What if I told you that customizing your space doesn’t require a huge budget or becoming a YouTube expert and working day and night on DIY projects? Your builder-grade home can become a space that feels more like YOU with a few thoughtful upgrades that are much more feasible than you would think.

In this blog post, we hope to provide food for thought on future projects, and inspiration from full-scale upgrades to bite-size steps that you could begin today.

I know, I know. Of course a flooring business would start with this one, right? But hear us out.

Flooring and tile set the tone for the overall look and feel of your space.

If your home was constructed by an entry-level or mid-range builder, the materials on your floor and walls were chosen for their cost-effectiveness, availability, and mass appeal. A “blank canvas” is a great starting point to hone your design style and personalize your space. However (speaking from personal experience) builder-grade carpet, laminate, or LVP can wear down quickly and require an upgrade after only a few years.

Investing in better flooring materials enhances more than just your home's appearance. It can provide greater durability, easier upkeep, and healthier indoor air quality. (Some flooring products may emit VOCs, making it important to verify the manufacturer's emissions standards.)

If you are working toward a more custom look, we recommend starting with our visualizer. Upload a photo of your room and go wild playing with different colors, patterns, and materials. Create a Pinterest board or (if you’re an old soul), a vision board from these images along with other inspo photos from magazines, social media, etc. Forget about logistics and simply focus on what you are drawn to.

Then, when you’re ready, bring your ideas to our team of experts and they will hunt down the products that fit your vision as well as your lifestyle and budget.

Financially, this upgrade may be more feasible than you think. As a small business, we're committed to making the most of your investment. We work diligently to find the best products at the best price, so you can make it happen.

The most beautiful homes are defined by thoughtful details. Small touches of character work together to create a truly custom look.

I love seeing more homeowners embrace details like crown molding, board and batten, and wainscoting. These timeless architectural features bring warmth, character, and a sense of craftsmanship that's often missing from builder-grade homes.

Depending on the scope, this can be a fun and approachable DIY project, with plenty of tutorials available to guide you along the way. But if you'd rather leave the craftsmanship to the professionals, our design team and experienced installers can seamlessly incorporate these architectural details into your home for a finished look that feels truly custom.

There are a myriad of ways to let your unique style shine through the tile in your home. Whether it be backsplash, shower tile, floor tile, or otherwise, simply choosing a different layout pattern, color, shape, texture, or pattern can make all the difference.

Builder-grade tile is often the most neutral, budget-friendly choice (that you did not get to make), so you may be feeling the lack of personality more strongly in the kitchen and bathrooms.

Resale value is a worthwhile consideration, so we do our best to curate tile designs that reflect our customers’ unique style, blend well within the home, and will hold their value for future buyers.

Like trim, your faucets, fixtures, and lighting can either make your home feel basic or stylishly curated. This is another approachable upgrade that does not require a huge budget or expertise. If you reside in a starter home (like mine), your next step may be adding cabinet and drawer pulls, since there are none! This goes a long way toward elevating your design.

Whether you prefer silver or gold tones more, selecting hardware with timeless details can absolutely transform your home. Look for warm, sophisticated finishes like champagne bronze or brushed brass.

Far from the brightly lit photos you saw on the listing, most of us prefer natural light during the day and cozy lamp-lit evenings in our homes. I’m no contractor, and I was able to successfully change out a few dated light fixtures in my first home. Installing an eye-catching feature light over your dining room table or changing out that basic ceiling fan for something more personal can also contribute to a custom look.