You don’t always need a renovation or big budget to give your home a refresh. At Urban West Home, we believe some of the most powerful changes are the smallest ones thoughtful swaps that instantly elevate a space without weeks of planning or a massive investment.
Whether you're looking to re-style a corner of your living room or breathe new life into your kitchen, here are three design changes we love making in our own home and for our clients' projects. Trust us these little updates go a long way.
This is our #1 go-to recommendation for a quick, high-impact upgrade. Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls might seem like background details, but when changed out, they shift the entire feel of a room.
Brushed nickel from the early 2000s? Replace it with sleek matte black or warm brass. Want something that feels artisanal? We love leather pulls, fluted handles, or ceramic knobs with subtle patterns. The best part is you don’t need to hire anyone to do it just make sure to buy hardware that matches your current spacing for a no-fuss install.
We’ve seen this swap completely transform kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedroom nightstands. It’s subtle, but it makes everything feel more elevated.
Your shelves are a visual snapshot of your home’s personality but when they look cluttered or overlooked, they can weigh a space down. A quick re-style can completely shift the energy of a room.
Start by clearing everything off. Then, shop your own home: books, candles, ceramics, framed photos, decorative bowls anything you love can work. The key is balance: mix heights, layer textures, and leave negative space so the eye can rest.
Here’s our favorite shelf styling formula:
And always group things in odd numbersthrees tend to look the most natural.
This small change helps the entire room feel curated and calm. It’s amazing what a difference intentional placement can make.
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Lighting is one of the most underrated parts of a home and one of the most transformative. Swapping out a basic builder-grade flush mount for a statement light fixture can take a space from flat to custom in under an hour.
We love working with warm-toned bulbs, oversized pendants, sconces that double as decor, or even vintage-inspired table lamps for added mood. If you rent or want a no-commitment solution, plug-in wall sconces and oversized floor lamps are game changers.
Bonus: Layering your light sources (instead of relying only on overhead lighting) creates a cozy, elevated ambiance especially in the evening. Adding dimmer switches to your home is a game changer, create a mood with the touch of your finger!
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You don’t need to spend thousands to fall back in love with your home. The secret is focusing on the small design decisions that add up ones that feel easy to execute but still bring a sense of style and intention.
At Urban West Home, we believe your space should evolve with you. It doesn’t need to be perfect it just needs to feel like yours. And sometimes, the simplest changes are the ones that make the biggest difference.
Check out some of our recent design boards for inspiration for your next decor project:
Living Room Favorites - https://www.urbanwesthome.com/designboard/urban-neat-favorites-2
Modern Dining - https://www.urbanwesthome.com/designboard/modern-dining-room
