10 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO ADD CHARACTER TO A BUILDER GRADE HOME | DESIGN HACKS

10 AFFORDABLE WAYS TO ADD CHARACTER TO A BUILDER GRADE HOME | DESIGN HACKS
Today I am sharing with you 10 budget friendly & affordable ways to add character and charm to a your builder grade/new construction home! From window treatments, doors, architectural details and decorating ideas, these design hacks will transform your cookie cutter home into a charming and unique space! If you just bought your first builder grade home but love the look of older charming homes, this videos just for you!! Enjoy - Kristen McGowan #interiordesign #homedecor #designahacks #diy
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- F O L L O W M E -
Kristen McGowan: Designer, Bachelors degree in Interior Design from Sheridan College
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[@KristenMcGowan]

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE!☀🏡 If you love the look of older charming homes just as much as I do, I hope this gives you some ideas on ways that you can add similar details into your new construction home!

[@mariamangion21]

Happy Sunday 🥰

[@Fuzzmom903]

Thank you so much!!! This was awesome!

[@erikamedrano9020]

Thanks for this video Kristen, I love our new home but I’m tired of it looking so bare. These were all great ideas!!

[@leannsmarie]

FYI: You kept saying snap-in window mullions but they are actually muntins. Mullions are vertical shafts located in between windows. These elements offer structural support for the windows. Meanwhile, muntins are found on the window glass itself. They are vertical and horizontal elements that divide a window's glass into a grid.

[@donnamcdan9326]

I can’t find the links to the products you’re talking about. Can u help me?

[@clc1302]

Kristen, I don’t know why you don’t have your own show on TV! You have the best ideas and present them so well!

[@plainsong76]

I don’t think tv would make her as much money.

[@sirnapsalot4848]

KZbin is the new TV. I would have never found her if she was on TV. 😅

[@mariamangion21]

I love how Kristen makes every video with love! Your cinematography skills have improved DRASTICALLY 😍 You’ve grown so much, in the last 2 years and a half that I’ve been watching you! I'm so proud of all your accomplishments 💙

[@valeriaostan6708]

I love breakfast and reading nooks and Window decors

[@kdlee3316]

Can you do a video like this with exterior of house ideas???

[@sjsp7631]

All great ideas. We actually had a 1920s tutor home and the real estate agent suggested we remove the mullions, square off the entry arch and paint all of the restored base boards and solid doors to attract younger buyers that like new build feel. We of course changed realtors and our home sold in 1 day in a very flat market. Depersonalizing your home for sale is different that removing unique character and charm😊

[@vaderladyl]

If someone wanted builders grade, there are a plenty around, just leave the nice, charming homes alone. What a narrow view that realtor had. Glad you catch that and saved the house for someone who can appreciate it as an older home and its charms.

[@saraholivares6611]

This video is exactly what I needed! I'm buying a new home in a month.

[@marymendez4178]

I just love the vintage look, for my taste in decore it's best for me because vintage furniture last longer than today's modern furniture. A nice thumbs-up for this vid.

[@beingkitschroeder2507]

Frame molding is my ALL TIME FAVORITE, and yours is exceptional!

[@erikarivas8621]

This is great information. Me and my husband are about to buy our first new home and these ideas are just GOLD! please, make part 2 ❤

[@liap1293]

Love the snap in window mullions!

[@LalalalalaLauren75]

I have cafe curtains in my tiny 1950s kitchen and they have opened up the room so much! I love them!

[@susanfindell6154]

I LOVE the idea of adding another layer of trim above the baseboard, and painting the wall in between for a beefier look! It might be the perfect solution for my home ❤️

[@tricia8727]

Great tips! The mullion thing is a game changer!

[@Jade_902]

I’m glad to see half-curtains and ceiling medallions making a comeback ❤

[@MizJilly]

I love the super-ornate ceiling medallions with modern fixtures. It's such a cool look.

[@noryjohrden9017]

Wow, Kristen!!! Your video is amazing!!! In over 50 years of being in love with interior design, this is the first time I’ve heard of many of your design tips. From start to finish you kept me mesmerized. Thank you for being you. I agree, you should have your own show!

[@KristenMcGowan]

Aw I appreciate that! Thank you!!

[@2malsahm59]

Love the old doors idea

[@susanpera2131]

Great ideas! I wish I was about 25 yrs younger when I was more able to do projects like this. Need to find a good handyman!

[@gardenjoy5223]

At 3: 43 right picture, we see a room, that perhaps originally consisted of two rooms. By not taking out the entire wall, but leave something in a playful design up the ceiling and to the left or right or both, you get the openness and light of one space, and yet the enclosure of two separate rooms. Wow!

[@margaretcantlon9960]

As a professional Designer I applaud all of your great information for adding personal Character to your home. Thank you for taking the Bland out of our cookie cutter homes.

[@j.etheredge7628]

One of your best videos, LOVE the simplicity of these small changes that can produce huge impacts to your spaces. Bravo!

[@michelejennings404]

I know u will be famous soon I love u!!! Keep it up u are better than anyone on HGTV !!!

[@debrahayes3778]

You knocked it out of the park with this video! I would love to have ceiling medallions in my dining room and foyer and a window /reading nook!

[@suemahoney7330]

I have learned son much from you but never comment. I wish I had the money or the DIY ability to do all you suggest. It was so interesting to hear you say walls looked flat. I would have never thought of that. Thank you for all you do!

[@savannah2351]

I like the ceiling medallion idea! Thanks!

[@cameliafranco4497]

Fantastic video!!🎉❤

[@marieschmidt9416]

I couldn't agree more with your ideas. Glad that you made a video to enforce these ideas.

[@debbiewegner4089]

Extra tall baseboards for sure!

[@anarodrigues759]

I thank God to finding you because, everything that you said to do I already thinked of it ! That means that I have a excellent teacher ❤❤❤ thank you !! 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@judyanderson2697]

I’m really impressed by you. Awesome ideas that are affordable and anyone can do . ❤️🙏

[@chrissyt22]

Would love to put up some board and batten in my home. I love the look of it so much.

[@petravalentijn4817]

Hy I am from the Netherlands and I love jour idee.I look every week for nieuw tips.thanks

[@evitad622]

Some of THEE best tips I’ve listened to in a long time. Thank you thank you!! I love them all.

[@karenwhite8680]

Hi Kristen good information 🌺

[@donnaadeledally3632]

KRISTEN, YOU ARE SO IMFORMATIVE AND I LOVE ALL OF YOUR IDEAS. THANKYOU

[@HR-re6mr]

The garage changes are so cool! Very good ideas!

[@sherryidibo2304]

Nooks are great especially near the livingroom, I would love to have one for a reading corner. Thanks Kristen for the tips❤

[@lorikegley3327]

Great ideas!

[@shirleyelliott242]

I rent a condo that hasn’t been updated in 30 years. I LOVE your videos so much and I get so many great ideas that are actually renter friendly. Thanks so much❤

[@Laurad419]

What I love the most about your videos are all the photos you include. I find it very helpful and appreciate all the work you put into it 😊

[@sonabran4751]

PLease do more of these budget new home ideas. These big white spaces are cold and uninviting and no money left after the big purchase. Also LOTS of HOA's wont let you do hardly anything to the outside of the house. We all got black doors, if we change can only be dk neutral.

[@deirdregahansuttle5698]

I cryed when you gasped. Congratulations

[@AltaXo]

I was broke for the longest but would still watch your videos for inspo. I’m finally on my feet again and am sooooo exited to start incorporating your tips into my home 🙌🏼

[@KristenMcGowan]

So proud of you!!👏🏼👏🏼

[@nnanette]

Picture frame molding! I’ve been dying to do this for years! Now if I could just get my husband on board!

[@MizJilly]

You may have to "initiate" . . . like having him come home to a pile of moldings that you're toiling over. Some men like jumping in to help more than they like the idea of making changes. Just saying. LOL

[@nnanette]

@@MizJilly great idea, jolly, Ty!

[@cvonsutphen]

*Ceiling Medallions* . I thrifted chandeliers for my dining room and kitchen. Adding the ceiling medallions definitely made a difference, my only regret is not going larger for more of "WOW" statement.

[@AppleCordero]

OMG ❤ I’m looking for something similar things to this video now in marketplace because of your brilliant ideas Kristen. I super love the way you put things together. You make our house look so charming. Seriously! Like all people visits me, says your home smells and looks expensive. Thank you! Kristen❤

[@MizJilly]

Great tips! I painted my old wood floors, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how durable they are. I have touched up a few spots after dragging heavy furniture across, but overall, they're incredible. I used satin finish floor paint.

[@christinefrazier]

The sound sounds good!

[@meyoq]

Kristine .. do you have a published book.. We need one please .. you do not know how much your videos are helping me to get ideas to decor my new house … thank you ❤❤❤

[@dancingaura8140]

You are truly amazing and so talented! Thank you for every video!

[@franceswhiston2572]

Great video. Love cafe curtains and book nooks

[@elisacosta4966]

Love your work and ideas❤So beautiful and charming!

[@ChrissyChrissyChrissy333]

Yes!!! It's all in the details :)

[@user-op8qo6eq9v]

Hello, I love love your designs! You explain everything in such detail .

[@kimpresson4140]

I agree with everything ❤

[@dianejohnson7235]

I love cafe curtains so much!!!! I used to have them in my previous home!!!! A great video with a lot of great projects!!!!

[@patygrau4029]

Thanks Kristen for all your ideas, I implemented a lot in my current home.

[@gillianmitchell4677]

Kristen, I’m new to your channel and I can honestly say your videos have changed the game for me!!! I’m currently living abroad and getting so so so excited to go home to Scotland next year and use all of your tips & tricks to create a space I love! Your videos are incredibly well made and presented in a digestible & accessible way for design noobs like me! Congratulations on a fantastic channel and all of your stunning designs 👏🏼❤

[@KristenMcGowan]

Aw thank you so much I’m so glad you find it helpful!! My dad is from Glasgow🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I love Scotland so much! Hope you enjoy the rest of your abroad living!

[@Clauds71]

Wow, fantastic ideas 😀🤍

[@theresascheepers2407]

Thanku for the great tips I love the idea for the garage door 🇿🇦

[@philadube3129]

You're so good ❤❤❤ everything about you're style and tips

[@gingermonette7455]

You always have fresh ideas that really are good. Thanks!

[@beep-beepwatermelon4203]

I love your videos, you have the best taste and advice.

[@susanhamilton626]

Your best tips ever! Thank you.

[@mikaylakarl6871]

This was one of my favorite videos you have done. Great unique ideas with easy solutions! Love it

[@lynnsalberg5647]

Wow!!! Amazing ideas! Thank you !

[@kathleenroby3057]

So informative...thanks for the timeless recommendations!!

[@millie_willcox__]

This video was BRILLIANT!!! Exactly what I needed!!!! More of these please 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@sheilabailey8702]

Awesome information! Thank you

[@maxinemuhammad5979]

Fantastic vid great ideas very informative and interesting loved it ❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍

[@pollyporter-campbell7493]

Great ideas! Thanks.

[@diywithfariha]

Great ideas ! Thank you ❤

[@mabelsto.domingo1824]

Great ideas! Thanks

[@paintersinasnap6427]

Great advice! I'm going to try them. ❤️

[@barbkandel777]

Kristen, these are legit, great ideas you have here! Fantastic video! ❤

[@leejacobs3620]

Awesome tips. Tank you so much for sharing.

[@mrinalinim8795]

I love this video so much!!

[@lloydpreston3602]

Some great ideas there Kristen - thank you

[@mariawilliams1314]

Thanks for sharing so many great ideas! 😊❤😊

[@drsedehi2]

Great tips, thank you! ☺

[@jenna7691]

Love this video…you’re amazing! ❤

[@kimberlywalker8985]

Good morning, enjoy the Sunday weather. Love the café curtain style. Also, wall molding specifically, the picture frame molding,has been a favorite of mine ❤ Love the video of you doing your living room area, and the color was just chefs kiss.💋

[@gwendavis9655]

Hi Kristen, BEAUTIFUL DESIGN!!! I agree Susan Hamilton said comment. Absolutely of course, GREAT tips, helpful, good ideas something different. You knew always waiting for your new video. SMILE!!! ❤😀🌷🌺👍🏻🌹🍷🤟🏻

[@MyFocusVaries]

We replaced our plain flat mirror with a huge framed mirror from Winners (such a bargain for a really beautiful mirror) and it really made the bathroom look so great.

[@FurnitureFan]

I'm on a really tight budget and framed mirrors look so much better. I'm seriously considering a secondhand frame for the existing mirror 😏

[@nonawolf7495]

Love it!! Thanks for the great ideas Kristen - you are fabulous!!

[@biggregg5]

I'm glad I found your channel. I need to overhaul my home, but I don't want to do something too trendy that might not be trendy when I sell, and I want to DIY on a budget so when I do sell, which should be within a few years, it won't be something that the next owners won't appreciate and possibly just redo. I think the ideas within will solve lots of my questions.

[@danitarodriguez5803]

Completely in love with your channel! You have the best ideas and recommendations. We’re slowly making upgrades to our builder grade home inspired by all of your styling tips! Thank you!❤

[@margui6224]

Thank you for your advice. I would love to renovate my bathroom. Also Iove the drapes that you recommend.

[@fairyfort]

This is the video I have been searching for, for soooo long!!! Thanks for the tips. I will definitely implement some in my home.❤

[@msan4278]

I love the mirror change in the bathroom! I am going to do this in our bathrooms. Great video, Kristen!! Thank you and have a great week!

[@7mrst]

Great video, great tips as always! xo

[@kaizen_5091]

Great content❣

[@ninatang7015]

This video is so helpful! I love your suggestions and they are definitely doable and affordable.

[@laraangel6862]

mi piace moltissimo l'idea dell'angolo lettura 😍 lo realizzeró quando ristrutturerò la camera degli ospiti, visto che rimane parecchio tempo libera e posso così sfruttarla al meglio

[@sandieedward993]

Great tips

[@marilynweist2645]

Love you and all of your ideas! Thank you so much!

[@betsyfernandez1104]

Great tips! ❤❤

[@kattax87]

Great ideas Kristen! Ty

[@carolynoquinn4573]

Great, helpful ideas!

[@beautifulonabudget9427]

Love the idea of the snap on window trim - we are in the process of a new construction & black windows were cost prohibitive. I had seen it in white before, but never in black. This gives an option to get that look. Thanks for sharing.