Courtney Warren is a Texas-based interior designer whose work has been featured in Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, and Today.com. She is a frequent consultant on Fox 4 TV’s Good Day program in Dallas, was ranked in the top 3 percent of interior designers in the US by Houzz.com, and starred in the Dallas episode of TLC’sFour Houses. She delights in helping overwhelmed clients create beautiful spaces—and will never turn down a warm chocolate chip cookie or Diet Dr Pepper.

I'm Courtney Waren

Shop the projects

My Go-To design accessories

Easy Ideas for Turning a New Build Into Your Forever Home

Design Tips, Trends

January 4, 2020

I promised you I’d come back with more pix of my client’s new build and how we helped them take it from “OK, it’s done” to “Oh, wow, I’m in LOVE with my new home!” Today’s the day!

The spaces were good, but lacked personality and finishing.

I previously showed you the living room changes. Here’s the living room before and after, with a welcoming farmhouse decor united in shades of blue:

Then we worked our magic in the media/playroom spaces. Before: builder beige rooms with, you know, furniture.

Talking to my clients, I found they were huge Star Wars fans, so of course we used a lot of their collection to decorate. (What is your passion? Could we work it into your decor? It could happen.)

Next up! How did the vision for their Forever Home find expression elsewhere? Let me show you the dining room!

Before: the room had good bones and great light from large windows.

But why settle for good when you can have WOW?

Designer Tip #1 to take your home from builder to best? PAINT!

We chose dramatic grey walls for their impact and a white ceiling to truly feature the wood beams. The dark tone is not overwhelming because of the height of the room and abundant light. (Are you dying to use a deep, moody tone in your home? Let’s talk about it!)

A sideboard is soooo useful for serving and for linen storage. The lamps not only have great style but their curves help offset all the strong angles.

We also switched out the builder chandelier for this beauty with delightful curves, distressed finish, and nod to vintage.

(BTW, have you ever tried plates for a decorative statement on your walls? It’s one of my favorite accessorizing tricks.)

Lastly, the kitchen was wonderful but just needed a little POW.

Designer Tip #2: CHANGE YOUR LIGHTING.

Upgrading to these wood and iron lantern-look pendants perfectly finished out the already great kitchen. Add in few galvanized barstools and you’re ready for company!

Are you in a new home that doesn’t feel like yours yet? I would love to help you! Let’s talk!

Have some questions? No problem! I offer a complimentary, no-strings-attached phone call consultation.

Email me to book a call time–and let’s start making design fun!

Reply...