a basic builder home makeover - on a budget. by patricia lockwood

L ockwood I nteriors . net

Patricia Lockwood

A Basic

Builder Home

MAKEOVERon a Budget

Patricia LockwoodAward-Winning Designer

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Previous Owner’s Basic - Builder Combination Formal Living & Dining Room

The New Plan

before

after

THE GREAT ROOMwas enhanced with crown molding,

a stack stone wall, bookshelves and a fireplace to balance the room

and make the large television feel right at home.


GREAT ROOM your home is too valuable not to use every square inch

1. Avoid having “museum rooms” in your house that no one uses. Address function first – don’t follow the builders intention if it doesn’t suit your lifestyle.

2. Add layers of texture and features to enhance the room while adding value to your investment.

3. Be sure to include three levels of lighting: ambient, task and accent.

4. Anchor the room with furnishings and a rug in the right scale.

5. Be confident to mix colors & styles; while avoiding the matchy-matchy look.

HOW-TOModify & Personalize

a Basic - Builder Home

Designer Home Makeover TipsBy Patricia Lockwood

Previous Owner’s Basic – Builder Kitchen

The Inspiration

before

after

THE KITCHENonce considered builder – blah

was upgraded with new appliances

including a new stove top and range hood.A reclaimed wood beverage center and backsplash tile

add the WOW factor by providing depth and texture.


KITCHENa bang-for-the-buck modification vs. a full remodel

1. Replace the 6” builder backsplash with an accent tile from counter to cabinets.

2. New appliances and a cabinet depth refrigerator are always smart investments.

3. Relocate the microwave from over the stove top – it’s worth it!

4. Create a bar/beverage center with reclaimed wood for the top and backsplash to extend the kitchen workspace – saving a fortune (no need for new granite or cabinets)

5. Always upgrade the quality and comfort of your barstools - it’s where everyone wants to be.




Previous Owner’s Family Room

The New Plan

The Inspiration

before

after

THE MORNING ROOM was created in the space originally designated as a small family room

with the addition of 3 key design elements:reclaimed wood, tile fireplace surround and new head chairs.


MORNING ROOM the best extension of the kitchen

1. A large dining room adjacent to the kitchen makes sense – it’s the hub of the home and where everyone comes and stays.

2. A multifunctional morning room is a perfect spot for dining, gathering and quiet mornings

to enjoy reading a newspaper with coffee.

3. Use a wall treatment (wood, wallpaper or paint) to create depth and interest.

4. Anchor the room with furnishings, a chandelier and a rug in the right scale.

3. Using existing dining furniture? Then add unexpected head chairs to break up the “set.”




Previous Owner’s Master Bedroom

The Inspiration

The Plan

before

after

SUITE SUCCESSThe “fifth” wall was not forgotten

with the application of the wallpaper on this master bedroom ceiling.

The dramatic results are a welcoming feeling of

understated elegance and comfort.


MASTER BEDROOM SUITEshould always make you feel special

1. Don’t be afraid to go dark with the paint – it creates a wonderful “cocoon” feeling.

2. Wallpaper the ceiling for dramatic results.

3. If it’s not useful or beautiful – it doesn’t belong in this room. No clutter. Period.

3. Layer the bed with luxurious bedding and a soft to-the-touch area rug.

5. Do not skimp with your design dollars while creating your personal retreat from the world.




Patricia Lockwood is an award-winning

designer who runs her successful design

business in La Quinta, California.

Self-described as an

Interior Designer with a twist;

she passes along her trade discounts

and special pricing to her clients,

making her services a true value.

As a certified Design Psychology Coach,

Patricia helps people create spaces where

they feel connected to their surroundings.

Lockwood Interiors, with over 40 years

of combined design experience,

offers a concierge level of service

for all of your design and remodeling needs.