15 ways to add classic character to your home
Lucy wrote and said, “…I love how much you’ve done to your home and your clients’ houses too. If you could make a list, what would you recommend to add some character? I feel like our house has some builder’s-grade areas that we’d like to get rid of, and I can use any recommendations you might have to achieve more of a timeless look. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me!…”
Of course Lucy! If you have been following for a while, then you know that we took our home from 1650 square feet to over 3700. We’re no strangers to adding on, as well as adding character to our home. Our clients have different tastes, and I would say that ours is, personally, probably more eclectic. But across the board, our one goal from modern to boho, no matter what our clients prefer, is that of a look no one will tire of. The key to that is making classic choices mixed in with whatever style, so that it withstands the tests of time and ages well. So, I made a top 15 list! In no particular order: 15 ways to add classic character to your home!
1. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Built-ins
Honestly, there was nowhere to go in our own basement renovation, but up. Sometimes I still can’t believe this is a before and after. Adding built-ins not only adds character, but value to our home. There is something about a solid built-in situation that adds so much character and cozy appeal… to any situation.
Also see: This before and after. Built-ins can create an instant gathering space and provide smart storage, too. {More on that below.} See more of this garage conversion here. More of a cabinet combo but still something highly functional that adds so much interest. Those challenging spaces are our favorite!
2. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: The Drop Zone
The number one request from all of our clients at some point or another? The drop zone. Every house wants it. Few have it. If you can carve out an area within your home to add a drop zone of some kind, to quell the crazy, major bonus points. To do it in style, is even better.
We loved adding it to this hallway of the Blue House, here.
And our own home, here! We have some great designs coming up for some houses we’re currently working on, so stay tuned for more in the future.
3. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Don’t forget the ceilings!
It’s something people usually forget… and it’s not to be forgotten. Ceilings can add so much character and are just as important to the design as the furnishings you choose. Be sure to consider adding something or maybe even getting rid of that stamped look with some easy solutions.
4. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Floors
Unfortunately, in the builder/flipper world, people are throwing down whatever they can find at the local big box store. There’s something about the simple solution in timeless wood, or something under foot that is easy to maintain. And if the floors hurt your eyes, then we recommend layering up with rugs. A little bit of ingenuity can go a long way!
Another way to bring in great character, is that flooring in the bathroom. In smaller spaces, you can go for more personality in unique ways. Check out more of this bath, here.
5. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Trim details
It’s the finishing pieces that matter so much! We’re always shocked by the lack of details when it comes to spaces when we see flipped or newly built homes. Whether it’s simplifying an existing element or adding something that wasn’t there… trim and details can be a game changer to any space!
6. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Lose the builders-grade bath
This bathroom is a classic example of adding some personality, but also going with a mix of modern and classic touches to create a one of a kind bath. The fastest way to date any space is to add that 90’s vibe… and this bathroom had it covered. The owners were so glad to see it go, with so much interest added in its place! See more of this bath here.
7. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Unique doors
I tink you could add: “And their applications” here. Becuase it’s not just about the door per say, but the sometimes just the clever application of one. Doors and ceilings are the biggest afterthought when it comes to mass builds. We love adding smart solutions in clever ways to multiple spaces.
Dividing up this formal living room so that it could become an office was the best way to implement this design These fabulous doors were icing on the cake. See more of this tour here.
In our own laundry room, we loved bringing in these fun doors so that the light could still fill the darker hallway.
In our daughter’s room, we had a custom door built for the entryway to the closet + bath, with stained glass included. {More on that below.}
8. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Collected art + Photography
We love those personal touches that come with a home. And the more art and photography, the better! What is it about a blown-up photograph that becomes instant art when it’s added in just the right spot? Also? Support your local artists! Yes, we are biased. But support them! ;}
9. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Handmade Anything
Basically, the entire premise behind our company is all things handmade, which brings in beautiful, one-of-a-kind elements. Those never get old. From pillows to doors to art, handmade elements from your children, ceramics, and more… the possibilities with handmade are endless. Not crafty? You never know what you’ll find on Etsy. They truly have some of the best finds by local artists. Again, back to that local artists thing. You can also alter things you’ve found which make them interesting and different. The possibilities are forever endless. Can you tell I’m also passionate about this? I think that these one of a kind finds really come with taking your time in making a home. There’s a real art to that, as well.
See our doors + more stained glass, here.
I can walk into any room in my house, and find something handmade or vintage. Of course some of my fave creations are from my kids. See: This house below and the architecture program at school that our oldest was a part of!
10. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Anything Flea Market and Antiques
Yes, back to stained glass. Once upon a time, we integrated it into our own kitchen renovation.
But we love vintage and antique finds in our home as well! Anything to tell a story.
11. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Layers of Pattern
Wallpaper is our number one way, when added with fabrics, rugs, and more… the best way to add a one-of-a-kind look to your home is definitely in all that fun possibility.
12. 15 Ways to Add Classic Character to Your Home: Stone Countertops
If you’re looking for timeless character, we’re big believers in natural stone. Nothing beats that timeless look. If you can’t live with natural stone in your house, opt for quiet colors in your countertops with soft movement and classic shapes that imitates the real thing… that way, they age well over time.
13. 15 ways to add classic character to your home: Mirrors
Mirrors seem like something so simple, but they can change everything in a space. They add a unique look that the builder-grade ones simply cannot.
And while bathrooms are great, consider them in living spaces, too.
14. 15 ways to add classic character to your home: Window Treatments
I’m a big fan of keeping windows open and simple with curtains, sometimes combined with a combo of woven options. The simpler the better. Nothing dates a space faster than cluttered windows with dated pieces. Each space is different so in lieu of making a large blanket statement… The less, the better! There’s also something about that simple tailored look that we love.
15. 15 ways to add classic character to your home: Interesting walls
Whether it’s tile, the simple addition of a darker paint… wallpaper or an entire accent for major personality… the combos are endless and the results are too! We love the look of an interesting wall.
We hope this helps, Lucy, and anyone else who may be curious. Best wishes on adding that classic character!
What are some of your favorite ways to add character to your home? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!
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We’re currently taking on renovation clients both nationally and locally! To read more about what we do, check it out here. + Be sure to contact us here. View a little more of our portfolio here. Looking for a real estate agent? We can handle that, too. We’d love to hear from you! Have an inspired day!
