How to "modernize" look of a home without breaking the bank

[Anonymous]

Spray paint all the door knobs and light fixtures. Those metal spray paints are great. Paint all the walls and remove wallpaper. Get rid of anything country.

[Anonymous]

You can update your house doing a few things that aren't too costly. Don't go too modern in a colonial house- look more for a transitional/fresh approach. Here are some ideas:
1. Declutter the house
2. Remove formal/fancy window treatments and go with simple panels
3. New lighting fixtures make a world of difference. Here are are a couple of ideas- http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grace-faceted-pendant/?pkey=cchandeliers&&cchandeliers for a kitchen table and pendant lights for island if you have one: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-schoolhouse-wavy-glass-pendant/?pkey=cpendants&&cpendants
4. Go with a lot of nice neutrals and then highlight with bold colors (no pastels, no jewel tones)
5. Replace cabinet knobs with something that looks a little less dated
6. Add a geometric or textured rug to various spaces and also add a few fresh patterned pillows on the sofas. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/diamond-shibori-print-pillow-cover/?&

Most of this isn't too pricey to do. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell your home and buy a more morden one. You'll make a mess trying to make this change.

most houses in this area are colonial style and not very modern looking, so i don't think this is a good plan.

Not really, tons of newer homes here are so called "craftsman" style.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can update your house doing a few things that aren't too costly. Don't go too modern in a colonial house- look more for a transitional/fresh approach. Here are some ideas:
1. Declutter the house
2. Remove formal/fancy window treatments and go with simple panels
3. New lighting fixtures make a world of difference. Here are are a couple of ideas- http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grace-faceted-pendant/?pkey=cchandeliers&&cchandeliers for a kitchen table and pendant lights for island if you have one: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-schoolhouse-wavy-glass-pendant/?pkey=cpendants&&cpendants
4. Go with a lot of nice neutrals and then highlight with bold colors (no pastels, no jewel tones)
5. Replace cabinet knobs with something that looks a little less dated
6. Add a geometric or textured rug to various spaces and also add a few fresh patterned pillows on the sofas. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/diamond-shibori-print-pillow-cover/?&

Most of this isn't too pricey to do. Good luck.

But it'll be too costly for his/her house to sell when the time comes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can update your house doing a few things that aren't too costly. Don't go too modern in a colonial house- look more for a transitional/fresh approach. Here are some ideas:
1. Declutter the house
2. Remove formal/fancy window treatments and go with simple panels
3. New lighting fixtures make a world of difference. Here are are a couple of ideas- http://www.potterybarn.com/products/grace-faceted-pendant/?pkey=cchandeliers&&cchandeliers for a kitchen table and pendant lights for island if you have one: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pb-classic-schoolhouse-wavy-glass-pendant/?pkey=cpendants&&cpendants
4. Go with a lot of nice neutrals and then highlight with bold colors (no pastels, no jewel tones)
5. Replace cabinet knobs with something that looks a little less dated
6. Add a geometric or textured rug to various spaces and also add a few fresh patterned pillows on the sofas. http://www.potterybarn.com/products/diamond-shibori-print-pillow-cover/?&

Most of this isn't too pricey to do. Good luck.

But it'll be too costly for his/her house to sell when the time comes.

Umm, no. All these suggestions are good advice for when selling home. Bright paint colors and outdated lighting fixtures don't do sellers any favors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In addition to what has been mentioned consider new doors. We went from a builder grade 6 panel door to a 3 panel door. We also did the frames, but that might be more than you want to spend. We got our new doors when they were 15% off at lowes.

+1. We have a house that had an addition put on and was renovated in 2003. I would love to change the doors on all the closets, as they have arches on them. Any idea how much that would cost?[/quote

PP who updated doors. We put solid core Masonite on bathrooms and bedrooms, closets got hollow cope. I paid about $1k for 6 solid doors and 7 hollow doors on sale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell your home and buy a more morden one. You'll make a mess trying to make this change.

most houses in this area are colonial style and not very modern looking, so i don't think this is a good plan.

Not really, tons of newer homes here are so called "craftsman" style.

we live in DC. not too many new builds. most are colonial boxes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PP to start with paint, light fixtures and door knobs. Next would be flooring.

If there's a fireplace, see how you can remove traditional features like molding around it. Can you paint it all one color?

Here's something to work towards:

http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling-renovating/home-makeovers/g63/colonial-home-makeover/?slide=11

The updates look hideous!

I love them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PP to start with paint, light fixtures and door knobs. Next would be flooring.

If there's a fireplace, see how you can remove traditional features like molding around it. Can you paint it all one color?

Here's something to work towards:

http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling-renovating/home-makeovers/g63/colonial-home-makeover/?slide=11

The updates look hideous!

Wtf did they do to the ceilings?!?

I agree, this is awful! You know it is a bad renovation when the 80s blue velour and grandma decor looks better than the uodates.

[Anonymous]

I recommend you do something here:



$500 max

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just sell your home and buy a more morden one. You'll make a mess trying to make this change.

most houses in this area are colonial style and not very modern looking, so i don't think this is a good plan.

Not really, tons of newer homes here are so called "craftsman" style.

Yes, and they start at $1M and go up from there. That might not be in OP's budget, so she's looking for ways to improve the home she has. We are perfectly comfortable living in our old Arlington colonial, but would be priced out of Arlington or the inner burbs if we wanted something big and new. Not everyone has the budget you do!

[Anonymous]

Swap out door knobs for matching finish modern ones (personally, I prefer handles with square rose for the modern look). Swap out out AC outlets with decora with screwless plates, swap out old switches with decora style. Change out the hinges to your doors to match. Paint an accent wall.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Swap out door knobs for matching finish modern ones (personally, I prefer handles with square rose for the modern look). Swap out out AC outlets with decora with screwless plates, swap out old switches with decora style. Change out the hinges to your doors to match. Paint an accent wall.

looks so cheap-y

[Anonymous]

Replace flooring. Paint ceilings, walls, trim, doors. Remove chair rail. Replace light fixtures. Replace door hardware.

[Anonymous]

Declutter.