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F U R N I T U R E E D I T I O N Refined Spaces Elegant, Budget-Friendly Upgrades for Every Room BY PENNY LARES · STANTON REALTY p e n n y l a r e s r e a l t o r . c o m
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M A B O U T M E Hi, I'm Penny Lares I'm a Realtor with Stanton Realty hereinElPaso, Texas.Realestate is more than a career for me — it's a genuine passion for helping people fall in love with where they live, whether that's the home they already have or the one they're about to buy. Over the years I've learned that the smallest updates can make the biggest difference in how a home feels and shows. This guide is a collection of my favorite furniture and decor DIY projects — the same simple, elegant upgrades I recommend to my clients before they list, and the ones I love bringing into my own home. Whether you're preparing to sell, settling into a new house, or simply ready for a refresh, I hope these six ideas inspire you to create a home that feels beautifully, unmistakably yours.
W H A T ' S I N S I D E Table of Contents 01 02 03 04 05 06 DIY KitchenFauxTileBacksplash How to Make a Statement Headboard Repurposing Flea Market Furniture Transform Your Bathroom with Paint Faux Stairwell Trim How-To Color Block Your Apartment Walls P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R O N E DIY Kitchen Faux Tile Backsplash Abacksplash isone of the fastest ways tomodernizea kitchenwithout touching a singlewall stud,andit's consistently one of the top upgrades buyers notice on a first showing. Peel-and-stick marble or subway-style tile sheets deliver a designer look in an afternoon, with no grout, no mess, and no contractor required. Start by cleaning and fully degreasing the wall so the adhesive bonds properly. Measure your space and dry- fit your sheets before committing, working from the most visible corner outward. Use a level line as your guide, press each sheet firmly with a smoothing tool to remove air bubbles, and trim carefully around outlets with a sharp utility knife. YOU'LL NEED Peel-and-sticktile sheets · level · smoothing tool · utility knife · measuring tape · degreasing cleaner Tip: A soft cream marble pattern photographs beautifully in listing photos and appeals to the widest range of buyers. 01
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R T W O How to Make a Statement Headboard Acustom upholstered headboardinstantly elevates abedroom, and buildingyour own means you control the size, fabric, and finish. Cut plywood to your desired shape, then layer high-density foam and a soft batting on top for a plush, tailored silhouette. Wrap your chosen upholstery fabric tightly around the padded board, stapling it securely along the back edges as you go. For an extra touch of luxury, add gold or antique-brass nailhead trim around the perimeter, or tuft the center for a classic Chesterfield feel. Mount the finished piece to the wall studs with a French cleat for a secure, floating look. YOU'LL NEED Plywoodboard · high-density foam · batting · upholstery fabric · staple gun · nailhead trim · French cleat mount Tip: Choose a performance fabric in a soft neutral or blush tone so the piece stays timeless through future redesigns. 02
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R T H R E E Repurposing Flea Market Furniture Some ofthemostbeautifulpieces in ahomearetheoneswithastory.Whenshoppingfleamarkets andestate sales, look past dated finishes and focus on the bones: solid wood construction, dovetail joints, and sturdy hardware are signs of a piece worth saving. Once home, inspect the piece for structural issues and tighten any loose joints. Sand lightly, clean thoroughly, and apply a quality primer suited to the material. Paint in a fresh, on-trend color — chalk paint is especially forgiving for beginners — then swap in updated brass or gold hardware. Finish with a coat of wax or clear poly topcoat to protect your work for years to come. YOU'LL NEED Sandpaper · primer · paint or chalk paint · new drawer pulls · wax or poly topcoat · screwdriver Tip: A repainted dresser or nightstand makes a wonderful, budget-friendly entry table for a home you're preparing to list. 03
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R F O U R Transform Your Bathroom with Paint Paintis the singlemost cost-effective way to transformabathroom, andthe rightcolorcan makeasmall space feel like a spa. Choose a paint formulated for high-moisture rooms in a satin or semi-gloss, mold-resistant finish so your work holds up beautifully over time. Prep is everything: clean the walls thoroughly, patch any imperfections, and tape off trim and fixtures with painter's tape. Apply two thin, even coats rather than one heavy one for the smoothest finish. For extra dimension, consider pairing your new wall color with painted wainscoting or a picture-frame molding detail below the chair rail. YOU'LL NEED Moisture-resistant satin or semi-gloss paint · painter's tape · roller and brush · spackle · sanding sponge Tip: Soft dusty rose, sage green, and warm greige are all beautiful, on-trend choices that read as move-in-ready to buyers. 04
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R F I V E Faux Stairwell Trim How-To Addingtrim detailtoaplainstairwellbrings an instant architecturalupgrade thatfeelscustom-built, even on a DIY budget. Lightweight MDF trim boards are easy to cut, install, and paint, making this a weekend-friendly project. Carefully measure each riser and stringer, then cut your trim pieces to match the pitch of the stairs. Attach with adhesive and finish nails, caulk every seam for a seamless, factory-built look, and fill nail holes with wood filler. Sand smooth once dry, then paint to match your existing trim for a cohesive, polished finish top to bottom. YOU'LL NEED MDFtrimboards · wood filler · caulk · adhesive · finish nails · paint · miter saw Tip: A crisp cream or white trim against a warm stair color creates timeless contrast that photographs beautifully. 05
P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M C H A P T E R S I X Color Block Your Apartment Walls Color blocking isarenter-andhomeowner-friendly wayto addpersonalityand dimension to a roomwithout a full repaint. Choose two complementary tones — a soft terracotta paired with warm cream is a favorite — and decide on your block placement, whether a horizontal line, a diagonal sweep, or a framed rectangle behind the bed or sofa. Paint your base color first and let it dry completely. Measure and tape off your second block with painter's tape, pressing every edge firmly to prevent bleed. Apply your second color, and for the crispest line, remove the tape at a 45-degree angle while the paint is still slightly wet. YOU'LL NEED Twocoordinating paint colors · painter's tape · level · pencil · roller and angled brush Tip: Keep the accent block behind furniture so the look stays flexible and low-commitment for renters. 06
Want to Learn More? From more DIYinspiration toexpert guidance onbuying orsellingyourhome intheEl Paso area, I'd love tohelpyoutake thenext step. Reachout any time forpersonalized advice, a home valuation, or a chat about your next project. S I G N U P F O R M O R E T I P S P E N N Y L A R E S R E A L T O R . C O M · Y O U T U B E @ P E N N Y L A R E S 2 0 4 3