Whether you’re embarking on your maiden home decorating journey or considering a fourth makeover, the task of determining the perfect style for your living space can be quite the challenge. Amidst a plethora of design options, achieving that coveted cozy ambiance is a desire shared by many homeowners, though it often comes with a hefty price tag. HGTV’s Jenn Todryk, a renowned home decor expert, has a deep-seated affection for older homes due to their inherent charm and intricate details. In a recent Instagram post, she passionately articulated, “Replicating the warmth and character found in houses from yesteryears can be a costly endeavor! The enduring allure of these decades, featuring built-ins, ornate molding, paneling, and delightful nooks, is all the rage, but it doesn’t come cheap!”
Nevertheless, Todryk has a valuable piece of advice that doesn’t require you to open your wallet. Rather than opting for the trendy open floor plan, she suggests keeping those walls intact.
The HGTV star, known for her show “No Demo Reno,” takes a unique approach to home design. Instead of demolishing and starting from scratch, she works with the existing floor plan, giving the space a facelift, resulting in a significant transformation. This cost-effective method avoids the need for a full remodel, with its costly relocations and wall demolitions. Todryk’s approach not only fulfills her clients’ design dreams but also saves them money, time, and stress.
Spruce up the walls
In the pursuit of creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home, the retention of enclosed rooms is of paramount importance. HGTV personality Jenn Todryk emphasizes this point, stating, “Walls have their merits, and smaller, separated rooms can exude a wonderfully snug and homely feel,” as expressed on her Instagram. While it’s natural to worry that overly confined spaces might feel constricting, the decision to knock down walls can detract from your home’s inherent charm and incur substantial costs.
The expense of demolishing walls, whether load-bearing or non-load-bearing, can range from $400 to a staggering $13,000, with an average cost around $3,100. The final price is contingent on various factors, including the type of wall, the home’s multi-level configuration, the necessity of relocating electrical wiring, and the rates charged by professionals.
giving them a cosmetic makeover. In her words, “A refresh with updated cabinets, countertops, a fresh coat of paint, and updated lighting can work wonders,” as shared on her Instagram. When you come across a home with intricate details like wall moldings and panels, preserving them can enhance the overall ambiance. Conversely, if your home lacks these features, consider adding them to a room. In a notable instance from “No Demo Reno” Season 3, Episode 2, Todryk introduced picture molding to her clients’ home. According to Todryk, “[Picture molding] is an excellent way to add a touch of sophistication to a room without breaking the bank. It exudes a classic, high-end, and cozy library-like feel, elevating the overall look of any space,” as featured on HGTV.
Work with what you have
Jenn Todryk excels in the art of cost-effective home improvement. She possesses the knack for rejuvenating items that are in good condition. Take, for instance, the case of your kitchen cabinets; with a sander, primer, paint, and sealant, you can transform their appearance. However, if you’re not fond of their current look or they’re showing signs of wear and tear, Todryk’s recommendation, as seen on HGTV, is to paint the cabinet boxes and replace the door fronts. An easy way to elevate their aesthetic is by swapping out the knobs and handles. There’s no need to rip out and replace your cabinets entirely; a fresh coat of paint can work wonders, giving the illusion of brand-new cabinetry.
Conversely, Todryk recognizes when it’s necessary to relocate items within the house if their original placement isn’t ideal. For instance, in the scenario of a kitchen renovation where a cabinet facelift isn’t feasible, she advises repurposing the old cabinets as additional storage in the laundry room or integrating them into the living room as built-in drawers. These cabinets can serve the dual purpose of concealing essentials while providing space for displaying decorative items. Even though you might be investing in new kitchen cabinets, you’re simultaneously enhancing a different room with the existing ones, thus contributing to the creation of a cozy living space.