When interior designer Traci Connell’s clients moved to Plano, Texas, from California, they brought their modern inclinations with them. “They wanted a soft contemporary look, with clean lines, a serene color palette and a mix of texture,” says Traci. The resale house they purchased first needed to shed its past life: 15 years wearing dark colors, gingham draperies, heavy built-in entertainment centers and traditional wallpaper.
The Dallas designer and her team got to work transforming each room, adding new custom cabinetry with a fresh design, replacing light fixtures and choosing furniture with a common denominator of white/gray/blue. And while this was a dramatic before-and-after evolution, Traci shares everyday tips and updates for homeowners to liven up any house.
First, let’s look at the impressive transformation of this Plano home.
Easy Updates Any Homeowner Can Do
When you’re ready to tackle some simple makeovers in your own home, here are Traci’s top tips for maximum impact.
Refresh a room with a coat of white paint.
Many people stress over colors, but our tip of the times is to go white, Traci says. Her favorite colors by Sherwin Williams are Alabaster SW on the walls and Snowbound SW on the trim. White paint allows for a clean appearance and neutral canvas.
Install a low-cost staircase runner.
Adding a bit of texture to an otherwise “plain” wood staircase is one of Traci’s favorite things to do. “We love to use sisal, jute or natural materials to run up a staircase, since they’re very durable but also neutral and versatile,” she says.
Use a patterned tile in a small area.
Small areas such as powder baths or laundry rooms are ideal places to experiment with a bold tile. Using a pattern makes small areas feel bigger and give them purpose and visual pops.
Add new lighting — and larger is always best.
An easy change is to switch out a light fixture, and always choose something large enough for the space to fill the room, says the designer.
Add or update drawer pulls on cabinetry.
“Our favorite types of drawer pulls are simplistic and long,” says Traci. “No dinky pulls for us!” A sleek, straight bar in a bold, black matte finish is the perfect fit for modern kitchens.
Thanks to beautiful photography from Michael Hunter Photography.
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