Whether our homes are old, boring boxes or brand new home builds, sometimes they just don’t come with the charm and character we would like. Especially if you are someone who loves a more cozy, vintage style home or have a new cookie cutter home. We live in a 1950’s split level that was basically a boring, white box when we moved in. We’ve added color, interesting and architectural elements and art and made it all our own. Luckily, there are so many ways we can add those little things that make a house a home and add a little soul and personality to it.
How to Add Character and Charm to a House
How about first taking a peek at a listing photo of the same view of the living room from when we bought our home and first moved in to get things going? Isn’t it wild how different it is? Are you ready to add some touches of character and charm to your own home? The best part is that it doesn’t all have to be added at once. This should evolve as life does.
Add Crown Molding
Crown molding is one of those elements that immediately elevates and changes a room. Thicker crown (over 4″) tends to look a little more vintage and expensive. If wood crown molding isn’t in the budget, give foam crown molding a try.
Add Accents Like Trim to The Walls and Built Ins
Elevating the walls with trim also really creates interest. Whether it’s Board and Batten, Beadboard or even Picture Frame molding, adding the architectural element of trim immediately creates interest to the eye.
Board and batten and wainscoting can be inexpensive to install and give a room a modern yet classically vintage feel.
Add storage with a built in in an unused area of space in place of a closet, especially in smaller rooms.
Also adding a built in for a weird open area like the cabinet above makes a useful space out of an awkward area and creates interest. With the addition of the library ladder it creates an even more useful way to use the space and a bit of vintage charm.
Bring in Architectural Elements
Adding elements such as corbels in corners or adding them to cabinets is a way to create interest in a really inexpensive way. it’s one of my favorite ways to bring in some charm and personality.
A transom is another item found in older homes that not only create interest, but add light. This one was added to create a divider for an open space between two rooms, but keep the light.
Stationary french doors create a room divide, but maintain the light.
Adding wallpaper and trim also adds character without making huge renovations.
Open shelving and vintage furniture add visual interest and can create just as much storage as traditional cabinetry.
Also adding antique furniture and using it in unexpected ways can also make a huge difference and add a ton more character. Changing out the old dated cabinet hardware can give it a huge lift. Don’t be afraid to being in vintage or antique furniture pieces even in modern homes.
How about adding just some wood elements such as this simple divider shown at the far end of the room? It adds some much needed wall space to place furniture and give a bit of interest. The art shelf adds a layer of color and a mood to the dark walls and a fun vibe to the entire space.
In a bathroom, honeycomb floor tile and subway wall tile add character. Bathroom tiles can be classic and vintage at the same time.
While bathrooms can look amazing with real vintage pieces, there are many new pieces now that look vintage and can be easier to find common sizes, of vanities especially for a really old house with limited space or a new construction home.
Add Vintage-Inspired Lighting
By adding rewired vintage lighting or even new lighting that seems old adds charm and style.
Adding vintage inspired light fixtures over open shelves has a casual feel and adds much needed light, plus additional warmth to the lighting.
A vintage chandelier can create a focal point in a kitchen and new hardware can update old kitchen cabinets.
Add a Faux Fireplace
While many older historic homes have gorgeous fireplaces, a new build may not have a fireplace. Adding something as simple as a faux fireplace can add architectural interest, can change the feel of the entire room, add much character, and add a place to hang stockings at Christmas!
Look Up and Add a Ceiling Medallion
Ceiling medallions can be a great way to add interest around a chandelier whether it’s an old or newer home. This can also close a gap when a lighting plate doesn’t quite cover the hole on a chandelier base. They add interest to a boring hallway ceiling as well. See this post for how to age a new ceiling medallion to look old.
Add a Decorating Quirk
What is a quirk you might ask? A quirk is something that adds a little touch like old homes used to have or something unexpected. Older homes had fun little quirks like old ironing board cabinets or a phone nooks. Today we don’t generally see those things, so we can add in quirk and personality through our decorating choices. This is a great option and easy fix if you live somewhere such as a rental and can’t make any structural changes.
Add a living plant wall
Add some fun to the wall with something unexpected like faux fruit art plates.
Use old windows in displays behind decor.
Add hanging plants and greenery (even if they are faux!).
Use vintage signs to add character and pick up small brass plates at flea markets and antique stores to add character to doors.
Display a collection such as album covers or vintage art.
Add layers of decor for interest such as these vintage oil paintings layered on each other.
There are so many ways to add charm and character to a home of any age, from simple decor items to larger changes. The biggest thing is to not be afraid to take small risks and enjoy making your house a home that feels like you.
