Buying a move-in ready home or condo doesn’t mean you’ve given up all the opportunities to customize your space. There are some easy ways to add personality after you move in no matter if you’re working on a budget or have some room to splurge.

Paint exposed ductwork

Spruce up metal tubing by matching it to your wall or ceiling color. It will still provide some texture without standing out as much as the chrome default.

Another option is to treat the ductwork like an accent wall, particularly in smaller spaces, and paint it a bright color. When done correctly, it can be a visually appealing way to add some extra flair to your home.

Whether you choose to hide or highlight the exposed ducts, be sure to use paint made specifically for galvanized metal for the best finished results.

Swap out cabinet hardware

Ditch the basic cabinet knobs and pick out hardware that will grab more attention. It’s best to go large to add some visual appeal. Another way to make the pulls stand out is to choose an accent metal – popular finishes include copper bronze, matte gold, brushed black and warm rose gold.

Brighten up your kitchen

Pick out a statement light fixture to add over your island. You may opt to go with a piece that pulls from the same color palette as your cabinet hardware. You can also switch out the faucet to matches your hardware and lighting for a cohesive look.

Save space with a barn door

In the master bedroom, consider replacing the door to your bathroom with a barn door. Even better, stain it to match the accent color of the kitchen island for a flow throughout your whole home. Last but not least, add a full-size dressing mirror to the door to optimize space.

Go big with small touches

In spaces such as the master bathroom, look into some easy after-the-fact upgrades that can make a big impact. Those include backlit LED mirrors to make getting ready a breeze, funky light fixtures, your favorite style of cabinet hardware and fancy faucets.

Customize your closet

From shoe racks to storage for your hats and handbags, make your closet your own. Stay organized with shelving that best fits your needs and manages your wardrobe.

Dual-purpose rooms

When you have a room that needs to serve multiple purposes, consider a Murphy bed. This space-saving system will quickly convert your home office to a guest bedroom thanks to a hidden wall bed that easily folds down. Modern Murphy bed systems often include shelving or cabinetry for additional storage and the perfect look to match your office setup.

Check out some of these ideas in action in one of the condos at Edison in downtown Des Moines. Jodi Peterman, owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs and a resident at Edison, walked us through her home and pointed out the easy ways to make your move-in ready space feel a bit more like your own style.

Learn more about Edison and available condos for sale at www.EdisonDSM.com. Be sure to stop by every Sunday from 1-4 pm for an open house.

Visit www.ElizabethErinDesigns.com to see how this full-service interior design firm can help bring your style vision to fruition for your residential or commercial space.