How HGTV's Jenn Todryk Uses Layers To Build A Multidimensional Room From Scratch

If you're a fan of "No Demo Reno" on HGTV, you know how well host Jenn Todryk puts together beautiful rooms building on what's there rather than completely remodeling. She often takes a plain room with meager features and transforms it into a well-appointed gem of a space using layers. That is, adding design elements one by one until the room looks and feels complete.

While Todryk is clearly a pro at tackling jobs like this, that doesn't mean you can't try her layering technique on your own, at your own pace, and within your budget and skill set. With some simple guidance, adding layers can work just as well for the unadorned box of a room in your home as it does for her clients on the show.

As you get started, remember that there's no shame in stealing a few ideas from your favorite interior designers, influencers, and décor magazines. After all, inspiring viewers and readers is why those resources exist in the first place. Explore ways to layer with trim, paint, and wallpaper first and continue with finishing touches like lighting, furniture, and decorative accessories.

One of the tricks Jenn Todryk uses to dress up plain rooms is adding wall trim. It imparts an air of sophistication, and the relative cost to add it is low considering the bang for the buck. When you're contemplating adding this type of decorative touch, keep in mind that prefab picture frame molding is available at your local home improvement warehouse to make it even more simple. If you're wanting something even fancier, you can consider wainscoting in which the entire bottom section of a wall is covered with paneling. Don't forget chair rail molding, a popular choice for dining rooms that often divides two paint colors. Adding an additional strip of decorative molding to baseboards or dressing up ceilings with crown molding are also options to consider.

Updating paint and/or wallpaper is another way to make a room feel luxurious without spending a ton of cash. Paint, of course, is more economical than wallpaper. However, more and more, pro decorators are turning to wallpaper to add texture and exciting patterns to accent walls. From bedrooms to powder rooms, it's worth exploring how bold paint colors and wallpaper can up your game while decorating in layers.

Once you have your choice of molding in place and add paint and wallpaper to your liking, you can get down to selecting the right lighting, furniture, and accessories for your layered room. One thing Jenn Todryk often recommends is swapping lackluster lighting for an awe-inspiring fixture or chandelier. You may have to stretch your budget a bit in this area, but the result can be well worth the effort.

Furniture is another decorating layer where you can select items that make a big impact on the overall look of your room. If you don't have the budget to buy everything new, consider new chairs for an existing dining table or adding an accent chair in a statement-making shape or color to a living room. Creative headboards can also add interesting touches to bedrooms. Don't forget the power of thrift stores and estate sale finds to ease spending and for unique items you won't find shopping retail.

Whether you're using your existing furniture or buying new, decorative accessories are the finishing layer to a freshly updated room. New throw pillows, linens, expressive artwork, mirrors, and plants not only fill space, but also add texture, color, and personality to a room. Don't forget that a new rug can tie together color schemes as well. If thinking about doing all these decorating layers at once seems overwhelming, don't worry. You can easily spread them out as your time and budget dictate.