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Inexpensive and Impactful Home Improvements to Enhance Your Home’s Design

We’ve gathered more than a month’s worth of affordable upgrades you can do yourself or use the services of a designer to ensure the right look and a contractor to properly install. Making these small changes around your home can increase your enjoyment and impress guests and family members with your exacting attention to every detail.


    decorative wood details

  1. Decorative Wood Appliqués

    2. Add elegance to plain cabinets, stairs, and furniture. Choose from various designs to find onlays, appliques, rosettes and tiles that suit your style and easily attach with adhesive.

  2. Drawer Pulls and Knobs Upgrade

    3. Switch out old hardware on nightstands, drawers, cabinets, and appliances with stylish options that make a big difference.

  3. Vintage Switch Plates and Outlet Covers

    4. Swap plastic switch plates for brass or wooden ones. A minute detail that adds a touch of sophistication.


    BUY SWITCH PLATES & OUTLET COVERS

  4. Wooden Corbels

    5. Coordinate design details to match your style using wooden corbels to enhance shelves, entryways, countertops, and stove vent hoods, adding character without overpowering. Corbels are especially popular for craftsman style homes.


    garage door ideas

  5. Get the Look of Carriage Doors on Your Garage

    6. Adding hinges, handles, and straps to your existing garage door gives the illusion of high-end carriage doors.

  6. Shiplap Wall

    7. Feature walls are trendy and add interest in any room. Shiplap panels are easy to install and add a cozy, vintage feel.


    glass cabinet facings

  7. Decorative Cabinet Inserts

    8. Change out your cabinet panels with glass, wire grilles, and period glass.

  8. Wallpaper

    9. Easier than ever to install, many wallpapers come with peel and stick adhesive.

  9. Change Out Doorknobs

    10. Rustic metal and glass knobs lend a vintage flair to your doors.

  10. Cabinet Hardware and Drawer Hardware

    11. Swap knobs with pulls, add an eclectic look by using mixed materials, and don’t forget you can change the look of furniture with knobs and pulls, too.


    BUY KNOBS & PULLS

  11. Dress Up Your Bedroom

    12. Add mirrored panels and overlay simple wood trim pieces on bedroom and closet doors for an exciting new look.


    floating shelves

  12. Floating, Open Shelving

    13. Show off your favorite antique dishes, vintage photos, and travel tchotchkes

  13. Sliding Barn Door

    14. Save space with a door that slides. Barn doors lend a farmhouse touch.


    BUY ROLLING DOOR HARDWARE

  14. Customize Islands and Cabinets

    15. Add pillars, posts, and feet to kitchen islands, mantels, and any fixture with an overhang.

  15. Add Wood Details

    16. Affix trim around windows and as chair rail and wainscotting. Create your own design using trim, molding, and appliques.


    front porch ideas

  16. Dress Up Your Porch

    17. Add stylish address plaques, gable vents, shutters, decorative plant hangers, and new exterior light fixtures. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

  17. Lighting Upgrades

    18. Change out lighting in your closet, laundry room, and mudroom.

  18. Crown Molding on Cabinets

    19. So easy and impactful, you’ll wonder why it took so long.

  19. Organize the Pantry

    20. Add boxes, bins, hooks, and adjustable door mounted shelving.


    SHOP FOR STORAGE SYSTEMS

  20. Dress Up Lighting

    21. Add simple or ornate medallions to your ceiling lights to complement your design style.


    feature wall ideas

  21. Feature Walls

    22. Fretwork and 3D wall panels in dozens of styles you can keep white or paint, add tambours, veneer, grilles, boat wood, and faux stone to add interest and sophistication.

  22. Create Your Own Feature Wall Design

    23. Add trim and molding to walls to create a custom design.

  23. Cane Headboard

    24. Use pre-woven cane to make a headboard you can affix to the wall using a wooden frame.

  24. Enhance the Bathroom

    25. Replace bathroom accessories with designer touches including towel bars, shelves, tissue holders, shelves, soap dishes, robe/towel hooks, and even flush handles.

  25. Front Door Refresh

    26. Upgrade the front door with an antique doorbell, mail slot, kick plate, door set, or speakeasy grille.

  26. Period-Appropriate Grilles and Registers

    27. Select the best grille design and register covers to complement your home's aesthetic.

  27. Stair Brackets and Trim

    28. Enhance your staircase’s appeal without a full renovation using these small details that make a huge design impact.

  28. Decorative Hinges

    29. Upgrade visible hinges with decorative options that complement your home's architecture.


    feature wall ideas

  29. Window Hardware Upgrade

    30. Add functional and historic looking latches, stays, catches, cremone bolts, and transom details for functional and stylish windows.

  30. Newel Posts and Finials

    31. Enhance your staircase, fireplace, and curtain rods by upgrading newel posts and finials.

  31. Door Hardware Additions and Replacements

    32. Replace door hardware like handles and locks. Add decorative hinges, knobs, and bolts.


    SHOP FOR DOOR HARDWARE

  32. Upgrade Mantels and Shelves

    33. Add decorative legs, trim, and appliques.

  33. Add a Touch of Elbow Grease

    34. Clean and restore vintage pieces with gentle, effective cleaning products to make details shine.

  34. Vintage Hooks

    35. Simple to install, and useful for coats, clothing, and planters.

Every project, big and small, can add significant charm and character to your home. With Vandyke’s range of restoration materials and renovation supplies, upgrading your space has never been easier or more stylish.