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Do you love a cookie cutter house or are you desperate for a home with more character? No matter what you live in, here are 10 ways to create a place that is uniquely yours. Let me share how to add character to your home.

HOW TO ADD CHARACTER TO YOUR HOME

Sometimes it takes someone else to point out your strengths, in order for you to see them.  I was at a blogging conference earlier in the year and a dear friend kindly said to me, “you are really good at adding character to a home“.  Truth is, I didn’t know that about myself.  It’s something I’ve always strived to do, but it was done instinctively as a result of the yearnings to have a home like no other.  I really appreciated her compliment.

But it got me thinking . . .

WHAT EXACTLY IS HOME “CHARACTER”?

There are phrases related to this topic that are commonly used, often with quotations around the word “character”.  For example, when I saw my son beat on his furniture with a toy hammer, rather than being too upset I told my husband it added “character”.  Well, there are many ways to add character to a home that don’t involve nicks and scrapes.

add character to home

It’s more about infusing your preferences and personality into your home, so it doesn’t look like any old builder grade home – even if it might actually be one.  It’s about making a space feel lived in and curated over time.  It’s about conversation starters, meaningful items, and one-of-a-kind spaces.

DO YOU WISH YOUR HOME HAD MORE CHARACTER?

I know many of you wish your home was a better representation of you and the things you love.  I’ve spent some time dissecting my designed spaces and picking out certain elements that do give our home unique character.  I hope these 10 ways to add character to your home will help you rethink your spaces and create a home that speaks to you.

home character

10 WAYS TO ADD CHARACTER TO A HOME

1 – ITEMS WITH HISTORY

If you feel overwhelmed by 10 ideas, ignore the other 9 and focus solely on adding a sense of history to your home.  This can be done in many many ways such as;

  • Decorate with an era or geological location in mind (ie. French Provincial, Colonial, Western Farmhouse)
  • Shop at Antique stores for decor or furnishings
  • Buy items that look old or are authentically old
  • Refinish wood or paint and chip to look old

Basically, you want to be able to say, “I found that at . . . ” or “No, I don’t have a link for that”.

Go for items that tell a story versus found in a JCPenny magazine (wait . . . do they make those any more?)

For example, I found this antique desk and topped it with marble for our vanity.

Home character with antique vanity

This beautiful antique german sleigh bed that I opted to paint and chip up.

Home character with antique german sleigh bed and chippy paint

An old cubby box used to store my stationary.

Home Character with old cubbies.

A home full of character is a home full of history.

*Not interested in a home filled with old stuff?  Don’t be afraid to mix new with a bit of old, like this new outdoor furniture with only 1 old coffee table.

Home character by mixing old with new.

2 – FAMILY TREASURES

Help the whole family feel at home with things that speak to them.

  • Vacation mementos
    • Seashells from a beach trip, linens, a beautiful flower vase from (you name it)
  • Heirlooms
    • A doily from great grandma, treasured china, a past down recovered chair, even items that may just remind you of ancestors.
Home character with slipcovered chairs.
Display vintage doilies.
  • Keepsakes
    • Different from heirlooms, keepsakes are the items that are special to you.  A Christening dress, a favorite doll, a tattered blanket or book from your childhood.
Display old garden tools to add character to home.
  • Meaningful gifts
    • Display those items that someone bought just for you, because they thought you would like it.  An wooden box, a clock, a cozy blanket, a book or magazine
  • Personalized art
    • Why spend a fortune on renowned art, when you or your loved ones can create an image that will mean so much more to you.  A old black and white photo, a framed recipe in their handwriting, your own photography, or frame those kids creations to make the wee ones feel really special.
Use your own photography for wall art.
  • Collections
    • I love to collect old quilts and china and put them on display.  Try collecting old baskets for function and beauty, linens to repurpose, or items in the same color family.
Collected old quilts to add character to home.
Old quilts to add character

3 – DO-IT-YOURSELF

Our home is probably 80% DIY – and I love it that way!  It’s my favorite thing to say “We made it”.  Can’t find exactly what you envision?  Make it!

A piece of furniture to fit your exact dimensions.

Custom built bathroom cabinet

A headboard from my dreams.

Character with DIY bed headboard

A tray turned side table.

Add character with a DIY tray turned side table

A blanket with dreamy ruffles.

Blanket ladder made from branches.

A bench made from old wood.

bench made from old wood to add character

An outdoor hutch made from old shutters and a table the exact size we needed it.

Inspiration for your outdoor spaces.

4 – THRIFT SHOP

The thrill of the hunt!  There is nothing quite like it when you find just what you were looking for at an incredible price.  Great things to thrift are:

  • baskets
  • stools
  • vases
  • dinnerware
  • frames
  • mirrors
  • rugs
  • furniture that might need a little love

These shots highlight some of my favorite thrifted finds.

Thrifted collection to add character
Thrifted desk and chair

5 – MISMATCHED FURNISHINGS

I can remember as a girl walking the furniture store with my mama.  You didn’t just shop for a nightstand, or a bed, or a dresser – it was the whole kit and caboodle.  Everything HAD to match.  Fear not my little flock, there is no need to slap down thousands for a bedroom set.

Mixed matched furniture and plates on wall

Take your time to curate the items that speak to you and find the best bargain.  Then thoughtfully mix and match them to have your room explode with character.

mix-matched furnishing to add character

The best part of this decorating method is that things can move around in your home and refreshing a space can be completely free and fun.  Go with a common theme or style throughout your home and items will move seamlessly.

bedroom character
thrifted side table to add character

6 – ASSYMETRY

It’s funny that I am going to bring my mom up again, because apparently we have completely different styles.  Her home was always beautiful and tidy, by the way.  I do remember her always craving symmetry.  If it was over there on the mantle, it also had to be over here.  Her house and landscaping was perfectly symmetrical.  I however, find asymmetry so interesting to look at.  Don’t be afraid to purposefully unbalance decor on shelves and in room layouts.  It’s another way to bring a more curated look to your home.

Asymmetrical mantel design to add character

7 – PHOTOS

Admittedly, I’m bad at adding family photos to a home, but it’s the homes with loved ones on the walls that warm the soul.  Let’s make it a yearly goal to display our greatest blessings for all to see.  What better way to bring in your own personality and character to your home?!

Display family photos to add character

8 – WALL TREATMENTS

Most kinds of builder grade homes have all the same wall treatments.  Now I’m a firm believer you can still infuse your home with character without touching the wall treatments, but if you have the option to add a little somethin’ somethin’ – definitely do it.  Just some beadboard made this room transform.

Beadboard wall treatment to add character

If you don’t want to change all the walls, look for an accent wall and change it up with some molding, wallpaper, shiplap . . . so many options.

9 – OPEN SHELVING

I’ve had some heated discussion on this blog about open shelving, and most folks either hate it or love it.  But hear me out.  Just the smallest amount of displayed storage in a home can add a touch of character.  Use bookshelves, built-ins, kitchen shelves, bathroom shelves – any kind of shelf – to add some decorative and functional decor.  You are going to need them to display those treasures, heirlooms and keepsakes any way.  If you can’t help but think of that home you saw with an overabundance of dusty trinket’s and nick knacks, that’s not at all what I’m talking about.  Do it minimally and beautifully and your open shelves will serve you through every season.

Open shelving to add character to a home

10 – ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

Finally, I think every room should have some kind of element of surprise.  Something that makes visitors stop and stare and wonder at the creative use of such items.

For example, a giant chalkboard on the wall.

giant chalkboard add character to home

The use of a bench as a magazine holder.

Bench used as a side table for magazines

Just one colored stool.

Front Porch Tour

A giant Fall tree in the living room.

Fall tree to add character to home

These kinds of surprises are what will unleash your creativity and really make your space memorable.

I hope you enjoyed hearing my thoughts on the topic!

Will you please share in the comments below the kinds of things you’ve added to your home to give it character?  I’m sure I’ve missed some great ideas you might have and I would love to hear them!  If you do struggle with this aspect of decorating, will you help me understand what obstacles stand in your way.  I hope I didn’t leave you overwhelmed!

Thank you so much for being here today!

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17 Comments

  1. Hi,
    Great post! I Love your Article that’s really great… I like to made changes in the decoration of my home continuously. You shared such amazing ideas for home decor. Thanks for sharing and
    Please share your more articles.
    Bliss Brand Store

  2. Your idea is must helping some character change my new home. This is a really helpful tip. Your idea can make a beautiful hole. Thank you for share a helpful tip. I like your brilliant idea.

  3. Just discovered your site, just love your creativity. I have always liked “different” ways to decorate. I have an older home and it has presented challenges but it diffidently is unique and cozy!

  4. I enjoy seeing how simple objects can make so much difference when used in ways that aren’t cookie cutter. Cami was it your site that should how to make three books look old with paper and twine. It was a project because the idea came from Anthropology that had the books for $225.
    Thanks for the great ideas and designs

    Susanne

  5. Recently found your blog and I’m loving your ideas. Thank you for sharing those “Tidbits” on this post!!! I’m just starting to decorate and incorporate those vintage finds to our DIYs.

  6. I love how that patio looks! I love the refreshing vibe it gives. I really hope to do the same to mine. Thanks for the pictures. Love lots! xoxo

  7. The photos are amazing! I really can’t wait to do some redecorating at this new home I just moved in. Hopefully, by the next couple of months, it’s all finish. Anyways. amazing post and a great read. Cheers!

  8. I am in love with these beautiful pictures. Thanks a lot for sharing these amazing ideas to add character to a home.

  9. Your style is unique – your home is beautifully decorated and looks so darn comfortable . You have done an amazing job with it. May God bless your whole family.

  10. Cami – I love all your decorating ideas. I can’t wait to start incorporating them in our new home when we build it.

  11. I love your beautiful subtle colors on your flooring. Could you tell me if it’s tile or wood and what it is made of. The whitewashed look is what I’m after.
    Than you so much,
    Pamela Brown

  12. I so enjoy seeing pictures of your beautiful decor! I just wish you could come over and help me with mine!!