8 Easy Ways To Give Your Home Character 

Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to stamp your unique style or a tenant hoping to make your home feel more like your own, adding a few character touches will make your space feel more personal and homely.

Whatever your reason, the good news is that adding character to your home can be an exciting and relatively cheap adventure. From vintage rocking chairs for the ultimate master bedroom statement piece, to decorative wallpaper and charm-filled lighting upgrades, there’s plenty of fun ways you can achieve that eclectic feel without breaking the budget.

#1 – Update Lighting

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when styling their home is underestimating the importance of proper lighting. It can instantly transform the atmosphere of a room and allow you to turn areas into multi-functional spaces. It is also one of the easiest ways to give your space more character. 

Unique lighting features add ample character and personality to a room. Standard overhead lights can feel dull and uninspiring, while a statement chandelier or pendant light will instantly become a showstopper. Strategically placed lamps can create an intimate and homely feel, while modern track lighting is chic and stylish. Whatever you choose, be sure to install a dimmer for maximum flexibility. 

#2 – Upgrade Doors

If you have hollow interior doors, consider upgrading them to solid versions. They have a much higher aesthetic appeal, contain brilliant insulating properties to regulate noise around your home and can withstand the bumps and bashes of everyday living far better than hollow doors. 

If you would prefer to avoid changing the entire door, stick to switching out the hardware. You can install sleek and modern handles or embrace a vintage flair with thrifted finds. This is a cheap and easy way to give your home a character makeover. 

#3 – Removable Wallpaper

Forget the suffocating floral wallpaper you may have seen in your grandparent’s home growing up. The world of wallpaper has improved significantly, and removable wallpaper is one of the best ways to add eye-catching colour and designs to any room, from the bathroom to the dining room, living room and your master bedroom. 

You can use it to create a statement wall or add colour to an otherwise underwhelming bathroom or stairway. However, it is essential to remember that if you choose to use wallpaper as a large-scale design feature, you need to consider how the design will look as a repetitive pattern. 

#4 – Think Vintage

An elegant and sophisticated way to add character to your home is by decorating with antique furniture and vintage decor finds. When you add furniture that has lived another life, it brings its own story and unmatched character that can’t be duplicated. 

Shopping for vintage or antique furniture and decor can quickly become pretty expensive, so checking out local estate sales, flea markets, social media marketplaces, and secondhand stores will give you plenty of options at reasonable prices. 

#5 – Define Your Entrance Hall

A common feature of older, character-filled homes is a designated halfway or foyer. It is the first thing anyone sees as they enter and is an important space to set the tone of your home, define your style and welcome your guests. Regardless of size, by making the right styling choices, you can make a memorable impact. 

However, it’s important keep some functionality of the entrance hall based on your home’s needs. If you need storage space for shoes, coats and bags, this is the ideal place to inject some character via creative storage spaces such as vintage trunks, and installing eclectic clothing hooks and rails, mirrors and sideboards. 

#6 – A Splash of Paint

When thinking of ways to add character to your home, one of the first ideas you may have is to paint. For homeowners and renters who are able to make this change, it is a great way to add pops of colour and create a statement wall. 

The ideal colour for your home is a personal choice which depends on your style choices and preferences. Always experiment with a few different shades before committing to a colour though, as paint will look very different online or in the store compared to your home. 

#7 – Cabinet Hardware Refresh

One of the easiest and quickest ways you can update your kitchen and give it a character vibe is by changing the hardware on cabinets and drawers. It’s relatively cheap and can be completed in one afternoon, making it one of the best things you can do to add new life to your kitchen. 

What you choose of course depends on the styling you want to achieve, but with polished chrome, antique copper, flat black and brushed bronze just a few of the many options available, you won’t be short of variety. 

#8 – Ornate Trim & Mouldings

Adding a beautifully ornate trim or moulding to your walls and ceilings will add elegance to any room in your home, giving a feeling of understated yet impactful character. This project will also add value to your property and increase your resale price. 

There are many different types of moulding and trim on the market, so shop around and experiment with a few types before committing. More traditional stylings will be best suited with crown mouldings, while modern homes can be complemented with angular features. 

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