11 Affordable Ways to Add Character to Your Home
The thing that bothers me most about my house is its cookie cutter design. Every home in my development is almost identical, except for a few small details. And there aren’t any outstanding features. No vaulted ceiling or transoms over the doors, no original fireplaces or large windows, just boxy rooms with no character. Which is, in part, what sparked my interest in interior design. I am fortunate enough to have a house, and I’m determined to transform it from boring cookie cutter to something special. And have fun while doing so!
That being said, there are so may affordable ways to add character to your home. Today I’ve rounded up some (mostly) easy and budget friendly ways to do just that!
Add a faux brick wall. They sell brick paneling at Home Depot, or you can get the look with wallpaper.
Add picture frame molding the easy way via Sand and Sisal.
Add cabinet feet to the bottom of your cabinets. This is still on my to-do list from my kitchen makeover earlier this year.
Simply adding corbels to kitchen cabinets is an easy way to add some character quickly.
Try faux wood beams, which are much easier and more affordable than trying to find the real thing and just as impressive.
One day I will add this type of amazing wall molding to a room somewhere.
You probably know by now, I’m a fan of reclaimed wood, and I love how it was implemented onto this wall. Beautiful space!
Sometimes the littlest things can have the biggest impact, trying using vintage door knobs in place of your every day knobs.
Switch out existing doors for an antique door for instant character.
Add rustic shutters, or other weathered items to your wall.
Adding a piece or two of antique furniture is a really easy and effective way to add some instant character to your home. Just don’t go crazy with a room full of antiques, that just looks creepy.
I think the majority of people have homes without much character or stand-out features so I’m sure many of you can relate. These are just a few suggestions on how to add character to your home, but you are only limited by your imagination and desire to do so!
Nice ideas. I particularly like the white brick wall. I also like the room with the wood beams on ceiling. The walls in that room are cool too.
Thanks Marilynn!
As someone who also lives in a boxy, cookie-cutter house, I hear you! Love the ideas you rounded up.
I love every single one of these ideas!
I’ve done the wall moulding idea and it’s stunning!
Is it on your blog, Ariel? I’d love to see it!
I love every one of these tips! We’ve been talking about doing a faux brick treatment somewhere in our house – I love the look!
I lov the feet on the kitchen cabinets and the corbels! Such great ideas. Pinned!
I love these ideas! living in a newer build typically means less character, so I’m always looking for ways to build on the charm of my home.
I love these doors!!! Where can I find some like them?
love the shutter wall
I am trying to replace solid wood, narrow double doors with glass panes doors but cannot find anywhere!! Love your double doors!!
Thank you!
oh my goodness your ideas are exactly what I want for my home. Such talent! Love your house and use of inexpensive ways to make changes to a house. Pinning all and signed up for getting more info from you! Great that I found your blog!!
Thank you so much, Lynn!!
I came looking for ideas and I find that I have already done every single thing shown in this article already and more. Hahaha, My house looks like a 200-year-old tavern and I love it. Some of what I have done that isn’t shown here is tongue and groove solid wood ceilings with coffered beams, slate and wood webbed floors, brick veneer stairwell, ten by ten foot stained glass ceiling mural, a rustic stone and wood bathroom and a lot more. I have done this over the past year by myself and figure I am more than halfway done.
Wow, it sounds amazing!