10 Ways to Add Character to Your Home

From architectural details to thoughtful decor, explore 10 effortless ways to add character to your home and create a space you love.

Although cookies are delicious, “cookie cutter” is not the most glamorous description for your home. Instead, we all long for personality and character in our homes. Fortunately, whether your home is old or a new build, adding character is possible.

Have you ever wondered how to add character to your home? Today I have 10 ideas for you. They range from conceptual to practical. From construction to decorating. In short, there’s something for everyone, regardless of how confident you feel about diy projects and interior design.

So if you have a new construction home that needs some personality and elegance… Or you have an old, dated home like this 80’s home we transformed… Or if you have a more historic home and would simply like to add some class and style, I hope you find this helpful!

FAQs

Before I share my 10 ideas, here are a few FAQs regarding adding character to your home:

Q: Can I add character to my rental home without making permanent changes?
Absolutely! 6 of my 10 suggestions can be done without any construction. Plus, with fun products like peel-and-stick wallpaper and damage free 3M strips, renter-friendly options are plentiful!

Q: What is the most budget-friendly way to add character?
I actually didn’t include paint on my list below, but paint is such an affordable way to update a space! See some of my favorite paint colors here. Also, upgrading hardware can be done affordably. Plus, shopping for vintage pieces at thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start not matter how large or small your budget.

Q: Can I mix modern and vintage elements in my home?
I highly recommend it! See tip 10 below.

Q: Do I need to follow a specific design style to add character?
Definitely not. Character is about individuality, not trends, and works with any style when done thoughtfully.

How to Add Character to Your Home:

1. Discover Your Home’s Style

Start by identifying the architecture or era of your home. Whether it’s a mid-century modern, a craftsman bungalow, or a cookie-cutter suburban house, work with it instead of against it. Here are some excellent resources for recognizing the style of your home (both with pictures!):

• House Style Guide to the American Home
• 23 Popular American House Styles

Once you’ve identified your home style, use Pinterest to gather images in that style that you like. Leaning into your home’s original design will help the space to feel cohesive and intentional.

2. Add Architectural Trim

This is my very favorite tip: custom millwork and molding elevates any space! But step 1 is important because it helps you to identify which kind of trim will feel right in your home. Once you know your home style, you can add molding, wainscoting, beadboard, board and batten, or shiplap.

See all my favorite DIY trim and wall treatment ideas here.

If you have textured walls and are worried about how that would look with trim, then be sure to check out this tutorial on how to smooth textured walls.

Adding trim can enhance walls, ceilings, doors, or even cabinetry. See how I added trim to these flat front cabinets here. The opportunities are endless!

3. Upgrade Doors

Once you’ve identified your home style, you can search for door styles that fit that architecture. Upgrading front doors, back doors, and interior doors can make a world of difference to your space. Plus, beautiful doors can be made even more beautiful with paint!

4. Incorporate Real Wood

Real wood brings warmth and texture to any space. Even if wood floors or cabinets are not an option, bring in some wood furniture. It will make any room feel more elegant and more lived in at the same time.

Tip: find out how to get a natural, raw wood look on furniture here.

Even if painted cabinets are your preference, consider how much character is added with wood accents.

5. Add Interesting Lighting

Chandeliers and sconces can bring instant character to a space.

But you don’t necessarily have to hire an electrician to upgrade your light fixtures. Lamps and candles can also create ambiance and give your home a cozy mood. Layering lighting is key to a high-end feel.

6. Update Hardware

Cabinet knobs and pulls, door knobs, brackets for open shelving, and more. These are all simple ways to update the feel of your home.

Find out how to replace cabinet hardware here.

Not willing to commit to just one new hardware finish? Mix unlacquered brass with matte black. Or use polished nickel fixtures with brushed brass pulls. Get all tips for mixing metals here.

I think this creates depth and elegance in your home.

7. Install Window Treatments

Not only are window treatments important for privacy and light control, they are an easy way to add character and personality to your home. You can use dramatic floor-to-ceiling drapes.

Or subtle roman shades.

Layering textures and materials in window treatments can bring warmth and coziness to your space.

8. Create Built-Ins or Faux Built-Ins

Built-ins elevate the look of a home while providing useful storage and function. Win win! Here are a few built-in suggestions.

If structural changes aren’t an option, then you can sometimes mimic the look of built-ins with large scale furniture. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to shop for that!

Get my tips for finding furniture on FB Marketplace here.

9. Layer Rugs and Textiles

No matter your flooring, layering rugs helps bring pattern, texture, and warmth to your space. Whether you’re protecting hardwoods, providing cushion and traction in a bathroom, or covering up old carpet, I recommend area rugs just about everywhere.

See all my favorite places to buy affordable vintage rugs here.

And the same colors and textures and patterns can be brought in with throw pillows, linens, blankets, and even curtains. Textiles simply add dimension and comfort to your space.

10. Incorporate Vintage or Antique Pieces

My final suggestion for adding character to your home is to incorporate pieces with history. Whether its antique artwork, a vintage china cabinet, or a family heirloom coffee table, having aged pieces elevates your entire space.

Blending old with new creates a vintage modern balance that is instantly more interesting than when everything matches. Especially if you have a newer home. Whether its family heirlooms, FB marketplace purchases, or flea market finds, those pieces bring character to your space.

Conclusion

I hope you found these tips helpful! Small changes can make a big impact, giving your home personality and warmth. If this list feels overwhelming, just pick one area to start with. And take your time with the others. Home takes time… and a curated home even more.