I’ve CLOSED!

Hey you guys! After seven (7) months, I have closed on my house, my builder-grade house ya’ll. In my last post (Builder Grade -Before You Buy), I talked about my buying process and upgrades. Today, I want to share some tips on how to make a builder-grade home not so cookie cutter. These tips are a few that are already in motion to take place in my house, and others are ideas I’m mulling over.

Most, but definitely not all, builder-grade homes lack a bit of character. They usually have less of a wow factor in the finishes, woodwork, lighting, paint, etc. When thinking about improving, these are some areas to consider upgrading.

Flooring: This is optional, but I’m going from luxury vinyl to wood. Yes, flooring size does matter, and in my case details matter too.

Furniture Selection. Bringing in lush fabrics, natural elements, and a mix of new and old can add great visual interest to a basic room. These items alone offer lots of texture and personalization to a home.

Walls. The possibilities with your wall space are never ending. You can remain stationary at eye level or maximize your linear space. An example is something as simple as paint. Paint is affordable; you can get creative with it and applying the right color can also add depth to a space. Other options are wallcoverings which can be temporary or permanent selections, built-ins, mudroom, or plank walls. The possibilities are truly endless.

Trim. Adding crown molding, box picture frame, coffered ceiling, and enlarging your base trim and trim around windows can also add visual appeal to your home.

Lighting. Lighting can be a massive game-changer in the overall outcome of how your home looks and feel. I find it simpler to change out my lights once I’ve figured out the overall style and color choice for the room. With lighting, I want to add a high contrast without overpowering the space.

I hope you founds these tips helpful until next time.

51 thoughts on “I’ve CLOSED!

    • Andrea says:

      I stumbled across your YouTube channel. I dabble in interior design for myself and friends. I love it too much i would say. I began to feel like I’m in the wrong profession. Which leads me to my big question. How did you get started?

  1. Lawana parsley says:

    Hi Nadia I’m really enjoying your blog. Congratulations on your new home. Can’t wait to see the final project. Keep up the good work

      • Lisa Binkley says:

        Hi Nadia,
        My name is Lisa. I am enjoying your work, updates and all teachable moments. You are truly a blessed child and a blessing to others. I take what you say in interior design seriously and I share all that you teach and that I learn with my sisters and my daughter as well my husband. Keep up the amazing job that you do!!!!

  2. Chandra Bean Lee says:

    Congratulations on closing. This is so informative. We are not buying/building a new home but this is definitely helpful as we tweek our house. Thank you.

  3. FELICIA WILLIAMS says:

    Thank you for sharing tips. I closed on my build grade home last July. Since I bought a spec because it would save money, I did not get to pick any of the finishes. Luckily for me the colors were neutral.

  4. Millionairescove says:

    These are some very informative and helpful tips for customizing your own home… Just taking your time to figure out your style and what you would want your home to say about you is important….Thank you for letting us see the process as you go from build a grade to an extravagant custome home.

  5. Rich In Blessings says:

    You are a hard worker, aggressive in all that is postive. Your style is amazing & unique. Very educated & hands on. I will continue to learn from you & creative in my own living quarters. Many Blessings Nadia

  6. Rachel Hawley says:

    I was so Happy to see this email pop up in my in box Titled “ I closed” I’m so happy for you!!! I just feel in love with all of your inspiration photos on this post I can’t wait to see it all come together!

  7. Cathy Manning says:

    Thank so much for bring us along. I have learn a lot on buying a home & up grading afterward. I am enjoying a video everyday carry on.

  8. Floralskai says:

    I’m wanting to jump into different textures thanks to you!!
    I am excited and will probably start with my pillows😊

  9. Dana Pace says:

    Congratulation! You’ve made me fall in love with my house because now I pay attention to details and every pattern, lighting and above all the quality. I’ve learn about size to scale and let me not forget about cleaning. Thanks for teaching me so much.

  10. Sonya says:

    Hi Nadia,

    Thank you for sharing your creativity and the vision for your home. I am excited to see your ideas come together throughout the year!!!!

  11. Nay says:

    I’m so excited to see what you do with YOUR space! Proud is an understatement. I pray continuous blessings over you, your children, and your home. Thanks for sharing ! 💜

  12. Sasha George says:

    First, congratulation! You have done amazing job teaching us high/low processing of making house into home. Thank you for everything you are doing. I always have notebook and pen when you talking. Your information is so informative.

  13. Stephanie says:

    Congrats on your new home! I love that you are doing what you love in your home! Your videos are soooooo good (Nadia singing voice)! They are so helpful. I needed to hear the tip about sealing the tile…. you know I went right out to HD to find it! Yes, Thank you!

  14. Yvonne Cottle-Hinds says:

    Hi Nadia. You are so knowlegeable. You are truly a natural. I am hooked on your videos. You are now my favourite. I already own my home. But i am getting some great ideas for upgrades and redecorating. I am really happy for you.

  15. Yancy Will says:

    I am so extremely happy for you Nadia!!!! I know this can be a stressful time, but when all said and done, the blessings of home ownership is great. So happy for you and the boys, and many beautiful family moments in your new home!!! 🥰🥰❤❤

  16. AnnMarie says:

    Love the blog. Sums up everything you have been talking to us about on your YouTube channel. It’s professionally styled. Your like a girlfriend giving advice.

  17. Dawn McDowell says:

    Awesome design tips to kick any builder grade home up notch. Thank you for your insight and thoughtfulness in always being willing to share. I can’t wait to see your visions come to life.

  18. Dellarine Anderson says:

    Hi would you share where you purchased the blue lamps in your living room. Your design and home is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
    Thank you!

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