Looking For A Home “Update” Project? This Home Has 5 Ideas That Will Inspire You HARD

I think that small reno or “update” projects are on a lot of our minds since the weather is nice (read: already extremely hot) and these types of projects help to keep boredom at a minimum thus sanity at a maximum. Thoughts like, “How can I make my home feel more special?” or “What are some easy ways to add character?” have likely been floating around your brain. And to be honest there is A LOT you can do if you are willing to pick up some tools and get to work.

Last week we showed you Alison Pierce’s stunning home where she mostly worked with what she had when it came to updating. And while there are SO MANY tips to take from that post, she also had the blessing of a home filled with endless architectural vintage charm. But what if you live in a new build (like this one originally was in 2019) or your older home just doesn’t have those special details? You create them yourself. I know sounds intimidating but it’s SO worth it in the end.

With that said let me introduce to the very talented Shanty Wijaya of Allprace, the developer and designer of this incredible home you are about to dive into with me. She purchased it with the intent to give it some real soul, more usable square footage, and then sell it to a lucky buyer (With the help of our favorite staging company A 1000x Better. Remember this Craftsman they also staged?). So when I was looking at the photos of this home I thought to myself that there are A TON of great ideas for people who want to upgrade their homes beyond some new furniture and maybe tackle a reno project. So let’s start this house tour and get you inspired to use some power tools (or just a paint brush:)

MIX UP THE PANELING ORIENTATION

One of the first things that caught my eye was the accent paneling and that Shanty chose to install all over the house. We are huge fans because it just adds instant architectural character. But what she chose to do (that I LOVE) was to keep it visually quiet with the light warm gray paint color. It feels like a secret. Like you don’t know why it feels so cozy despite the mostly light-toned neutral palette.

Now the main sneaky yet genius detail (and the real point of this “idea”) was that she mixed the orientation of the paneling in the same line of sight. I mean talk about a perfect way to have the traditional feel of paneling in a modern way. It feels fresh and keeps your eye moving while also helping to “separate” and designate each room in this open plan.

Here is what Shanty said about the paneling plan:

“Yes, did that in purpose to add depth and interest to the overall look while still subtle to the eye.

First, I decide to do the horizontal paneling in the den room by the front door. Horizontal direction following the same direction when you enter the home, so it flows in the same direction with your eyes, making the space feels bigger and longer.

This also purposely to draw the eyes to the kitchen wall and living room (fireplace room), the main focal points in this home.

Instead of continuing the horizontal direction, the eyes then stop on vertical paneling on kitchen and living room walls (fireplace room), it further accentuates and emphasize both room as the main focal points. It also makes the room feel taller and bigger and highlight the kitchen skylight.
Vertical shiplap also adds modern vibe to balance the vintage fireplace and British classic kitchen look.“

HIGH COLOR CONTRAST MOMENTS

There really just isn’t an easier way to highlight a design moment like a bold color against a mostly light surrounding. It helps to focus your eye and bring some personality to a room. Plus who isn’t a fan of navy blue cabinets? But what really makes this kitchen stay away from feeling cold is that vintage island. It adds the perfect amount of warmth while still letting the blue cabinets shine.

Now dark cabinets, while classic and beautiful, aren’t necessarily a new idea. However, Shanty used the same blue to highlight that killer built-in bookshelf. So not only does that color make the room cozy and interesting but to make sure that wall didn’t look like a blue hole she chose natural wood shelves to contrast perfectly. I love this look so much and it would be so easy to DIY with an old bookshelf if you wanted to.

• 

• 

Also, that reading nook looks like actual heaven.

ACCENT WALLPAPER

The accent wall was HUGE in the early ’00s. You would have been hard-pressed to find a home without one (mine included). But then the designed world decided the accent wall was out and we were left needing to paint or wallpaper our other three walls. However, for the past year or so the tides have been turning back and Shanty is proving it. But if you want to hear more about it we actually wrote a post about it.

In our opinion, she nailed it in this house. What she did so beautifully was that she chose wallpaper that had a white background so looks seamless with the rest of the wall color. Also, she chose to “double accent wall.” What do I mean? Well, each of these three wall have both paneling and wallpaper so it feels even more intention and not as loud.

I do have to say that this plaid/shiplap combo is my absolute favorite (it’s SO GOOD, right?). I love her choice to put the wallpaper on the bottom because A. It’s different and B. It doubles as a cool headboard. This is giving me some real good ideas for an upcoming project I have in store;)

BOLD TILE FLOORING

Guys, a bold tile pattern is always a good choice. Emily is a big believer in this too. But I mean come on. The tile choices in all of these bathrooms take them from pretty to STUNNING. Now what I also love (and is very smart of Shanty) is that all the other elements are fairly traditional. This way (especially for resale) you aren’t going to need to renovate your entire bathroom if your potential new buyers aren’t as cool as you are and don’t like your tile awesome choice.

I would also like to take a design moment of appreciation for that rainshower/skylight masterpiece. It looks like you are actually showering in a warm summer storm. “I want to go to there.” Smart design really pays off.

• 

• 

Here is another awesome bathroom with great tile. Again traditional wall paneling and fixtures but the tile, glass shower wall, shower niche and vanity mirror bring it perfectly into 2020 without looking too trendy.

Also, skylights forever. They are magical and we will never stop singing their praises. If you have the budget, they aren’t as expensive as we thought they would be. If you have a dark room, consider one. You will thank us later.

Is there anything sweeter than a light pink cement tile? Probably, but it’s a close second. For this one, the sink and the mirror are more on the modern side but the wall tile, wood accents, lighting, and toilet are very much traditional. Plus get out of here with that beautiful ceiling! So good.

ALL DARK MONOCHROME EXTERIOR

Painting the exterior of your home is no easy feat and if you pay someone then it’s $$$$. But if you are in the market for a new coat of fresh paint on the outside of your home, then we want you to consider an almost 100% monochrome look. It’s so clean, modern and yet timeless. They used Wrought Iron from Benjamin Moore.

And if you install french doors then please consider these light toned ones. Look at how they pop against that dark charcoal colored home when they are open. It’s too good.

• 

• 

Shanty also took the high contrast look to the front with that light wood trellis and her unstained dutch door. It all makes for a striking house. Talk about curb appeal.

But let’s look into what’s behind those garage doors…

(BONUS IDEA) ADD SOME NEEDED USEABLE SQUARE FOOTAGE

A guest suite! Yep instead of using this as a garage (because in CA, where this house is, the weather permits year-round uncovered car storage). Adding square footage to any home, as long as its been approved by the city, is a GREAT idea. It’s just a lot of work so it may be a little harder to DIY… but not impossible:)

This one, in particular, is great because it’s a full functioning studio apartment with a cute kitchen, bathroom, and a separate entrance.

Also, I will never tire of that Serge Mouille ceiling light fixture:)

• 

• 

• 

I mean how cute are these details??

But another bedroom isn’t the only way to add usable square footage. A backyard office is the best. I can tell you from my current situation staying with my father, who has a little backyard office, that being able to work and then close the door behind you at the end of the day is life-changing. I am going to really miss it when I go back to LA. Anyway, do it if you can!

• 

• 

Since this is separate from the main house, Shanty stayed within the color palette but installed these plywood walls that look so Scandi and clean. I don’t think any of us would be mad about working in there.

Ok, that is it for this BIG tour, I have kept you long enough. I hope that if you were thinking of starting a bigger home project that this got you very inspired. I know I am.

Also thank you again to Shanty and A 1000x Better for letting us share this home!

Love you, mean it.

Photos by Jessica Alexander