We built our home through a builder who had a design studio, so while our choices were far more than simply “white or brown” cabinet choices and this or that tile, we had a strict budget to stick to and could only use what was available to us at the studio. It’s all about upgrading tile and hardware in my opinion! I spent the most “extra” on these things (tile and hardware add up quick!) and then did the following: 1. Wide flooring is elegant and makes a space feel instantly chic! 2. Replace lighting from the builder grade option to something that defines your style! I labored most over finding the perfect lighting in our master bedroom and the dining room because they set the tone and design style for these most important spaces to me. 3. Contrasting tile to grout makes a statement without much expense! I wanted clay tiles that were just not in budget so instead I mimicked the white and black clay Riad tile I wanted with white 12x12 tiles and black grout (and then flipped in the laundry room!) It gave me the same “feel” I wanted and I just had to ask for out of the ordinary grout colors! 4. Large brass pulls for cabinets feel high end! 5. Ask the builder NOT to put up the slab mirrors so you can put up your own vanity mirrors. We did this… and they forgot which became a whole hullabaloo so I gave up on that one after they messed up. But seriously DO THIS. It’s the one thing I still wish had been done correctly. 6. Large stately slate tiles around the fireplace hearth LAID LONG WAYS! They told me not to do it… they said it hadn’t been done before and felt odd. They laid it incorrectly the first time and I had to tell them to redo it… but I LOVE IT SO MUCH. And it looks so Studio Mcgee in my opinion without having to do a full slab! 7. Full length drapes! I got these off Amazon y’all and they look just like the Pottery Barn ones I wanted. These are 9 feet and drop all the way to the floor! Save this for later as you build or look to renovate your home! #LTKFind