Turn Your Spec Home into Your Forever Home

With these Interior Design Secrets

Ah, the spec home. Largely affordable at its initial purchase and often in a great location...but lacking in individuality and character.

As a professional interior designer, I've never met a spec home that wow'd on its own, but I've seen the amazement on my clients' faces after making just a few aesthetic changes to their (formerly) spec space.

Let me take you behind the scenes...

Hard Finishes

The problem: Most spec homes are built using the most basic hard finishes. Low-grade LVP floors, basic tile (that is often repeated in every bathroom), laminate countertops with no backsplash, and the same carpet in every bedroom. Ugh.

The solution: I start with ensuring the floor plan works well for my client. If it does, or if their budget doesn't allow for the removal of walls, we then focus on the aesthetics. Cheap or repeated flooring is replaced by hardwood, deeper piles, and layered with rugs where appropriate. Laminate countertops are replaced with quartz or similar material and we always add a beautiful tile backsplash. If budget allows, we also consider replacing or refacing the cabinetry

Wall Treatments

The problem: Spec homes are obsessed with Agreeable Gray...because it goes with everything and does pretty much nothing for the space. It's not a dark color, yet it still makes a space feel dark-ish. Hmm.

The solution: We add bright white to the ceilings, or even wallpaper, to enhance the space. We also create a color palette for each room that may or may not include patterned or textured wallpaper, wainscoting, reclaimed wood (you get the idea). Sometimes, texture is better than strong color, ironically, and we aren't necessarily trying to make each space look like a rainbow has been splashed across the room - unless that is what you want, in which case, count us in!

Hardware and Fixtures

The problem: builder-grade cabinetry is lackluster, but it doesn't have to be. If custom cabinetry isn't in your budget, we can still help. Also, basic plumbing fixtures and light fixtures are common...and boring. Let's fix that.

The solution: A great way to upgrade cabinetry is to simply replace the hardware. We source door handles and drawer pulls for our clients' existing cabinetry that will fit the existing screw holes, preventing damage to their cabinets while completely changing the overall look. We also discuss and manage repainting the cabinetry, if preferred. Lastly, we look at replacing the plumbing and light fixtures with pieces that are intentional and custom.

Reach out to info@juliaroseinteriors.com if you’re interested in starting the process of turning your spec home into your forever home.

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Cheers,

Julia Rose