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Do you wish that your home had more character or specific features? The good news is that you don’t have to move to achieve it. Instead, with a bit of effort, planning, and time, you can make the design changes that matter most to you and your family. Here are some examples for both the house interior and exterior to inspire you.

Architectural Details

Within your living space, there are many ways to get a whimsical or charming look, as well as features that guests admire when they visit. An example is wainscoting in your chosen room. It is affordable and can be a good beginner DIY project. Attaching it a third of the way up the wall can create the look you want.

If you desire a more rustic look, adding faux ceiling beams is a way to do it. The key is choosing the right spacing and size for your room as you want it to be in proportion and help the space feel larger. While standard lengths are widely available, you can look for custom options too. Mounting them properly involves using safety goggles, a stud finder, a level, and a drill. A cordless drill is convenient and portable as there’s no power cord to get in the way.

More Ideas for Walls

In addition to wainscoting, you might add texture to the walls. A clever way to do so is a two-coat paint method. Begin by applying a putty knife and paint. Then, go over it a second time with a dry roller to create attractive lines and textures.

Or, consider painting the bottom half of a wall a different color than the top half. That could make for a creative accent wall and bring attention to a certain detail of the room, such as a fireplace. These types of projects create art on the walls, making for innovative projects.

Create Built-Ins, including a Window Seat

Adding built-ins makes for a cozy, one-of-a-kind space. When you add an item in a way that is specifically for your home, it brings a level of customization that you don’t find everywhere. An example is a bookshelf that spans the length of a wall or one that frames a doorway. Fill it with your favorite books on interior design.

Another great built-in idea is a window seat. Creating seating to read or relax after a long day is a wonderful feature. Look out the window and enjoy having a custom feature like this one. Consider adding a hidden storage area under the seat for blankets, kids’ toys, and other items to keep them neatly out of sight. A clutter-free room appears larger, which is an added benefit.

Change Out the Hardware

Sometimes, small design changes can have a big impact on a home. For example, you might add vintage knobs to drawers in the kitchen or cupboards in the bathroom. That can bring a new look to the space without a big remodel budget being needed or any painting required.

If you have oak cabinets, consider a bronze or gold color for the hardware and fixtures. The reason is that these finishes look great against the oak, whereas stainless steel options likely won’t have that same pleasing effect.

Photo by Brett Sayles from Pexels

Lighting Changes Too

After you have made updates to the decor, you may notice that the lighting fixtures do not match as well as they once did. While they do not have to match throughout the home, it is generally a good idea to keep a certain style in mind, such as minimalist, modern, traditional, or country design. Making them slightly different in each room is actually a good idea as it adds interest as you walk through the house.

Flush mount lights with clips, for example, suit minimalist interior design, and there are energy-efficient styles. A sustainable design or one that considers the environment can actually improve home values.

Add a Garden Path

Design extends outside the home, too, of course. A garden path can add a sense of whimsy to the backyard, especially if you weave it around your garden. Between the flowers, bushes, and trees alongside the path, add interest with pea gravel and colored stones.

As for what materials to use for the garden path, the choice is up to you. Paving stones and gravel are popular choices. Be sure to add leveling sand beforehand to make it a pleasing walk and as attractive as possible.

Wooden Shutters

Another way to add character to your home through design is by adding window shutters. Wooden ones look rustic, and you might choose reclaimed wood as part of a more sustainable approach.

Cedar is one example of a wood that resists weather well, which you must consider if you live in a region that gets a lot of rain. Treating the wood before attaching it is key for longevity over time; choose a suitable wood preservative. There are guides online to help you build the shutters yourself, or you could hire a professional.

Conclusion: Making Your House What You’d Like It to Be

Making your home what you want it to be is definitely possible, as the design suggestions above show. They range in difficulty from easy to more complex, depending on what you want, and the ones you like best are a personal preference. With the right tools, attention to safety, and some imagination, you can create the character inside and outside your home that you want!

Making these changes can help you enjoy the home more and make it a place you look forward to being. Adding custom design elements helps your family feel happy there instead of looking around and focusing on what looks ugly.

Rather than trying to make a lot of changes at one time, focus on a room at a time. That can prevent overwhelm and also help you stay on budget. Remember, even small changes can elevate your home’s character and improve it in ways that are meaningful to you and your family.