram - then use #LLStyle.
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