The Small Design Details That Made My Builder-Grade Condo Feel Custom

The small swaps that made my 1996 condo feel far less builder-grade

Does anyone else always feel like their home is just 20 grand away from being perfect? Like if I could just accidentally stumble upon a briefcase full of cash hiding under a tree, and sink it all into my house, life would be easier. Better.

I bought my built-in-1996 condo about four years ago, after selling my first home (a 1929 Mediterranean) during the pandemic. The market was great, rates were very low, and the house went under contract so quickly (three hours) I had to scramble to find something new.

So I scrambled toward a condo, thinking it would be a nice change of pace for me (I travel a lot, so it’s nice to not have to worry about a yard if I have to leave it for stretches of time). Plus, I thought owning a condo in Florida might be a good investment down the line.

But built-in-1996 Florida condos look … exactly like they were built in 1996. In a surprise to absolutely no one, my condo lacked the personality of my 1929 Mediterranean and, in fact, had no real personality of its own at all: the walls were yellow, the appliances were old and bulky, and the hardware was probably purchased at a Home Depot in 1996.

Little by little, I have upgraded it. Some of those changes have been more significant (like a full gut renovation of the kitchen) and some have been cosmetic but still made a big impact.

What I’ve learned along the way is this: Making a home feel more expensive doesn’t necessarily require a full-blown renovation, and paying attention to the tiniest little details can make a world of difference.

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The secret to the custom look is hardware.

from top, moving left: towel bar; bathroom cabinet pulls; toilet paper holder; glass cabinet knobs; robe hook; marble door knob; brass refrigerator pull; light switch; custom wood handles I had made for my kitchen (no link, because I conceived of these!)

One of the easiest ways to fake a custom look in your home is by swapping out the door knobs and handles, light switches and outlet covers, and cabinet hardware.

I used these gorgeous marble knobs on all the bedrooms and bathrooms throughout my home. They are expensive, but far less than a full custom renovation might be. And there are other color options, too.

For door knobs (like the one I have on my laundry room), I used this (I prefer a round rosette but, again, so many options).

There are a ton of incredible door knob and lever options on the market and they can truly transform a space.

This verdigris option, for instance, is out of control stunning….

from top: verdigris knob, brass lever, brass knob

Cabinet hardware is another way to fake a custom look — even on builder-grade cabinets or on furniture!

These little glass knobs have completely transformed my nightstands, which came from Wayfair and are amazing because they have a secret drawer that I can put all my lotions and potions in (big hand cream-at-night girlie — plus I like to hide away my silk eye mask).

Some inexpensive cabinet hardware options that will knock your socks off…

from top left: satin brass knob, $7 // wood wing knob, $30 // mid-century style knob, $17 // travertine cone knob, $25

Light switches and outlet covers are another often-overlooked detail that make a big impact. I love everything Buster + Punch makes and use these light switches and outlet covers throughout my home.

outlet cover // light dimmer

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Vintage is also a great way to upgrade anything builder-grade.

A room starts feeling custom when everything doesn’t come from the same place.

Another very easy (and often inexpensive way) to make a builder-grade space feel more like you is to swap out the brand new, still-shiny-from-the-big-box-store stuff for old stuff.

My dining room pendant was immediately removed when I moved in. Currently, I have up a beautiful Van Teal chandelier I got at a Habitat Re:Store.

And look at this stunning Currey & Co. light fixture I got at a thrift store recently!

Mirrors are another biggie. Mirrors reflect light and make a space feel bigger, so in a tiny condo, it’s a necessity. But I hate hardware store mirrors and there are so many great ones at flea markets and thrift stores.

Here are some of the mirrors I’ve found over the years (the white one is now hanging in one of my bathrooms — I’ll share the before and after soon, I promise!)

An expensive, top-to-bottom renovation is still a dream but the homes I’m most drawn to rarely feel interesting because they’re expensive. They feel interesting because of the specific choices made therein: Old mixed with new, interesting little details, art collected over time. In other words: evidence that an actual person lives there!

PS. I keep a running list of all the little odds and ends in my home here if you want to bookmark any of the above for later!

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FROM THE ARCHIVES