Modernising your home doesn’t have to mean knocking down walls or spending your life savings. In fact, some of the most effective updates are the simplest. Whether you’re giving your forever home a little TLC or prepping a property for sale, there are so many ways to bring your space into the now, without overthinking it or overspending.
If you’ve been wondering how to modernise your home, this guide is packed with smart, stylish ideas to help you refresh any room, work with any floor plan, and elevate your home design, no matter your budget. From clever window choices to thoughtful decor details, it’s all about finding what feels right for you and your dream house.
Begin with windows and doors
Windows and doors are more than just functional features. They frame your world, influence how light moves through your home, and play a big part in your first impression. Updating them is one of the fastest ways to bring your home into a more modern era.
For windows, think about how you want the room to feel. Fixed windows are ideal if you want uninterrupted views and maximum light. Sliding windows are perfect when you need ventilation without taking up space. Awning windows are brilliant in spots like bathrooms and laundries, where airflow is essential but privacy is key. Bi-fold windows? They’re entertainers’ favourites, opening up your kitchen to the outdoors for a seamless, sociable flow.
Doors make just as much of a difference. A bold front door can instantly modernise your facade and set the tone for what’s inside. French or hinged doors are great if you’re after a classic style with a modern finish. Sliding and stacking glass doors help you open up your living room or dining room to the outside, ideal for anyone embracing open floor plans. And if you really want to make an impact, bi-fold doors let you completely erase the line between inside and out.
Add glass to open up the space
Want your home to feel bigger, brighter and more connected? Glass is your best friend. It’s not just for windows and doors. You can use glass in internal partitions, stairwells, balconies and even in alfresco areas to create light, flow and a strong sense of calm.
When choosing your glass, go beyond just clear panels. Toned glass adds a subtle tint that keeps rooms cool and private without sacrificing daylight. Obscure glass, with its frosted or patterned finish, is ideal in places where you want light but not visibility. Annealed glass is the reliable all-rounder—cost-effective, clean and versatile.
Glass is a design power move. It connects spaces visually while keeping them functionally separate. It brings in light, highlights architectural features and adds a modern edge to even the most traditional house design.
Refresh your lighting choices
Lighting is one of the most underrated tools in modern decor. It can set the mood, show off your favourite features, and instantly update a tired space. The right light doesn’t just help you see better—it helps you feel better in your home.
Start with statement lighting in your main spaces. A sculptural pendant above the dining room table can become a true focal point. In the living room, mix overhead lights with softer options like table lamps or wall sconces to create layers and atmosphere.
If you want to take things a step further, smart lighting lets you control brightness, colour and timing with your phone or voice assistant. It’s a simple upgrade that feels futuristic and gives you complete control over your vibe.
Paint your way to a modern look
Paint is pure magic. A few tins and a weekend of work can completely change how your home looks and feels. Whether you’re going for crisp and clean or moody and dramatic, the right colours set the tone.
If you’re into neutral palettes, try warm whites, soft greys or earthy taupes. They create a calm, timeless base you can dress up with modern decor, furniture and accessories. Want to add a little more personality? Go bold with a deep green, navy or terracotta feature wall.
Don’t stop with the walls. Repainting trims, window frames and even interior doors can make everything feel sharper and more intentional. Think of paint as the background music of your home—when it’s right, everything flows.
Upgrade hardware and handles
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make the biggest difference. Old handles, knobs and tapware can drag down your entire look. Swapping them out for something modern is a simple win that instantly makes your space feel more pulled together.
Brushed brass adds a touch of luxury, matte black is perfect for minimalist style, and satin stainless works well in almost any room. Handles on doors, cabinetry and drawers might seem subtle, but they’re the things people touch and notice every day. Choosing the right ones elevates everything around them.
And yes, even your door handles can become part of your home decor story. Choose something that complements your home design, and you’ll be surprised how much better the space feels.
Declutter with purpose
Modern homes are rarely about more. They’re about better. That means stepping back, editing your space, and creating room for the things you truly value. When a room is filled with too much stuff, your eye doesn’t know where to rest—and you lose your focal point.
Start by clearing out what no longer feels useful or beautiful. Opt for furniture that gives you storage without bulk. Keep your surfaces calm and intentional. One or two well-chosen accessories—like ceramic vases or elegant candle holders—can speak louder than a crowded shelf.
Decluttering isn’t about being sterile. It’s about making room for clarity, function and beauty. The result is a home that feels bigger, lighter and easier to live in.
Incorporate smart home technology
Smart technology has moved way beyond novelty. It’s practical, affordable and, most importantly, helps you live better. Whether you’re making your morning routine smoother or your home more secure, tech has a role to play in modern design.
Start simple. A smart speaker or lighting system gives you voice control over your ambience. Add smart locks for convenience and peace of mind. Automated blinds are another sleek upgrade, especially when paired with large glass windows or sliding doors.
These updates might seem small, but they bring a whole new level of comfort to everyday life. They also align with current trends in home design where functionality meets personalisation. Many interior designers are now incorporating smart solutions as standard when helping clients update their homes.
Update window treatments
Window treatments do more than control light. They influence the tone of your rooms and help define your aesthetic. Outdated curtains or mismatched blinds can really throw off your look, so it’s worth giving them some attention.
In living spaces, sheer curtains bring softness and help daylight feel natural, not harsh. In bedrooms, roller blinds offer privacy with a minimalist finish. If you want to go high-tech, motorised blinds feel sleek and are especially handy in hard-to-reach places.
The goal is harmony. Choose colours and textures that tie in with your flooring, wall colour and furniture to keep the overall home decor consistent and clean.
Improve flow with layout changes
Open floor plans continue to be popular, but even in homes with more defined rooms, you can still create a better flow with some smart rearranging. It’s not always about tearing things down. Often, it’s about being intentional with how you use your space.
Look for ways to move through your home more freely. If your furniture blocks natural pathways, try shifting things around. If you’ve got a dead corner in the living room, could it be a reading nook or a spot for plants?
Internal glass doors can keep light moving through different zones. And if you’re lucky enough to have access to the outdoors from your living or dining room, consider stacking or sliding glass doors to enhance the sense of space and connection.
Choose sustainable, modern upgrades
Modern living is also conscious living. As more people prioritise energy savings and eco-conscious choices, sustainable upgrades are becoming a major part of modern decor and house design.
Start with your windows. Energy-rated glazing can improve insulation, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. LED lighting reduces power bills, and low-flow taps and shower heads cut down on water use without compromising comfort.
WA Custom Glass works with local, trusted manufacturers like Jason Windows to deliver quality, sustainable solutions designed for the Western Australian climate. It’s a simple way to modernise while future-proofing your dream house.
You’re closer to your dream home than you think
Modernising your home isn’t about having the biggest budget or following every trend. It’s about making thoughtful changes that improve the way your space looks, feels and works for you. From the layout of your floor plan to the choice of a door handle or a candle holder, every detail matters.
Whether you’re bringing in more light, refining your decor or investing in smarter finishes, WA Custom Glass is here to help make your vision real. Our expert team delivers tailored solutions with AGGA-accredited quality and a 10-Year Replacement Warranty for peace of mind.
Ready to modernise and update your home? Contact us today for your free quote, and let’s make your home feel exactly the way it should: modern, comfortable and entirely yours.
