10 Room Makeovers to Inspire Your Next Home Refresh

1. Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings can be an '80s-era eyesore, and new buyers don't want to deal with it. That's because many older popcorn ceilings contain asbestos, which can be hazardous if you mess with it. Make sure to have a pro test it before attempting to remove it. You can have it removed (best for homes without asbestos), cover it with drywall, or install wood planks like bead board or shiplap for a classic look.

2. Tiled or Laminate Countertops

Tiled countertops with worn grout or outdated laminate surfaces are long past their prime — it’s time for an upgrade, and you won’t regret it! There’s nothing like prepping meals on a fresh, clean surface that feels as good as it looks. Opt for quartz, a non-porous, low-maintenance choice that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Natural stone like marble, soapstone, or quartzite are timeless, and butcher block in light oak is perfect for a modern farmhouse aesthetic.

3. Golden Oak Cabinets

You don't necessarily need to swap out these stained wood cabinets that were once popular in '80s and '90s builds. Simply sand and give them a fresh coat of paint: Check out our Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors for 2025 for inspiration!

4. Outdated Fixtures

My mom had this exact bathroom sink fixture, and while she was gearing up for a pricey bathroom reno, I suggested a simple swap instead. I told her to replace just the fixture with something more modern, and she was beyond pleased with the results!

5. Brightly Painted Rooms

Kids are going to want bedroom paint colors that adults simply do not. Instead of committing to a wild wall color, consider a sophisticated neutral as the backdrop and incorporate their favorite hue through easily changeable items like bedding, decor, and artwork. Win-win!

6. Boob Lights

Replace any old light fixtures, like these ubiquitous "boob" lights, with an elegant ceiling mount or pendant.

7. Brass Mirror Closet Doors

If replacing the doors with modern wood doors isn’t an option, consider using matte spray paint or adhesive metal trim to give the brass a more modern finish in white or matte black.

8. Hollywood-Style Strip Lighting

Swap the kitschy strip lights for sleek wall sconces or a modern LED vanity light. Position sconces on either side of the mirror for balanced lighting. Look for matte black, brushed brass, or frosted glass finishes to instantly elevate your space.

9. Showers With Sliding Doors

Frameless glass enclosure are a modern upgrade to these outdated sliding doors. If a full replacement isn’t in the budget, consider an elegant shower curtain for a vintage-modern vibe.

10. Lack of Quality Window Treatments

My friend’s Tahoe home has no window treatments because she loves waking up to the sun. (As someone who prefers total darkness, I always pack an eye mask when I visit!) But her realtor recently advised that you needs to add well-made, well-fitted window treatments if she plans to sell or rent. Linen Roman shades or velvet drapes can elevate the space while adding warmth and privacy. For the best fit and style, consider working with a window treatment specialist to find the perfect solution for your home.

11. Outdated Ceiling Fans

Elements like ceiling fans come with the home purchase so make sure they're updated. Look for modern energy-efficient models with matte black, brushed nickel, or wood-toned finishes and remote or smart controls.

12. Bulky Furniture

Make sure your furniture fits the room — too big can feel cramped, too small can feel sparse. While pieces don’t need to be matchy-matchy, they should complement each other for a cohesive, well-balanced look. Look for an 8 x 10 rug or larger too to fit the space and hide any clutter!

13. Grey Laminate Flooring

Gray laminate flooring was once everywhere, but it’s officially time to move on — just like those gray sofas. Choose flooring that mimics the warmth of natural wood tones, such as light oak or rich walnut. If replacing the floors isn’t an option, layer in natural woven or wool rugs.

14. Too Much Ornamentation

Remove any ornamentation that feels out of place in your home or doesn’t align with your style. For an ornate built-in like this, consider painting it a single, cohesive color to tone down the detailing and create a more seamless, modern look.

15. Awkward Layout

To make your space modern and more inviting, start with a focal point (fireplace, TV, or statement art) and arrange seating around it for conversation. Use a sofa and chairs to create balance, adding a coffee table within reach. Incorporate side tables, lighting, and a rug to define the space. Make sure walkways are for better flow and functionality too. Color can make a big difference too, earthy tones with natural elements will make a room feel more inviting.

On a recent visit, B+C's VP of Content, Ali Ives, and I wandered into Somme and were instantly smitten. Imagine cottagecore with depth, where antique treasures meet bold, layered styling that feels both timeless and unexpected.

Francesca is a master at crafting vintage-inspired spaces with a distinct, modern POV. Here, she shares insights on her design philosophy, her latest collaborations, and her stunning transformation of a $24 million estate now on the market.

B+C: How would you define your aesthetic?

Francesca: I’d define my aesthetic as eclectic, nostalgic, and unexpected. It’s about mixing eras, textures and patterns in a way that feels curated and collected over time — like stepping into a space with history and soul.

B+C: How do you make a space feel one-of-a-kind?

Francesca: I love designing spaces that have depth and a bit of tension, whether it’s a balance of feminine and masculine, vintage and modern, or soft and bold. To make a space personal, I lean into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces — antiques, art with a story, textiles that feel lived-in. I want it to feel like someone’s life has unfolded there, not like a staged set.

B+C: What's the strangest or most surprising source of inspiration you've ever drawn from?

Francesca:I love wandering through European flea markets, where every object has a history, or getting lost in an old city and noticing the way time has shaped its architecture. Even something as simple as the tilework in a tiny café or the way laundry hangs between buildings can spark an idea. LA still influences me in the way it blends so many cultures and eras, but traveling pushes me to see design through a different lens — less polished, more lived-in, always with a story to tell.

B+C: What is your design pet-peeve?

Francesca: Anything that feels too sterile or overly "designed" with no personality. I’m also so over the idea that everything has to be beige to be timeless — give me color, give me texture, give me something with character!

B+C: You recently staged and styled a 6-bed, 9-bath Spanish-Mediterranean Bel Air Estate that just hit the market for $24M. What were your design goals for this Bel Air project, which leans into the more neutral territory?

Francesca: Our goal was to use our furniture and décor to enhance the home’s Spanish-Mediterranean elegance while introducing a sense of modern livability. We wanted every piece to feel intentional — respecting the architecture while making the space feel fresh, inviting, and effortlessly luxurious.

Francesca: To achieve this, I partnered with home decor brand Olive Ateliers and leaned into organic textures and warm, neutral tones. Soft linen upholstery, sculptural wood accents, and vintage-inspired statement pieces brought depth and a sense of history, ensuring the interiors felt collected rather than staged.

Francesca: In spaces like the living and dining areas, we focused on balancing grandeur with intimacy — placing oversized, plush seating to emphasize comfort while layering in antique and contemporary elements to create visual intrigue. The use of ceramic vessels, textured textiles, and aged metals further complemented the home’s natural materials.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed for elevated serenity, incorporating soft, layered bedding and curated accent furniture to create a retreat-like atmosphere.

Francesca: Overall, the staging was designed to bridge the past and present, celebrating the home’s timeless craftsmanship while making it feel approachable and effortless for modern living.

B+C: You recently worked with designer Amr Samaha of Samaha Studio on his latest project, an eco-conscious ranchette in Beverly Hills. He said he pulled heavily from his Egyptian background, citing the mashrabiya-inspired front door as an example of the textures and tones of historic Cairo. "Every decision, from materials to layout, was made with the intention to tell a cohesive story," he said. How did you stage the home to complete the story?

Francesca: For the Beverly Hills project at 1300 Shadybrook Drive, our aim was to stage the home in a way that accentuated its contemporary architecture and designer fixtures while creating an inviting and aspirational atmosphere for potential buyers.

In the living room, we placed a plush, earth-toned seating arrangement to complement the home's incredible steel fireplace and built-in cabinetry. To add a little extra warmth and character to the living room I added these gorgeous Myrtle Accent Chairs from Arhaus that I felt really elevated the space.

Francesca: In the dining room I wanted it to feel really funky and eclectic so we added some really fun sculptural dining chairs from Neue Maison. We brought in some incredible art by CLEW and Kader Boly that really amplify the appeal of the home.

Francesca: For the bedrooms, we aimed to create serene retreats by using soft, layered bedding and understated decor while still infusing some pops of color. I wanted the bedrooms to provide a sense of luxury while still feeling like cozy and warm.

Francesca: Throughout the home, we utilized accessories such as ceramic vases, greenery, and area rugs to add depth and cohesion to the overall design. Our goal was to present a lifestyle that potential buyers could envision themselves enjoying, thereby enhancing the home's appeal.

Follow Francesca Grace Home for more design inspiration!

Here's what you'll need for this 3-ingredient tzatziki sauce.

Ingredients

• Non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice

Tools

• Bowl
• Grater

How to make Brit + Co's easy tzatziki sauce

Instructions

1. Grate your cucumber into your bowl: I like to use at least half the cucumber if not the whole thing!
2. Next you'll want to get rid of all the water: I dump out the liquid in the bowl then soak up any extra with a paper towel. Don't be afraid to squeeze the cucumber out!
3. Mix in your Greek yogurt: I prefer equal parts yogurt and cucumber, but you can play with the ratio until it's a mix you like. That's the best part about homemade recipes!
4. Add in your lemon juice: I prefer to taste the lemon so I love to really add it in but you can keep it light, and even mix in a little salt or garlic powder for a different edge.
5. Mix it all together and you're good to go! I store mine in a mason jar in the fridge and it's ready for me whenever I need it.

This tzatziki sauce is the perfect topper for my Mediterranean chicken bowls, potatoes, or even on top of an egg (trust me!). There's no better time to make these 26 Mediterranean Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like You're On Vacation;).