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

[Anonymous]

I have a house that's very early 2000s colonial style (think brass fixtures, a lot of earth tone paints, chair rails, etc.) but my style is more modern or at least transitional.

How expensive and difficult would it be to modernize the look? I wouldn't want to completely gut the kitchens and baths right away because they are fully functional and look OK - just not great, dated. What would be a quick and dirty way to make the house look more fresh? Any blog ideas or magazine articles you recommend?

thanks!

[Anonymous]

Change the paint, light fixtures and door handles. That is pretty cheap and a great way to get started!

[Anonymous]

Also choose every stick of furniture carefully.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Hard to know how early 2000s can be dated.

[Anonymous]

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?

[Anonymous]

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

Actually pre reno is a better house to buy- all it needed was paint, refinish floors, new kitchen cabinets, lighting BUT not stuff that will look ludicrous in 2 years. The old wood feature wall? Window treatments. Door knobs also require hinge replacement-going black? Unless there are arches I would not replace a solid wood door or a filled core.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

I would look at Houzz, look at both transitional and modern, and start a collection of photos that reflect the look you like.

Easy updates include pillows, window coverings, and wall art. Then next, remove chair rails or molding, repaint, and replace hardware. But you might want to have a designer help you. When you paint, use large boards with the prospective colors on them and move them around the room during the day to see how the paint looks at different times. Southern light is warm, northern light is cool. Learn which way your house faces. Update lights. A modern light will do a lot.

[Anonymous]

Check out dwell.com for ideas

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would look at Houzz, look at both transitional and modern, and start a collection of photos that reflect the look you like.

Easy updates include pillows, window coverings, and wall art. Then next, remove chair rails or molding, repaint, and replace hardware. But you might want to have a designer help you. When you paint, use large boards with the prospective colors on them and move them around the room during the day to see how the paint looks at different times. Southern light is warm, northern light is cool. Learn which way your house faces. Update lights. A modern light will do a lot.

Don't replace the mountings and chair rails, you will just make your room look like a box. Common sense, people.

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

If you don't want to spend the money to replace the brass fixtures you can try spray-painting them: there is a special paint made for this purpose. I'm not sure how well it works, but it might be worth a try.

[Anonymous]

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.