If I had to do it all over again, what are the details that made a big difference in our home? Since we remodeled an older home, it gave us a chance to start with a fresh slate, and really came down to the little details for us. Sure, knocking down walls and changing configurations were at the top of the priority list. But it was a great opportunity to bring in some design elements that made a big difference to the way the space felt. Here are the design details that made a big difference in our home.
1. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Planked Ceilings…and beams too!
Planked ceilings have been a huge change for all things spaces when it comes to our home. {See the full how to here!} It’s time consuming and a little bit extra when it comes to finishing off those spaces, but we love the extra character that it brings to our home!
We included this in our “designs ‘mistakes’ to avoid” post too, when it comes to ceilings. Simply scraping off that old stamped look can go a long way and it’s something people sometimes forget to consider. We chose to cover ours to add a little more character, but paying attention to that “fifth wall”, can definitely make a big impact.
The beams in this space are from AZ faux beams. Easy to install and perfect for the space.
2. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Vent Covers
It’s funny, how homeowners tend to forget about vent covers, until everything goes back in, shiny and new. These vent covers offer so much character, you’ll never want to skip them again. Just something to consider when it comes to marking off those little things on the honey-do list. ESPECIALLY the return vent… when it’s front and center on the wall, it looks so good!
3. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Built Ins
It may seem so basic, but built ins can truly make the biggest difference when it comes to storage, organization, creating space and character and more. Built ins are probably the best accent for just about any room. They’re a go-to staple that make such a huge impact.
Speaking of all things built ins, don’t skip the hall tree! A real game changer when it comes to managing chaos with a family, this might be the biggest difference when it comes to all things built ins under the category of catch alls.
4. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Hiding the TV.
One of the things that have made the biggest difference, is all things fireplaces. We ripped out the old one in our great room, and made a space for a TV. Then we built this one in our pool room. This is the smallest detail that makes a big difference, but hiding the TV! We love it so much we’re even adding it in our primary suite because it’s a great opportunity to skip the dresser arrangement and have a fire, too.
We’ve been asked in the past, why we just don’t use a TV with art capabilities. I’m old school {so is he} and I love creating my own art. I prefer the real thing. I also don’t like my TV on all the time {maybe it’s back to that old school or just old part?} So this is the best solution, and we’ve absolutely loved having this ability.
5. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Window Seats + Benches
The idea of creating extra storage, along with lots of character has been a great detail to add to our home. It’s also a smart option for older homes with less closet space. When we added our pool room on the other side of this window, people asked why we kept the window. We love the charm it brings. It also made more sense to keep it for another wall area, along with the opportunity to let in more light. So… lots of reasons, because cozy for the win.
We also have them on the other side of this table in our pool room. It doubles as a banquette and lots of storage!
6. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Tile Detail
Tile details make all the difference in the design for a kitchen or bath.
We truly believe in choosing what you love, with lots of little details to add character to those spaces. See more about this space, here.
But we truly loved bringing in striped tile to the boys’ bath, blue tile to what will soon be our daughter’s, and the backsplash in the kitchen for all the little details. Subtle personality with tile is always a great opportunity to bring in more of that custom look.
7. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Glass to the Ceiling in Those Showers
While we’re on the topic of bathrooms, glass to the ceiling is just the extra detail that makes spaces look a little more custom. Just a smart solution for little spaces to add that extra character. It’s not made for every space, but it’s also a great solution for avoiding moisture issues down the line.
8. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Stained glass {And doors too!}
This was a little bit of a happy accident, but something we incorporated into our kitchen. It made a huge difference with detail and we love the way it looks. And while we’re at it… replacing all our old windows with Window World, definitely opened up the spaces to make them light and bright again. Bye, old 70’s storm-covered windows. –We’d say this was a HUGE detail, though.
But while I’m on the topic of doors, adding either barn or pocket doors throughout a smaller home to save on space, has been a smart choice all the way. I don’t think solid classic doors like this ever go out of style, and they’re a smart move to help the room.
But back to that tile detail again… we really love it here.
9. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Walk through Closets
Opening them up made a big difference, and changed the feel of our spaces, too. Our subs admitted that they thought I’d lost my mind when I indicated what I wanted to do during the first part of our renovation. But when they spied the end product, they loved it. {For the record, I felt like a winner that day.} This is soon to become our boys’s shared closet space and it makes a big impact for all things storage! But it’s definitely time to reorganize as soon as we spread out… {Shhh… it’s a hot mess.}
10. Details That Made a Big Difference in Our Home: Accent Walls
Gone are the days of trading spaces where people glued grass to the walls for drama. This isn’t the kind we’re talking about, and in our opinion, the tasteful approach will never go out of style. We love the idea of adding accent walls throughout the home, from subtle colors to different wallpapers. If done well, accent walls are amazing for sweet little details, without being overwhelming.
So what are some of your favorite home details you’ve added over time to either spruce up a builder’s grade or an older home? We’d love to hear!
Have an inspired day!
Leave a Reply