Refreshing your home doesn’t always require a full renovation. With a few thoughtful DIY projects, you can transform your living space and bring new energy into your home, whether you’re preparing to list or simply want to enjoy it more fully. In Bar Harbor, Maine, where charm, design, and comfort matter deeply, even small updates can have a noticeable impact.
These projects are perfect for luxury homeowners who want to enhance their interiors without disrupting the overall style. From updating fixtures to rethinking layout and lighting, a few strategic changes can refresh your home while maintaining its high-end feel.
Repaint for a Clean, Updated Look
One of the simplest and most transformative DIY projects you can tackle is painting. A fresh coat of paint can lighten a dark room, create visual flow, or define a specific space in an open floor plan. If you're living in or selling a home in Bar Harbor, consider tones that reflect the coastal palette—soft whites, warm grays, sea greens, and sandy neutrals work beautifully in this region.
Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room, hallways, and kitchen. If you're not ready to commit to painting a whole room, consider an accent wall or painting trim and built-ins for a clean, tailored effect.
Make sure to use high-quality paint and prep your surfaces thoroughly. This not only improves the finished look but helps the color last longer in a home exposed to salt air and seasonal changes.
Update Hardware and Fixtures
Swapping out outdated or worn hardware is a quick way to give your home a more current, polished appearance. Door handles, cabinet pulls, and faucets are often overlooked, but they influence the entire feel of a room. Choose finishes like matte black, brushed brass, or satin nickel for a timeless update that complements both traditional and modern interiors.
In Bar Harbor’s luxury homes, lighting is also a defining element. If your fixtures feel dated or overly ornate, replacing them with clean, modern designs can instantly lift the aesthetic. Even something as simple as updating a foyer chandelier or dining room pendant can refresh the space without requiring rewiring or structural changes.
Add Architectural Detail
Details like crown molding, board and batten, or decorative wall paneling can add depth and interest to your home without requiring a contractor. These DIY additions bring dimension and craftsmanship to plain walls, especially in entryways or living rooms.
If your home has historic character, choose styles that honor its original design. In more contemporary spaces, streamlined molding or modern trim profiles can add structure without feeling heavy.
Installing these elements yourself requires patience and precision, but the visual impact is well worth the effort.
Rethink Furniture Arrangement
Sometimes, refreshing your living space doesn’t involve buying anything new. Simply rearranging furniture can improve the flow, highlight architectural features, or maximize your natural light, especially important in coastal homes where sun exposure shifts throughout the day.
Consider these layout changes to make your space feel larger and more inviting:
- Move seating closer together to create intimacy and conversation zones
- Float furniture away from walls to establish balance and openness
- Angle pieces to align with window views, fireplaces, or focal points
- Remove bulky items that block walkways or interrupt visual flow
This type of rearrangement helps you see the potential of your home in a new way—and it’s completely reversible if you want to test different options.
Introduce Natural Textures and Layered Materials
Adding texture is a powerful way to refresh a space without altering its structure. Layering natural materials like linen, wood, glass, and stone adds interest and warmth, particularly in homes with open floor plans or minimal color.
You can do this easily by updating pillows, rugs, and throws with seasonal textures. A jute rug, a wool throw, or rattan baskets bring both function and character. For added dimension, mix finishes in your decor—pair smooth ceramics with rough-hewn wood or contrast matte surfaces with reflective ones.
Create a Focal Point With Art or Mirrors
Installing a large piece of artwork or a well-placed mirror can create instant impact. In living rooms or hallways, this project is easy to complete on your own with a few tools and some planning.
If you prefer a gallery wall, lay out your pieces on the floor before hanging them to find the right balance and spacing. In more minimalist spaces, a single large painting or mirror above a fireplace or console makes a bold statement.
Mirrors are especially useful in smaller or darker rooms. They reflect light and create the illusion of space, perfect for homes in Bar Harbor where natural light shifts with the coastal weather.
Refresh Built-In Shelving or Bookcases
If you have built-ins or wall niches, give them new life with a DIY refresh. Painting the interior a contrasting color, adding wallpaper, or installing removable paneling can completely change the look of a display area.
You can also restyle the shelves with a curated mix of books, framed photos, and natural objects. Group items in odd numbers, vary the heights, and leave space between groupings for a clean, luxurious look.
This project requires no demolition or structural changes, but it offers high visual reward.
Add Indoor Plants for Freshness and Color
Introducing greenery into your home brings in a natural element that makes any space feel alive. Plants improve air quality and add color, texture, and form.
- Choose low-maintenance varieties like snake plants, pothos, or rubber trees
- Place taller plants in empty corners to fill space without adding clutter
- Use ceramic or woven planters to coordinate with your home’s palette
This is one of the easiest ways to instantly brighten a room and soften architectural edges—especially useful in open-concept spaces or homes with lots of hard surfaces.
Contact Steve Shelton
Contact Steve Shelton for expert advice on elevating your home in Bar Harbor, Maine—whether you're planning to sell or simply want to enhance your space for everyday enjoyment. With a clear understanding of what luxury buyers look for and how thoughtful design affects home value, Steve offers tailored strategies that align with your goals.
Steve Shelton works with clients at every stage of homeownership. From simple refreshes to pre-listing guidance, he can connect you with the resources, market knowledge, and design insights needed to make smart, impactful improvements. Reach out today to explore how small changes can lead to major results.
