10 Ways to Add Character to a New Home
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If you’re building a new home or even renovating an old one, be sure to add a little character wherever you can! These tips and tricks will help you create a home with character and historic charm.
I think there’s a misconception that everything should match when you’re building or renovating a house.
It seems that so many buyers tend to sit back and let their builders choose their finishes. However, chances are that those builders have very little design knowledge and are more focused on building that decorating.
Luckily, there are so many ways to infuse a little character into your new build, or even a dated home that you’re renovating!
How to Add Character to a New Home
I love sharing ideas for improving your home! We’ve renovated many homes during the last 15+ years, and I am always thrilled to pass along the knowledge we’ve gained along the way.
Check out a few of these reader-favorite posts filled with tips and tricks for DIY and renovations:
- 10 Easy Steps to Create an Outdoor Living Room
- 10 Ideas to Update a Room on a Budget
- 10 Quick and Easy Home Improvement Ideas
- Where to Invest in Your Home for the Best Return
- 10 Ways to Make an Old Home Feel New
- 20 Easy DIY Wall Art Ideas
- 5 Designer Secrets to Decorate a Room
- 7 Ways to Add Light to a Room
- How to Create a Luxury Home for Less
Creating Homes With Character
Chris and I feel like we can drive down a street and point out a flip in a heartbeat. It’s all the same – masculine colors, questionable choices, but scientifically calculated for minimal investment with maximum return.
It doesn’t have to be that way. When I toured an incredible Kansas City show home several years ago, I walked away thinking about how timeless decorating can (and should!) be.
Don’t miss that 100+ year old home tour to see what I mean- there are great ideas to implement in your own home, whether new or old!
So how do you make a new home feel “old,” charming and warm? Here are 10 ways to add character to a new home!
How to Add Character to a New Home
If you're building a new home or even renovating an old one, be sure to add a little character wherever you can! Your contractor might prefer to stick with what they know best, but that isn't necessarily the way to get a home you'll love!
These tips and tricks will help you create a new home that oozes character and historic charm.
What style is your home? Colonial, Cape Cod, Craftsman, Tudor, Ranch? (You can find a list of styles on This Old House).
Find what defines that style and gives it charm in a historic way, and add a few hints of that look around your home.
I have a special place in my heart for beautiful millwork. A lot of heart and soul goes into great millwork and it can add a lot of warmth to a home.
It's all in the details! Learn about how we added shadow box trim to our breakfast room to give it a more refined, special feeling.
Jeff Lewis mentioned a few years ago on "Flipping Out" that he rarely carries the same hardware throughout the home, usually maintaining the same hardware in one room.
It's intriguing to see what lies beyond the next door rather than anticipating more of the same. Read up on our brass and glass door knobs for more details on how hardware can transform a room!
So often new builds will all have the same vanities from one bathroom to the next.
Rather than update your vanity, you can reface it by sanding, painting, or with adding new hardware.
Collect beautiful vintage and antique lights and integrate them with new fixtures. I promise, you won't miss the "boob" lights your builder wanted to put in.
Unfortunately my friends alerted me to their nickname and now that's all I can think about. I must remove them all from our home - immediately!
Make a room feel taller by installing curtain rods close to the ceiling.
This is my favorite source on how to hang drapes. You won't believe some of these tricks for taking your window treatments to the next level!
Indoors or out, shutters add so much charm and character to a home!
Builder's grade hollow core doors don't block sound and don't add any detail or charm.
Consider adding a vintage door for a special focal point in your home! It will add so much character and might even be less expensive than new!
I have to be honest, I adore wallpaper, but it can be hard to commit, right? However, whenever we've added wallpaper to a space it completely transforms it!
If you're bold, go for it! It's adds so much interest and I can live vicariously through you!
Stairs are generally found at the entrance, so removing the carpet from your stairs, revealing the treads and risers, can make a significant impact.
It completely transformed the foyer of our old home and I LOVE that we've been able to do the same here in St. Louis!
Making a new home feel “old” is really about adding character, charm and even a little “quirkiness” to a home. It gives a home warmth and a lot of depth.
What’s your favorite way to add character to a new home?
More Paint Tips
- Painting Vinyl and Linoleum Floors
- How to Paint Ceramic Tile
- Painting Trim White
- How to Paint Concrete Floors
- Painting Interior Doors
- Furniture Paint
- Painting Baseboards
Andrea Williams says
I am new to your web page and love everything so far. I am a renter in a townhome so I am limited to my decorations.
Trina says
Do you give recommendations on changing up the exterior of a house?
Julie says
Several! Window planters, paint, lighting, a new mailbox, landscaping, furnishings, add charm with a tree swing, copper gutters, new shutters – just follow the links and enjoy!
Kara says
I just love how you decorate! How do you choose what colors to throw in with your neutrals. I love neutrals but have a difficult time making them look interesting with adding more flare. Also do you have rules on photo gallery walls. I like things simple but have a white sofa with a large wall above it and don’t know what to do? Any suggestions? Thank you for all your writing! I love it!
Julie says
I add in my favorites – usually blue, green or mustard yellow. Plants add a lot as well. Above a sofa I prefer one significant piece of artwork or a standout mirror.
ardith says
I agree with Pamela, plus I love the quality and beauty of the examples you shared. Cheers, Ardith
Pamela says
Great tips.