By Judith Heimowitz, Interior Designer, @7B_Design
There is a lot you can do to update your home without starting all over again. Here are six ideas that really pack a punch.
#1 Get out of the Internet and into the physical world.
Late night browsing? Adding items to your cart that you’ll never buy? Trolling designers on Instagram? You’re not alone. But you’re also not getting anything done. Block off some me-time for a shopping trip! Make a list, decide on a spending range, and pick a few local stores to go to. Buy what you love and you won’t regret it.
#2 Hardware is your house’s jewelry.
The door hardware of a home – doorknobs, hinges, and door bumpers – is like the jewelry that sets the tone for the whole outfit. Your door hardware might be a random mishmash or just not your taste. Changing it all in one fell swoop will instantly update the whole feel of your house.
#3 Invest in art by a local artist.
Many of my clients get overwhelmed because “they don’t know anything about art.” While that might be true, it’s irrelevant. Judge pieces on your initial reaction to them, and don’t overthink it. Scarsdale (and all of Westchester) is filled with talented people, and you’ll enjoy supporting them! Art will instantly add personality, color, and a vibe.
#4 Give the kitchen a facelift.
The big ticket items in a kitchen remodel are the cabinets and the appliances. Instead of gutting it, you can spray or reface the cabinets and keep the appliances. Replace the countertops, knobs, pendants and maybe the backsplash, and it will present as a whole new kitchen.
#5 Furnish the great outdoors.
Your outdoor space can be used as another living room or dining room. Step outside and take a good look around – do you need to refresh your hasty (and perhaps desperate) pandemic purchases? How can you make this a place for your family to enjoy? Optimize the layout, target specific pieces, and jump on the sales over President’s Day Weekend.
#6 Hire a designer.
While this sounds like a shameless plug, it really is good advice. People hire designers to provide aesthetics, assurance, and accessibility. A designer will help you scope out a plan to prioritize, budget, and pace the upgrades that you will enjoy for years (or decades) to come. Look for someone with whom you share taste and chemistry.