Many people assume transforming a home requires a major renovation. In reality, you don't always need to change the structure of a space to make a meaningful impact.
As an interior designer and stylist, I'm always looking for ways to make a home feel more personal, inviting and reflective of the people who live there. From artwork and lighting to paint and vintage furniture, these are six simple updates I come back to time and time again.
Image Source: Toronto home designed by Montana Labelle, featured in CURATED STYLE: Artfully Edited Homes by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
1. GO BIGGER WITH YOUR ARTWORK
One of the most common mistakes I see is artwork that's simply too small for the wall it's sitting on.
People often assume multiple small pieces will create more impact, but in many cases, a single large-scale artwork can completely transform a room. It immediately draws the eye, creates a focal point and gives the space a stronger sense of identity.
When I say artwork, I don't just mean paintings. A large-scale photograph, wall sculpture or ceramic piece can be equally effective.
If you're hanging artwork above a sofa, dining table or bed, think carefully about scale. Artwork should feel connected to the furniture around it rather than floating independently on the wall. As a general guide, aim for a piece or grouping that spans roughly two-thirds of the width of the furniture beneath it.
Image Source: Dolan Bay residence designed by and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
2. UPDATE THE DETAILS YOU TOUCH EVERY DAY
When renovating our own home, one thing I obsessed over was the details.
I spent months researching joinery handles, determined to find something unique. When I finally found organically shaped brass handles that felt right, my attention immediately shifted to lighting, window profiles and every other finishing detail throughout the house.
The reason these decisions matter is simple. They're the elements you interact with every single day.
Door handles, cabinet pulls and knobs might seem like small details in isolation, but together they can have a significant influence on how a home feels.
If you're looking for a simple update, start here. Look for hardware with interesting shapes, beautiful textures or distinctive finishes. A sculptural brass handle, aged bronze knob or timber detail can elevate even the simplest joinery.
Image Source: Goldwyn House curated by homeowner David Alhadeff, featured in CURATED STYLE: Artfully Edited Homes by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
3. ADD DRAPERY FOR SOFTNESS
Few design elements soften a room quite like drapery. Curtains introduce a sense of softness that harder surfaces often need, particularly within modern or new builds.
One of the easiest ways to make curtains feel more luxurious is to hang them full height. Rather than mounting them directly above a window frame, install them closer to the ceiling and allow the fabric to extend all the way to the floor.
This simple adjustment can make ceilings feel taller and the room feel more generous in scale.
It's also worth paying attention to the details. The style of the curtain rod, the pleat, the fabric texture and even the way the curtains stack when open all contribute to the overall look.
Don't be afraid to introduce subtle texture or pattern either. Curtains don't need to disappear into the background. They can become an important design feature in their own right.
Image Source: Noosa Home designed by CLO Studios and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
4. FRESHEN THINGS UP WITH PAINT
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most effective ways to update your home, but that doesn't necessarily mean repainting an entire room.
Sometimes the most interesting results come from focusing on a smaller detail.
Painting skirting boards, doors, architraves or highlighting an architectural feature can introduce colour and personality without requiring a major commitment. These smaller applications can often feel more intentional than simply painting four walls.
In our own home, I painted the doors to our ensuite a soft sage green. Against the walnut wardrobes, it created a beautiful point of contrast and brought colour into the space.
Image Source: Melbourne home designed by Tigmi Trading, featured in CURATED STYLE: Artfully Edited Homes by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
5. CHOOSE LIGHTING WITH PERSONALITY
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements in a home.
Too often it's treated as something purely functional, when in reality it can completely change the atmosphere of a room.
A unique light fitting can provide illumination, create ambience and act as a feature all at the same time.
When sourcing lighting, I encourage clients to think beyond standard builder-grade fittings. A sculptural pendant above a dining table, an antique wall light in a hallway or a distinctive floor lamp in a living room can instantly bring character to a space.
One of the reasons I love vintage lighting is that it often feels more individual. The proportions, materials and detailing can be very different to what you see in many contemporary homes.
Image Source: Dolan Bay residence designed by and styled by Kerrie-Ann Jones.
6. INCORPORATE A PIECE OF VINTAGE FURNITURE
One thing I firmly believe is that every room benefits from something with patina.
Whether it's a vintage armchair, an antique mirror, a mid-century bedside table or sideboard or a well-loved coffee table, older pieces bring a sense of history that new furniture simply can't replicate.
In many homes, vintage furniture is what prevents a space from feeling overly new. It introduces contrast, character and often a level of craftsmanship that can be difficult to find today.
I particularly love pairing vintage furniture with contemporary interiors. The relationship between old and new creates a far more interesting result than filling a room entirely with furniture from the same era.
There are practical benefits too. Buying vintage is also a more sustainable choice, extending the life of an existing piece rather than contributing to additional manufacturing and waste.
NEED HELP UPDATING YOUR HOME?
Updating your home doesn't always require a renovation. Often, it's the finishing touches that have the greatest influence on how a space feels day to day.
Whether you're selecting artwork, refining a colour palette, sourcing vintage furniture or simply trying to bring more personality into your home, sometimes an expert eye can help you identify the changes that will have the biggest impact.
I offer end-to-end interior design & styling services, as well as personalised 55-minute interior styling and design consultations available in person in Sydney or online via Zoom.
These sessions are designed for people who want expert guidance without committing to a full-service interior designer. Whether you're refreshing a single room or making decisions across an entire home, I can help you move forward with confidence.
FAQ: EASY WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR HOME
What is the easiest way to update a home without renovating?
Large-scale artwork, full-height curtains and updated hardware are some of the easiest ways to refresh a space without changing its structure.
How can I make my home feel more personal?
Artwork, vintage furniture and meaningful objects are often the quickest way to introduce personality and create a home that reflects your interests and experiences.
Is vintage furniture worth investing in?
Yes. Vintage furniture often offers unique character, craftsmanship and longevity while also being a more sustainable choice than buying new. For advice on buying vintage furniture, you can read my free guide here or explore my collection of vintage furniture and lighting here.
Should curtains go all the way to the floor?
In most cases, yes. Full-height drapery generally feels more refined and can help create the illusion of taller ceilings.
What small home updates make the biggest impact?
Artwork, paint, lighting, hardware, drapery and vintage furniture are all relatively simple updates that can significantly change how a room looks and feels.
