The Builder’s Edit: Why We're Starting This Builder Grade Home Upgrade Blog

When we moved into our new home - a bright, blank new build with that unmistakable sterile sheen - I felt an ache to turn it into something warmer, cozier, and more soulfully ours. Not because I wanted to create another picture-perfect renovation blog filled with jaw-dropping “before and afters,” but because I wanted to share something that felt approachable, realistic, and encouraging - especially for busy moms and everyday families who want their homes to feel special without spending every weekend knee-deep in a major remodel.

The truth is, our home is a quick move-in build. That means we didn’t get to choose the finishes, the flooring, or any of the so-called “builder upgrades.” We bought it as-is, at a moment when the builder wanted to clear inventory, which meant we got an incredible deal. For us, this house was the right choice - a blank canvas that gave us the space and neighborhood we wanted, with a price point that allowed us to dream about the future. But walking into it for the first time, I could see what so many families feel when they move into builder-grade homes: greige walls, basic lighting, and a long list of “someday” projects.

And that’s where The Builder’s Edit begins.

I’ve always loved home projects. In our last house, we tackled some big transformations - things that added real value when it came time to sell. Those projects taught me the power of thoughtful upgrades and how much they can impact the way a home feels and functions. They also gave us the financial flexibility to move into the home we’re in today.

But here’s the thing: while I loved those projects, I also realized something important. A lot of the DIY world lives in extremes. On one end, you see small, overly polished decor tips that don’t really change how you feel in your home. On the other, you see massive renovations that require professional-level skills, endless weekends, or budgets that just don’t make sense for most families.

I wanted to create something in the middle. Something approachable. Something real.

The Builder’s Edit isn’t about gutting kitchens or taking out walls. It’s about achievable changes - the kind of updates that make you breathe a little deeper when you walk in the door, or smile when you see a corner of your home finally reflect your style. It’s about embracing imperfection, working with what you have, and remembering that a cozy home is more about how it feels than how it looks on Instagram.

At the heart of Loonstead Living is the belief that your home doesn’t need to be perfect - it just needs to feel like yours. And in a builder-grade home, that’s sometimes the biggest challenge. These houses are designed to appeal to the masses, not to reflect your personality or your family’s story.

That’s why small changes matter so much. A new light fixture, a fresh coat of paint, a thoughtful furniture arrangement - these aren’t just cosmetic tweaks. They’re permission slips to love your home now, without waiting for some big “dream house” moment down the road.

When I talk about The Builder’s Edit, I’m not just talking about design. I’m talking about building a life here. Creating spaces where my kids can pile onto the couch with popcorn on a Friday night. Styling corners that make morning coffee feel like a ritual instead of a rush. Choosing projects that don’t just look good but also support the way we actually live.

One of the biggest reasons I wanted to start this series is because I believe DIY should feel doable. Not overwhelming. Not intimidating.

As a mom, I know how precious time is. Between school drop-offs, meals, work, and everything else on the calendar, no one has 20 spare hours to build custom cabinetry from scratch. What most of us do have are small windows of time - an evening here, a weekend afternoon there - and a desire to make our homes feel more like us.

That’s why The Builder’s Edit will focus on projects that:

• Can be done on a budget.

• Don’t require professional-level skills or tools.

• Make a real impact in the way your home feels.

• Give you confidence to try the next thing.

Think of it as the approachable middle ground of home DIY. If I can do it, so can you.

This house may have started as a quick move-in deal, but it’s also our chance to write a new story. Every change, no matter how small, brings us closer to a home that feels lived in, loved, and deeply ours.

I know firsthand that you don’t need every upgrade on the builder’s list to create a beautiful, cozy home. You just need a little creativity, a willingness to start small, and the belief that your home is worthy of love right now - not years from now.

So here we are - the start of The Builder’s Edit. I’m so excited to share this journey with you: the wins, the inevitable mistakes, the lessons learned, and the cozy corners that emerge along the way.

My hope is that as you follow along, you’ll feel inspired to tackle something in your own home. Not because it’s trendy, not because it’s perfect, but because it makes your space feel more like yours.

Because at the end of the day, home isn’t about upgrades or square footage. It’s about the everyday magic moments - the coffee mugs on the counter, the laughter in the living room, the comfort of walking through the door and thinking, this feels like us.

Welcome to The Builder’s Edit. Let’s make builder-grade feel like home, together.