I want to talk a little bit about what makes a home have character. We are very lucky in our design practice to work with clients who are building custom homes and have the opportunity to add character to their homes during the design and build process. However, not everyone can be that lucky. Maybe you have a nondescript ranch, a 70’s split level, or a builder grade home. That doesn’t mean that you can’t come back in and add character after a home has already built. Today I want to talk about how to add character to your home in five really simple steps.
HOW TO ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR HOME IN 5 EASY STEPS
STEP 1: ADD MILLWORK TO YOUR HOME
Millwork, or trim, is the single best way to add instant character to the home. Whether that is wainscoting on your walls, window and door casings, crown molding or trim detail to your ceiling, or custom baseboards, nothing says character like trimwork. I think a lot of people assume that trim work is only good in super traditional homes, but they are definitely wrong. Look at the amazing use of trim work in a very modern, minimalist bedroom. Amazing!
STEP 2: SWITCH OUT YOUR DOORS
Nothing screams dated and builder grade quite like slab hollow core doors. Not only are these completely useless in blocking out any kind of sound, but they are also completely lacking in style. If you can not afford to switch out all your doors at once, then we always suggest starting with doors that face public spaces or hallways and then replace doors to closets and ensuite bathrooms. If you don’t have the budget to replace any of your doors, you can always buy inexpensive moulding and add that to your doors to create character for very little money.
STEP 3: UPGRADE YOUR LIGHTING
People can typically spot builder grade lighting from a distance. You often hear people say that lighting is like jewelry for a room and it is so true. Nothing makes a room look more expensive and custom than a beautiful statement light.
STEP 5: SWITCH OUT THE HARDWARE
This is such an easy and relatively inexpensive fix for a home, but can really do wonders to make the space unique. Oh and here is a little something to really blow you mind, all your hard ware does not have to match. WHAT! ?! I know, your guest bathroom can be different from your kitchen, which is different from your master bathroom. M I N D B L O W N!!!
STEP 5: MIX VINTAGE PIECES OF FURNITURE
Character does not always have to be something that is built into a home. Character can also be added by the types of furnishing you choose for your home. When you add in select antique or vintage finds with more modern pieces of furniture it gives a home life and tell a story about the owners.
