3 Interior Design Upgrades to Turn a Builder-Grade House into a Storybook Home
How thoughtful details—like custom cabinetry, curved lines, and layered lighting—can completely transform a basic new build.
Builder-grade homes often get a bad rap for feeling bland, boxy, or impersonal—but they don’t have to stay that way. With a few strategic upgrades, you can turn a standard new build into a space full of charm, warmth, and character. This Jersey City renovation proves that even the most basic starting point can become a storybook home.
Here are 3 design moves that made all the difference:
1. Rethink the Lighting (and Add Layers of It)
Builder-grade homes often rely on rows of recessed ceiling lights—great for brightness, but lacking in atmosphere. In this home, we edited down the can lights (leaving just four in the kitchen) and replaced the rest with cylinder lights over the island, a chandelier over the dining table, and sconces flanking the sink. Additionally we changed out the hallway recessed lights to semi flushmount lighting that added warmth and interest. The bedrooms had pendants, flush mount lights, and table lamps to add personality and warmth.
Pro tip: Use dimmers on every switch. Lighting should shift throughout the day and season, and layered lighting on dimmers—table lamps, toe-kick lighting, under-cabinet strips—lets you control the mood.
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2. Upgrade the Paint and Finish
Most builders default to flat white paint—great for hiding imperfections, but not much else. In this renovation, we repainted everything—from walls to ceilings to baseboards—in a satin finish, which subtly reflects light and adds depth. The result? Rooms that feel brighter, cleaner, and more cohesive—with surfaces that are easier to wipe down, too.
In the hallway, we took it a step further with two-tone walls, adding subtle contrast and visual interest while elongating the space. In the bedroom, we introduced a textural limewash accent wall in a soft green, painting the remaining walls, trim, and ceiling in the same tone but in satin. It’s a simple move that creates a sense of warmth and character, while giving the eye a clear focal point.
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5. Make It Personal—Down to the Smallest Detail
The fastest way to move beyond “builder basic”? Infuse your home with design elements that feel curated and personal:
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Swap out standard medicine cabinets for framed mirrors and wall sconces
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Wallpaper the powder room or even your closet—we love a textural linen.
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Add drawers and built-ins to closets for a polished, practical touch
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Change the faucets—the builder-grade chrome has got to go.
Each of these micro-moves tells a story: that someone lives here, and cares.
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Final Thoughts
Transforming a cookie-cutter home doesn’t require a total overhaul. By editing what’s already there—and layering in custom touches, better lighting, and meaningful details—you can create a home that feels warm, lived-in, and beautifully yours.
This Jersey City renovation shows that design is in the decisions. Even small ones.