From Cookie Cutter to Custom- Elevating a Builder Grade Home Through Thoughtful Design
A Feminine New Build Gets a Bold, Tailored Refresh
At Abide Designs, we believe your home should tell your story—not the builder’s. When our client approached us, she had recently moved into a brand-new build. While the house was fresh and functional, it lacked the warmth, character, and unique detail she craved. She was ready to trade “builder basic” for something deeply personal and elevated—and we were ready to bring that vision to life.
What followed was a thoughtful transformation where every corner of her feminine, neutral-toned home was reimagined with intentional design and high-end finishes. This was about more than just style—it was about creating tailored solutions that reflected her lifestyle and aesthetic.
Making an Entrance: Personality in the Entryway
Even in a new build, first impressions count. The original entry was simple and streamlined, but it didn’t capture the welcoming energy our client wanted. We introduced statement lighting, layered textures, and a custom millwork feature wall that immediately added character and depth. Now, the entry sets the tone for the home: elevated, graceful, and full of personality.
ENTRY BEFORE: lacking the personality our client desired to welcome guests into her new home.
ENTRYWAY AFTER: A refined welcome: Textured wallpaper adds depth, while a patterned area rug grounds the space. A woven statement light and bold mirror complete this entryway with effortless elegance.
ENTRYWAY AFTER: A custom wall mirror and artwork grouping add personality and charm to an otherwise blank wall upon entering the new home.
The Custom Bar Built-In: From Blank Wall to Signature Statement
Every home needs a moment that wows—and for our client, it was a custom bar. We transformed an unused wall into a built-in bar area featuring rich wood finishes, antique mirror backsplash, brass accents, and functional storage for wine and glassware. This stunning feature blends elegance with entertainment, making it a favorite space for hosting (and admiring).
BAR WALL BEFORE: This blank wall adjacent to the cozy living room served no real purpose before.
CUSTOM BAR AFTER: A once-empty corner is now the heart of the party—this bar build-in features white oak slab cabinets and floating shelves with warm brass hardware, glowing sconces, and a striking herringbone backsplash that brings both style and function to our client’s entertaining space
STATEMENT COUNTERTOP: A dramatic natural stone countertop transforms this custom addition into a true showstopper, bringing bold elegance to a once understated space
STATEMENT SCONCES: truly became the jewelry of the new space.
LIGHTING COLLECTION: A carefully curated assortment of upgraded fixtures illuminate the opens space beautifully and ties into the design and replaces all builder grade lighting.
The Home Office: Designed for Focus and Flow
Although the home was new, it didn’t include an aesthetically pleasing office—something that became essential with remote work. We created a home office that feels calm, curated, and completely personalized. Wallpapered accent walls, tailored built-ins, and soft feminine touches made it feel both professional and personal—a space where productivity meets beauty.
OFFICE BEFORE: Basic components to get through the work day but lacking personality and joy.
OFFICE AFTER: Bold transformation complete! Statement palm wallpaper with brass backing sets a dramatic tone, complemented by personality-packed artwork and upgraded light fixtures that elevate the entire space.
Who wouldn’t want this as their Zoom background??
Statement lighting for days!!
Powder Bath Upgrade: Small Space, Big Personality
The powder room is where we love to take risks—and this one went from standard to striking. We replaced the generic finishes with bold tile, custom lighting, a unique vanity, and a statement mirror with brushed gold details. The result is a jewel-box experience that surprises every guest who steps inside.
POWDER BATH BEFORE: Builder grade basics
AFTER: Stunning tile wall and fluted floating vanity add the character this space needed for all guests to experience!
AFTER: Statement lighting & vanity mirror adds the pop and warmth this tiny space needed!
From New Build to One-of-a-Kind
This project is a perfect example of how a new build can still benefit from high-end customization. By layering in decorative details, rich materials, and signature design elements, we transformed a blank-slate home into a feminine, functional sanctuary that feels truly one of a kind.
Have a new build that’s begging for personality? We specialize in turning fresh construction into fully customized homes—let’s create yours together.
