Your home’s design is a reflection of who you are. So why not upgrade its style to showcase your personality? From thoughtfully sourcing beautiful art pieces to adding new trim to your walls, simple additions can make your home feel lived in, inviting, and uniquely your own. If you want to make changes to your home’s design but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. We reached out to experts across North America, from Bellingham, WA to Calgary, AB , to give us their best tips on how to upgrade your home’s style. Keep reading to see what they had to say. 1) Create a stunning entranceway Freshen up your hallway or stairway by creating a theme or scene that evokes good memories, celebrates your favorite artist, or transports you to your favorite place or time. Whether you upcycle, buy new, create from scratch, or a combination of techniques, you can create an entrance that leaves the stress of the day at the door and makes your soul sigh with contentment. – Tracy’s Bespoke Creations 2) Bring the outside in to upgrade your home Bringing the outside in helps homeowners develop a stronger connection to nature and has become an essential component of modern interior design over the past year. Mature trees and lush landscaping can boost exterior curb appeal, while also inspiring the look and color palette of your interior. – Pinnacle Renovations 3) Incorporate architecture into your design Repainting, replacing, or adding new trim and moldings to your space will instantly transform the atmosphere and vibe of a room. Adding applied moldings to a wall to create paneling, and then painting a contrasting color to your wall color will instantly give your space depth and character. – Dexter Dolores Interiors 4) Invest in your favorite pieces Don’t wait on your forever home to start purchasing a thought-provoking piece of art, a carved side table, or a few pieces of favorite china. Start collecting good-quality heirloom pieces now so your pocketbook won’t take a hit when you’re faced with filling a new home with furniture and accessories. – The Blushing Saguaro 5) Start with the kitchen Modernize your kitchen by including cutting-edge integrated appliances, unique flooring materials, interesting backsplash designs, and a dramatic range hood. By renovating your kitchen with modern design features, you can upgrade your home while giving your kitchen a new energy and an enhanced central gathering point. – Severn Woods  6) Add unique art pieces to your home Whether displaying local artist creations in wall hangings or utilizing elegant, handmade crafts to create a relaxing atmosphere, artwork is always a great conversation starter. And many times, arts and crafts can speak volumes without ever saying a word. – Debra Harris Marketing Chairperson for Artworks Artisan Center 7) Contrast is key If you want to upgrade your home decor, contrast is key. We’re not talking about contrasting with bold colors, rather make sure that your color scheme has enough colors so that not everything is grey or cream. It’s always nice to add 1 or 2 wood tones to your space to make your space feel warmer and more inviting. – Victory Interiors 8) Reuse old materials to upgrade your home style When upgrading your homestyle, consider reusing materials to add a new look without breaking the bank and also saving the environment. There are thousands of ways to reuse materials. All it takes is a little creativity and inspiration. – Arts & Scraps 9) Use paper to add a splash of color Use handmade papers for privacy windows, lighting fixtures, or lampshades. You can modernize any home by using colorful paper to bring in color. – Art and Happiness Originally published on Redfin.com

Bill shows us what goes into the making of his signature bears

Aquarelle/Watercolor Painting by Joyce Clair