We Asked Designers to Share Their Best Home Upgrades, and We Can't Wait to Try Them

This story is a part of our Old House New Issue, where we explore why people are no longer moving in 2024, and how to renovate your current home to make it work for you. To learn more about where to start on home renos, which projects to prioritize, and how to love the home you have, check out our full issue here.

If you’ve ever gone through a home renovation or are currently considering making upgrades to your space, you know firsthand that the options can feel endless.

While you can always hire pros to help make decisions, it’s also good to first narrow your own scope and avoid decision overwhelm. One approach we love is asking the experts themselves what they’ve done to their own homes—and which ones they’re particularly excited about. 

We turned to a few designers for their thoughts on the matter, and here’s what they had to say.

Update the Lighting

One majorly underestimated home accent is the power of a great lighting plan. The first thing designer Brittany Cooper did after buying her home was swapping out all the accent lights.

“Updating the lighting was an affordable way to add character before making bigger design changes down the line,” Cooper says, who calls this a small but impactful way to personalize your home. 

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Install Smart Thermostats

Another upgrade Cooper has done in her home that she now recommends to others is the installation of smart thermostats. These allow you to control the temperature of your home more efficiently, helping you save on energy costs while maintaining comfort, according to Cooper.

In her case, she loves the fact her home temp now coordinates with her schedule, noting that she prefers a lower temperature at night and a warmer temp first thing in the morning as she wakes up.

“You can even control it remotely via an app, which is perfect if your schedule changes unexpectedly,” Cooper says.

Convert the Home Office

Jackie Mosher, co-founder of the exterior design platform, Dzinly, says she’s happy to have converted her former home office into a more functional space. 

In her case, she moved her workspace to a dedicated corner and converted the room into a comfortable den and sitting room that the whole family can enjoy.

“It's no longer just a work zone,” Mosher says. “It's become a place where we can all relax, read, or unwind together.”

She encourages others to assess their own wasted space, and look at how they can make changes to maximize their rooms. 

“A small change can make a big impact on the overall feel and function of a home,” she says.

Small Kitchen Upgrades Make a Huge Difference

If you’re making changes to your kitchen, Mosher has two personal elements she swears by—and at first, she didn’t expect them to matter at all.

“Soft-close kitchen drawers and a touch-activated sink faucet have completely changed how I use the kitchen,” Mosher says. "Being able to [turn on the faucet] with a simple tap from your forearm is incredibly convenient."

The same is true of soft-close drawers. Mosher didn’t think she’d care too much, but now that she has them, there’s no going back.

Weatherproof Your Outdoor Space

After upgrading her outdoor space to be functional even in inclement weather, Mosher says she now recommends this to every client.

“A screened or weather-shielded outdoor space not only increases your usable living area but also creates a perfect space for relaxation or entertaining in the fresh air,” Mosher says.

With a versatile outdoor space that can be used year-round, you’re upgrading and adding value to both your lifestyle and your property. 

“I've never had a client regret adding a well-designed outdoor area,” Mosher says.

If you’re looking for specific elements, she suggests electric porch heaters installed in the ceiling, which is something she personally has in her own home. 

“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I had them installed,” Mosher says. “They’ve extended the use of our Michigan outdoor space well into the cooler months, and now I can’t imagine our porch without them.”