Sometimes a home can look a little uninspired or downright bland – especially a new one made from “builder grade” materials. If you’re tired of being bored with your own home, read on discover creative ways to add visual pop and appeal.

Embrace the architectural style of your home. Whether it’s a ranch, craftsman, or Tudor, you can play up the architectural features of any style house. Do a little research on your home’s style and look for ways to play up the features that make it special.

Add custom millwork. Add warmth or elegance to any room with crown molding, wainscoting, and built-in elements like bookcases. Make an ordinary fireplace the focal point of your living room with a new mantle and surround. A little trim can make ordinary kitchen cabinets look custom built. And wainscoting can make an otherwise ordinary staircase or hall look grand.

Add color and contrast. One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to instantly change the look and feel of a room is with paint. Love peacock blue but afraid it’ll be too overwhelming on your living room walls? Use it in your bathroom or home office instead. If your all-white kitchen is looking a little sterile, paint the bottom half of the cabinets or just the island. And don’t be afraid to use wallpaper where it makes sense.

Decorate with history. Pick up a few vintage (or vintage-inspired) pieces at flea markets and garage sales. The point is to have some interesting pieces that spark conversation or tell a story.

Mix, don’t match. A perfectly matched room can look more like a hotel than a home. Don’t feel the need to furnish every room at once. Instead, pick a common theme or style and collect pieces that speak to you over time.

Add variety with hardware and lighting. It’s not uncommon to see the same hardware and lighting style carried throughout a home. Maintain a unified look in one room, but don’t be afraid to switch things up in the next. The goal is to have a home with complementary – not identical – accents and features.

Here at Excel Electric, we can offer a great deal of input when it comes to indoor and outdoor lighting. More than that, we can install whatever you have in mind, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.  For home lighting that says “wow”, contact us today.