![\"DesignTips_NewBuild1\"](\"https:\/\/www.livabl.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/DesignTips_NewBuild1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPhoto courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n For many people, a move to the suburbs is inevitable. Rising costs, postage stamp-size properties, and the hustle and bustle of downtown living grinds them down, prompting them to consider a move outside the city \u2014 especially when starting a family. A popular option for homebuyers making the move to the \u2018burbs is a pre-construction home in a new subdivision.<\/p>\n Photo: James Bombales<\/em><\/p>\n While there are many benefits to buying pre-construction (energy efficiency, new home warranties, etc.), they are often thought of as boring, builder-basic boxes. But this doesn\u2019t have to be the case, says Rebecca Hay, President and Principal Designer of Rebecca Hay Designs<\/a>. The Toronto-based interior designer insists that it is possible to add charm and character to your builder basic home \u2014 so long as you know where to invest and what to upgrade. Here she shares seven tips on transforming a cookie-cutter new build into a sophisticated, designer-approved showpiece.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n When purchasing new construction, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities to upgrade certain elements in your home \u2014 beyond flooring, tile and cabinetry \u2014 that deliver maximum visual impact.<\/p>\n \u201cChoosing architectural finishes that are a little bit of an upgrade will elevate the look of your home ten-fold,\u201d says Hay. \u201cI\u2019d say splurge on the areas that are harder to change out in the long run that add a lot of character and interest to a space like wainscotting, crown mouldings, high baseboards, or coffered ceilings.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n Viewing a builder\u2019s standard spec sheet doesn\u2019t have to be a depressing experience. Even standard finishes can be elevated by getting creative with color and pattern, or by pairing them with high-end accents. \u201cSubway tile, for example, is a timeless and inexpensive option that can be used in kitchens and bathrooms,\u201d says Hay. \u201cAnd it doesn\u2019t always have to be white. You can use subway tile in various colors to add loads of interest and still be super classic.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n Upgrading features and finishes can be costly, so it\u2019s important to be selective when deciding where to spend your upgrade dollars. Kitchens, in particular, deliver the best return on investment and act as a natural gathering spot in the home. It\u2019s also one of the rooms where upgrade options are plentiful \u2014 and a great place to start is with the countertops.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople have been gravitating to quartz and really plain and simple materials, which are very nice, but I think it\u2019s a missed opportunity,\u201d says Hay. \u201cThere are some really beautiful granites and marbles out there that you can use in your counters to add some real texture and interest. A leathered-finish granite, for example, feels amazing to the touch and adds a little bit of depth and interest to elevate the look of the kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n Wallpaper is an easy and inexpensive way to transform any room, but many homeowners shy away from it due to commitment issues. \u201cAlways wallpaper your powder room!\u201d insists Hay. \u201cYou can add personality and pop in small doses. And you don\u2019t get sick of it because you don\u2019t live in your powder room.\u201d<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have the budget to wallpaper your entire space, consider using simple decals to amp up the visual interest. \u201cWe bought a roll of silver, shiny circle dots for $10 from a big-box store and they look just like wallpaper without the fuss.\u201d<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hay. Photographer: Mike Chajecki Photography.<\/em><\/p>\n Updating the builder-beige paint color on your walls is a great place to start if you want to inject some personality into your new build home. But have you ever considered making a statement on the \u2018fifth wall\u2019? \u201cAdding color to your ceiling is a totally unexpected way to add interest and life to your home,\u201d says Hay. \u201cIt truly adds a little something extra.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n1. Invest in architectural upgrades<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2. Make the most of standard builder samples<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Splurge strategically on high-quality finishes<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Bring your walls to life using wallpaper<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Make a statement on the ceiling<\/h2>\n