Transform Your Space Without Renovating

As designers we have heard all of the stories, from those dreaming of a home makeover but fearing the sky-high costs to those that are stuck in a design rut. But guess what? Transforming your space doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here are ten simple ways you can give your home a refresh, while staying on budget. 

Paint/Wallpaper

Painting is the perfect way to drastically change a space while staying within your budget. It is one of the most impactful and affordable ways to completely transform a space. Whether you’re refreshing all walls, adding a pop of color with an accent wall, or experimenting with wallpaper for extra texture or pattern the possibilities are endless. Wallpaper comes in many possibilities. Grass cloth will give you texture to the walls but you can also get your wallpaper from most companies in smooth or textured.

Cabinet Hardware

Cabinets are everywhere in a home, from kitchens, bathrooms, built-ins, etc. While Hardware might seem like a minor detail, swapping it out can make a surprisingly big impact. Cabinet Hardware is one of those elements in a home where it reveals the age of a space. Whether you go for a brushed brass, matte black, or minimalist handles, this simple change adds personality and sophistication without breaking the bank. A bonus to this change is that it is a quick and easy project that can be completed in less than a day.

Blinds and Covers

Windows are often overlooked by homeowners, they do not get the attention they deserve. Not only do they flood your space with natural light, but they also offer the perfect opportunity to add a stylish design element through window coverings. Many homeowners stick to basic white blinds, missing out on so many other options. From warm, textured bamboo shades to bold, patterned curtains, light linen panels, so many endless possibilities. The right window treatment can add depth, character and elegance to a room while effortlessly tying your home’s style together. A fun way to update your home.

Update Flooring

Worn out flooring is a sign of an aging home. While upgrading your floors can be a bit pricier, depending on your choice of material, it is a fantastic way to enhance your home’s overall aesthetic. The type of flooring you need will depend on the space you are refreshing. With endless options like original hardwood, durable vinyl, sleek tile, and bold patterned designs, there is something to suit every style. Flooring not only sets the tone for your space but can last for years. However, when you start to see the wear and tear, a fresh update will revive your home. 

Backsplash

Changing your backsplash is a simple yet impactful way to bring new life to your home. With endless options to choose from, designers can now explore a variety of materials, colors, and textures to achieve the perfect look. From wood look alike tiles, marble inspired tiles to vibrant colors and unique patterns, manufacturers have truly stepped up their game in both aesthetics and durability. In a recent job we did, the tile was dated and they just wanted to brighten up the space. We added this new hand made tile that added light and texture to their space. 

Light Fixtures

Changing your light fixtures is a quick and easy way to refresh your home. Lighting plays a pivotal role in interior design, and homeowners and designers are increasingly recognizing its impact. Outdated or poorly placed light fixtures can dull a room’s charm, while the right lighting can bring life to your space, making it feel fresh and inviting. By changing one or two fixtures, or even just changing your light bulbs, will make a huge difference.

Plumbing fixtures

Upgrading your plumbing fixtures is another easy way you can upgrade your home on a budget. While some high end options can be a little pricey, there are plenty of budget friendly options that offer sleek, elegant designs that are easy to install. Swapping out those outdated fixtures for modern ones will instantly elevate your home’s style. You get to enjoy the new aesthetics, but you also get improved functionality. 

Doors and Trim

Plain white doors and trim can feel a bit dull, which is why changing them for something a little more bold can add a refreshing pop of personality to your home. This is exactly like the painting theory, but with doors. Having your doors and trim colour be different than what you have on the walls can instantly elevate your space. Adding a rich wood trim to a neutral coloured door brings elegance, while painting the door a fun, vibrant hue brings creativity and charm. 

Rugs

Rugs are an instant change when updating a home, but they can be the real game changer, especially when you’re unsure how to enhance a space. Not only do rugs add depth and character, but they are also perfect for tying together living rooms, bedrooms, and even dining areas. Want to cover up flooring you’re not quite ready to replace? A stylish rug can do the trick! Rugs are also the ultimate way to bring warmth and coziness to any room. 

Countertops

Never underestimate the impact that the color and texture of a countertop has on a space. In a recent project, we swapped out a client’s dark, dated granite for a light, bright quartz countertop. The transformation was incredible, the space instantly felt brighter and more vibrant. A bonus with this job is that the maintenance was simplified, quartz is low maintenance and does not require sealing. Not only can you update the aesthetics of your space, but save you time! 

In conclusion there are countless ways to refresh and update your home without starting from scratch. Small changes can make a big impact, an example would be this transformation we recently achieved with this project. Whether you are concerned about project timelines, taking too much at once, or your budget, these updates can be tackled at your own pace. You can space them out or dive in all at once, it is all about what works best for you. 

2025 Interior Design Trends

Now that we are a couple months into 2025, we are seeing Interior Design trends come to life just as predicted, if not bolder and more exciting. This year is all about rich, earthy tones, bold textures, and a touch of vintage charm. All while having nature inspired elements for a fresh feel. Materials are having their moment, with designers and homeowners alike realizing their true potential, not just for function, but for making a serious style statement. 

Lighting

With both designers and homeowners recognizing its power to transform a space. A while back people would rely on a single overhead fixture, this is not the case anymore. Mood lighting, statement lamps, and ambient glows are now used to create depth and warmth. Lighting companies are embracing this shift, crafting fixtures in all shapes and sizes that are as stunning as they are functional. One of the biggest lighting trends we are seeing this year is vintage inspired designs with a modern twist, classic silhouettes reimagined with updated finishes. Soft, organic materials are quickly rising in popularity this year, bringing warmth and texture through fabric shades, paper globes, and delicate ribbon appliques. Lighting is no longer just about illuminating a space, now we are seeing sculptural fixtures doubling as art pieces, adding personality and drama to a room. Artistic biophilic lighting is set to steal the show, drawing inspiration from nature with beautiful organic designs that seamlessly blend the indoors and outdoors. The use of raw materials like wood and stone in chandeliers, sconces, pendant, table lamps, etc further reinforces nature’s influence, proving that lighting isn’t just a necessity, it's a statement. 

https://www.luminaireauthentik.com/en/shop/pendant-light-fixtures/sopal-2406-la00/

https://www.lighthouseco.ca/collections/chandeliers/products/coco-magnolia-chandelier

https://www.casadiluce.ca/products/melt-stand-floor-lamp

Furniture

Furniture design in 2025 is all about creativity, versatility, and a touch of nostalgia. Modular pieces allow homeowners to switch up their space on demand, white texture upholstery materials invite a neutral touch and add depth. Textured furniture is big right now, allowing designers to blend contrasting materials for a dynamic, layered look. Retro design is making a bold return. The curvy silhouettes of past decades are back, bringing softness and warmth to interiors, paired with deep rich tones reminiscent of the 70s. Picture a dark coffee table offset by earthy hues, or vibrant greens, red, and oranges complementing wood finishes. Statement furniture is also on the rise, with sculptural coffee tables and bold accent pieces doubling as works of art. Aesthetics are extremely important but so is the functionality of the furniture, innovation is shaping the way we interact with furniture. Furniture companies are integrating smart features that adapt to our modern lifestyles, making pieces not just stylish but highly functional. This year it's all about balancing form and function, having both practicality and personality. 

https://www.roveconcepts.com/pallas-lounge-chair

https://www.westelm.ca/products/mp-zaccai-wood-nesting-coffee-table-mp399/

https://www.roveconcepts.com/tola-lounge-chair?aid%5B12%5D=173&aid%5B153%5D=1280

Tile

Tile is one of the most versatile materials, serving as everything from backsplashes and flooring to stunning wall coverings. In 2025, tile companies are pushing the boundaries with new colours, shapes, and textures, and sizes, giving designers endless possibilities to play with. Textured tile is having it’s moment, bringing depth and dimensions to spaces with its organic, handcrafted charm, no two pieces are ever the same. A standout trend this year is the return of terracotta tiles, a timeless clay based material in warm, earthy hues. This tile is known for aging beautifully, it only gets better with time, making it a perfect choice for creating cozy, character filled interiors. While neutral tiles remain a staple, bold colours and patterns are also making a statement, offering a vibrant way to infuse personality into a space. With nature inspiring so many of our designs, wood look tiles have become a game changer bringing the warmth of wood to kitchens and bathrooms without the upkeep. Tile companies are making sure that there is a tile for every style and story. 

https://www.amestile.com/atm848

https://www.centura.ca/en/products/tile/ceramic-tiles/island?color=lichen

https://www.tierrasol.ca/en/product/flash-white-5x5-glossy

Interior Designers are embracing a bold and dynamic approach to colour in 2025, moving away from dull greys and leaning into rich, expressive hues that bring warmth and personality to a space. Moody tones are in, with deep purples adding a soft yet inviting feel, especially when paired with warm browns, though not the browns of the past. This year’s browns are darker, richer, and exude elegance. Deep reds are in for those who are looking to make a statement, bringing in a touch of sophistication and luxury. While nature’s influence remains strong with earthy greens, often complemented by wood tones for an organic, grounded aesthetic. Meanwhile deep blues offer a sense of relaxation and tranquility. Whether bold or calming, this year's colour trends prove that interiors are becoming more personal, vibrant, and full of life.  

2025 is packed with many exciting trends, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Some other trends that are taking over are paneled appliances, where appliances seamlessly blend into cabinetry, creating a sleek and cohesive look. Arches and curves are also making a statement, adding softness and flow in interiors. Texture as we have seen, is becoming a key element, designers are layering different materials to bring depth and interest to spaces. We are saying goodbye to flat, boring one dimensional rooms. Technology continues to evolve the way we design, with smart homes becoming more integrated than ever. This year is all about functionality and creativity, finding innovative ways to make your home as stylish as it is practical. We can’t wait to see how these trends continue to shape the Interior Design field throughout 2025.

Behind the Design: The Story of Michelle’s Designs

In 2004, Michelle graduated from Lethbridge Community College in Interior Design and Merchandising program. Returning to Calgary, she launched her career at Legacy Kitchens, quickly rising to become an account manager. For eight years, she honed her expertise in cabinet design, developing a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of client needs. Seeking new challenges, Michelle transitioned to Jayman MasterBUILT as an Exterior Designer, where she guided homeowners through the selection process, ensuring their choices aligned with both their vision and the developer's architectural requirements. A year later, the arrival of her first son, Nolan, brought a new chapter. Michelle relocated to Lethbridge, where she took on the role of Interior Designer at Avonlea Homes. She helped clients personalize their spaces, designed spec homes, and created stunning show homes. After welcoming her second son, Koby, Michelle dedicated her time to raising her children, but her passion for design never waned. She continued to lend her expertise to friends and family on various projects, further refining her skills and staying connected to the design world. As Koby prepared to start school, Michelle considered her next step. A job offer arrived, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led her to prioritize her family. This unexpected turn of events ignited a new path. Recognizing the need for flexibility while pursuing her passion, Michelle decided to create her own business. In June 2022, she formalized her venture and Michelle's Designs was born. Now, Michelle is able to combine her love of design with her commitment to her family, helping clients bring their dream spaces to life.

Michelle now runs a successful Interior Design business, helping clients with all their needs, creating stunning spaces that reflect them and how they use their space. Whether it be a small ensuite renovation, a complete home overhaul, or even the design of a commercial space, Michelle brings her passion for design and her keen eye for detail to every project. She believes that everyone deserves a space that inspires them, whether it's a cozy living room for family gatherings, a productive home office, or a chic and stylish closet.

Her process begins with a thorough consultation, where she takes the time to truly understand her clients' vision, lifestyle, and budget. She listens carefully to their needs and desires, asking questions about their favorite colors, preferred styles, and how they envision themselves using the space. Michelle understands that each client is unique, and she prides herself on her ability to translate their individual personalities into the design.

From concept development to final installation, Michelle manages every aspect of the design process. She works closely with her clients, presenting them with mood boards, material samples, and 3D renderings to help them visualize the final result. She carefully selects furniture, fabrics, and accessories, sourcing unique pieces that perfectly complement the overall design. Her extensive network of trusted contractors and artisans ensures that every project is executed to the highest standards of quality.

Michelle's commitment to her clients extends beyond just aesthetics. She also considers functionality and practicality in her designs. She understands the importance of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also comfortable and livable. She takes into account factors such as traffic flow, lighting, and storage solutions to ensure that the space is both stylish and functional.

Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability as a designer. Whether she's working on a small-scale renovation or a large-scale project, Michelle's dedication to creating exceptional spaces shines through. She believes that good design can transform lives, and she's passionate about helping her clients create spaces that they will love for years to come. Contact Michelle today to begin your design journey and transform your space into something truly special.