A&G Residential’s June Blog talked about tapping into your DIY side when creating curb appeal for your newly built home. As cooler temperatures arrive, why not keep that creative, DIY momentum going and plan some indoor projects? While a newly constructed property built by A&G Residentials is wonderful, for some it can feel a bit bland until each space is personalized to fit specific style preferences. Doing the work yourself is not only a great way to stay on budget but also a fulfilling way to achieve fabulous, custom results. 

Where to begin? Focus on these categories first:

Lighting: Lighting is the quickest way to change the look of a room, no matter its size.

• String lights are a great option outdoors but can also create amazing looks inside! Fill your fireplace with fairy lights in the off-season to create a fun, twinkling look. Line the ceiling in bedrooms with color-changing strip lights for a versatile vibe that can be updated with a remote. 
• Undercabinet lighting is easy to install, inexpensive, and creates a soft mood in kitchens and bathrooms. Puck lights can be applied with adhesive making them easy to remove if your needs change. Consider motion-activated lights tucked beneath stair railings or floor-level cabinets. 
• Light switch plate DIYs are a fun way to take a typically plain, forgotten spot and make it one-of-a-kind. Pick up a few 3.5 x 5-inch frames and attach them to the wall surrounding a single switch plate with adhesive putty. For a double switch plate use a 5.5 x 5-inch frame, and for a triple go with a 6.5 x 5-inch frame.

Accent Walls: By choosing a single wall to serve as each room’s accent, homeowners give themselves an easier method to update the space as trends change. 

• Shiplap Walls are still incredibly popular! Adding a single shiplap accent wall can be done on a dime by trimming down plywood into planks and attaching them to the wall with construction adhesive and nails. The jury is still out on whether it is easier to paint those planks before or after installation so choose the method that makes the most sense to you!
• Peel & Stick wallpaper is gaining traction as it allows homeowners to take bold risks without commitment. Choose a vibrant pattern to create a focal wall or even apply a pop of color to an unexpected space: the ceiling! A less intimidating peel & stick option is Washi Tape. While washi tape was designed for use in the stationary world, it is now used in many home DIY projects for creating geometric designs on accent walls. 
• If you are a fan of books or have a habit of picking up interesting art pieces, floor-to-ceiling shelving may be the perfect option for your favorite room. There are many affordable options, whether you prefer an industrial look or traditional wood shelving. Once complete, your collections will have a beautiful home on a gorgeous accent wall. To highlight specific pieces, install puck lights on the shelf just above them. 

 Kitchen Creativity: A beautiful new kitchen with clean and bright sightlines is exactly what every new homeowner wants! When it’s time to personalize it, there are many small ways to do so.

• Give standard kitchen cabinets a built-in furniture feel by adding feet! Measure from the floor to the bottom of the cabinet and purchase “bun” feet at the craft store to slide right into place. Paint those feet the same color as your cabinets for a clean look or choose a complementary color for pop!
• Swapping out cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to create a whole new vibe in any room and there are no rules dictating how often this can be done. Some homeowners opt for darker pulls in chillier months before switching out for light-colored glass pulls for the summer. Today’s trends say that mixed metals are on point, so no worries if your cabinet pulls and faucets come from different families!
• Baskets can turn a plain pantry into a thing of beauty! An organized pantry is not only gorgeous but also allows an easy glimpse into its inventory. Combine like staples into sturdy cloth or woven bins and purchase clip-on labels to keep the space in perfect order. 
• Wrapping cabinet sides in beadboard adds instant charm and only takes a few minutes to install. Most hardware stores will cut beadboard onsite making it easy to transport home and adhere with construction adhesive or brad nails. 

 Bring New Life to Existing Furniture: Moving into a brand-new home often exposes the need for some TLC on existing furniture.

• Take an old couch or favorite chair from drab to delightful with a new slipcover. Slipcovers are available in a variety of price points and patterns. Complement your choice with fluffy pillows or two blankets!
• Marble is marvelous! Luxury is just a few steps away with a marble look created from leftover paint, epoxy, and a few supplies used to create “veining.” This is a great way to perk up a well-used dining room table or the top of a well-loved dresser. If this DIY project is above your comfort level, there are also peel-and-stick faux marble tiles available for purchase. 
• Choose creative pieces to serve as headboards! An old door, lattice, or even antiqued picture frames are a few simple ways to create a gorgeous headboard that can be easily attached to a bedroom wall.
• If furniture shopping is a must while on a budget, head to your local second-hand shops to find the perfect pieces to complement your new home. While on the hunt, think creatively! Perhaps a piece is not quite right but perfection is just a few DIY steps away. 

With over a dozen floorplans to choose from, the team at A&G Residential knows that each client will find the perfect option for a newly built home. Our team also knows that new homeowners are ready to take those floorplans to the next level by personalizing each space to meet specific style preferences. Start your homebuying journey with A&G Residential! Together, we’ll find the perfect plan for a new build that will soon be transformed into the home of your dreams!