If you’ve ever walked into a builder-grade home and thought, “This could be so good if it just had a little... something,” you’re not alone. The space is fine. The finishes are neutral. But it often lacks soul.
That’s exactly why we loved stumbling across @ragsxruby’s TikTok where she shares simple, thoughtful ways to elevate a builder-grade home. Nothing she mentions is outrageously expensive. Nothing feels out of reach. It’s all about small swaps that add personality and warmth—so your home actually feels like you live there.
Here are a few of her favorite changes that made us nod along, and how we think you can run with them.
Start with the lighting
Ruby points out something most of us don’t realize until it’s too late—bright white bulbs can make a room feel cold. Even the nicest furniture feels a little off under that blue-ish cast.
Her tip? Change the bulbs. Go for warm white lighting and consider swapping overhead fixtures with something softer or more sculptural. Even changing the shade on a lamp can make a room feel different. It’s the kind of fix you can do in an afternoon, and it will absolutely change the way you feel in your space.
Choose a softer paint color
Builder-grade paint is often that harsh contractor white—bright, stark, and totally unforgiving. Ruby recommends Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams, and it’s easy to see why. It’s creamy without being yellow, soft without being gray. It creates this quiet backdrop that lets everything else shine.
If you’re trying to pick the right wall color to complement natural window shades, soft neutrals like Alabaster allow texture and light to take center stage.
Don’t underestimate hardware
Ruby brings up a great point about hardware. Changing the knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets, or swapping the door handles throughout the house, instantly gives things a more custom feel.
And you don’t have to break the bank. Stores like Rejuvenation or even Amazon have beautiful options that can completely change the look of a space. consider choosing finishes that complement the hardware for a cohesive feel.
Save the best for last: the windows
Of all Ruby’s suggestions, the one closest to our hearts is updating the window treatments. Because it’s truly transformative.
She talks about long, drapey curtains that soften a room. Roman shades that add dimension without being fussy. Wood blinds and shutters for that elevated, timeless look.
Window coverings are often overlooked, but they’re the finishing layer that pulls everything together. They frame your space, control the light, and even help with temperature. In a place like Texas, insulated cellular shades or solar options can keep your rooms cooler and your energy bills lower—without sacrificing style.
So whether it’s linen panels that puddle slightly at the floor or woven Romans that bring in natural texture, investing in your windows will do more than you think. The room will feel calmer. More finished. More yours.
Let’s bring it all together
None of these changes require a remodel. You don’t need to tear out a wall or budget for a renovation. But by following Ruby’s lead—and making the choices that feel right for your home—you can create a space that feels intentional, not generic.
If window treatments are where you’d like to begin, Bumble Bee Blinds is here to help. We offer free in-home consultations so you can explore options in your own space, with expert help and custom solutions.
Ready to upgrade your builder-grade home? Let’s chat.