Moderizing and Maximizing Spaces on a Budget

Published in Los Altos Town Crier October 26, 2021

After purchasing a home, there often isn’t much available cash left to pay for improvements. This is especially true in our competitive housing market, where securing a property usually means either paying over asking price, making a larger down payment or even paying with all cash.

When funds are limited and the to-do list is large, prioritizing is the best strategy. Start with the items that need the most improvement. This should give the most satisfaction as the changes start to materialize, providing the feeling that you are moving in the right direction and starting to accomplish your goals.

An example of how to do this is to create a list by walking around your home, inside and out, and noting the things you dislike. If there are many items that can’t be resolved initially, there could be three columns: “dislike,” “dislike a lot” and “extremely tough to live with.” It is obvious where we go from here.

Let’s assume the entire list consists of porch and garage sconce lights, living room window coverings, powder room wall covering, master bedroom closet organizers, fireplace remodel, dining room chandelier, backyard landscaping and kitchen remodel. The short list should be the easiest changes that are also “extremely tough to live with.”

One item that can be very impactful and not costly is light fixture swap-outs. Step back and observe the size and scale of the existing light fixture. Is it too large or too small for the space it occupies? (The tendency is too small.) Does the style convey the feeling you’d like when walking into your dining space? Should the metal finish be changed to align with any new finishes you are planning to install? If the new light fixture does not look great with the wall color, sometimes a larger piece of art helps to frame it better – saving the effort of painting the room, with the benefit of bringing art into the composition.

Courtesy of Sherry Scott Design

For new homes or remodels that may lack a light fixture, it is worth it to add a junction box over an island to drop a ceiling pendant in a shape that helps define the island while at the same time acting to celebrate it. A simple linear bent wood design helps a modern kitchen feel more special, while keeping aligned with the clean lines of the design. The right fixture can be the difference maker.

Courtesy of Sherry Scott Design

Readers are encouraged to submit design questions, which may be printed in a future column. To submit questions, email design@sherryscottdesign.com.

Sherry Scott is a Certified Interior Designer in California, professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the proprietor of Sherry Scott Design in downtown Los Altos, 169 Main St.