We become very comfortable in our spaces, sometimes even blind to what’s around us (yep me too🙋🏽‍♀️) and what needs a little bit of attention. When you move into a new home there are bound to be things you want to change. It can be overwhelming. Or you might have recently found yourself an empty-nester and all the little projects you’ve been meaning to get to are now glaringly obvious (and you might be looking for something to fill the time). The signs that your home might need a refresh are there, and with the help of a designer, we can find budget-friendly, charming, innovative, and easy solutions to make your home feel more you!

Red Flags Signifying It’s Time for a Home Refresh

I’m not here to shame you for the red flags around your house. Instead, I’m here to inspire you to take action and pour some TLC into your home. After all, home is the best place on Earth, and you should love every inch of it! 

I want you to stop, breathe, and take a moment to look around your home. Which of the following do you see?

🚩 Your walls have the same paint/wallpaper from your move-in day.

Maybe it’s what made you fall in love with the place in the beginning, or maybe it was the first thing on your To-Do list…and it just hasn’t happened yet. If your walls haven’t been touched since move-in day, it’s time to refresh the “safe and sometimes boring” builder-grade-neutral wall colors. Even if it’s just another layer of white or beige, a fresh coat of paint really does make a difference. You’ve been thinking about updating for some time now, let this be your sign to paint, paint, paint!

🚩Your entry or foyer feels lackluster and sleepy.

This is the first impression of your home so you want it to put its best foot forward every time. Set the tone for the rest of your home by redesigning your entryways. This could be updated storage, new runner rug, some added light, or even a new door color. No matter what, it’s important to evaluate what you want your home to immediately say and help it say it.

🚩Your lighting is…uninspiring.

For new homeowners, it might be the builder-grade ceiling fans or recessed lights. For empty nesters, your uninspiring lighting might be the college dorm floor lamp that had been repurposed forever ago in your living room and just needs to go. The bottom line: lighting completely changes how a room feels and is experienced and used. It is a must on the list of things that need to change for a refresh. 

🚩Your faucets need love too.

It amazes me every time how big of a difference new hardware can make when elevating a room. Faucets, cabinet hardware, doorknobs, and more can be easily switched out, all in one day, and your space will feel sparkly and new. Shop pieces that add a new sparkle or color, or find water-efficient options, or something that just helps banish the outdated look.

🚩Your room flow feels unbalanced or off kilter.

Do you walk into a room and just feel like it’s off in some way? It’s clunky and hard to walk through and just doesn’t serve its purpose. It could be time to assess your furniture placement, lighting, and other elements to figure out what needs to be improved. This could be a simple matter of rearranging furniture. Or it could be a complete overhaul of the entire look so it feels more you!

🚩You’re surrounded by stuff.

Not only is this your sign to declutter, it’s your sign that your home needs a little TLC in general. Maybe your cabinet space isn’t serving you anymore or you’ve just collected things that don’t enhance your lifestyle the way you thought they would. This is your sign to let go and clear the space (mental and physical) for the life you dream of.

🚩Your flooring has seen better days.

New-build homes are the exception here, but older homes might show their age through their floors. Scuffs, scratches, sun fading, water damage, dents, burns, and more can make floors look uncared for—which is not something you want your floors to say about you. Refinish wood floors, purchase easier-to-care-for options, or source rugs and carpeting.

🚩The baseboards and interior doors are showing signs of wear.

Like your floors, your baseboard and doors can show signs of having seen better days. Touch them up for an immediate lift. Or replace old baseboards and doors to get a whole new look.

🚩Your kitchen hardware feels dated.

While you’re hunting for a new faucet, address the hardware, too! Replace drawer pulls, doorknobs, handles, and hinges with shiny new pieces that add a fresh perspective.

🚩Remember your switch plates.

Switch plates are easily forgotten design elements and odds are they are mismatched and old. Give them a refresh too by purchasing plates that all match for a more cohesive look throughout the house, or find something unique for each room so you’re always stepping into a complete experience. For rooms with wallpaper, consider adding the same design to your switch plates for a seamless and elegant look.

Work with a South Florida Interior Designer

If you’ve been nodding your head, realizing all or some of these red flags are planted firmly in your home, it might be time to collaborate with an interior designer. One of the biggest things clients have said to me is that they are tired of purchasing and returning things that just don’t work. I call this the Buy and Return HomeGoods Hustle. It’s not a fun or sustainable way to refresh your home and say goodbye to the red flags. But I’m here to help!

Yes, we’re based in Miramar, Florida, but our budget friendly virtual design plans are like having an interior design bestie by your side. And you can use these services from anywhere in the country! We shop for you, arrange the room and give you options, distilling your dream into a complete reality. You’ll pay a flat fee based on the 3 levels of service we offer and watch your rooms take shape and become beautiful spaces you feel proud of.