How to Style a Home With Character
There’s something extra special about moving into a brand-new home. Being the first person to inhabit a space makes it feel uniquely yours. It’s untouched, fresh, clean, and move-in ready. The only thing is that new builds can often feel a bit soulless.
A new property hasn’t hosted dinner parties, celebrated birthdays, or kept a family safe while they slept. They tend to be designed for mass appeal, too, which means neutral palettes, open layouts, and generic finishes. This nothingness can seem scary, but with the right approach, you can turn a clinical new build into a warm and welcoming home with bundles of character.
Start With Texture and Contrast
When you look at your new home, what kind of surfaces do you see? Typically, everything is smooth; polished floors, flat walls, sleek counters. One of the quickest ways to bring depth into a space like that is to use different textures for a stark juxtaposition. For instance, you could mix matte with shiny or industrial with natural. Here are a few more ideas:
- Place woven baskets near hammered metal vases for a cool accent
- Add a chunky knitted throw over a streamlined sofa for soft/sleek contrast
- Swap basic lampshades for more artistic or material versions
- Layer in wood tones for a warm, inviting feel
In terms of color contrast, a good tip is to stick with a base palette, using neutrals like whites, creams, or greys. Then, balance it with warmer tones and pops of color that draw the eye. If you need inspiration, browse some homes that you like on websites and magazines, like these DC interior designers. This tactic is helpful for guidance, especially if you’re new to design.
Add Vintage or Handmade Pieces
An instant way to break that showroom feel is with a vintage or handmade element. Whether it’s a big piece of furniture or a few small ornaments on shelves, something that has a story behind it provides immediate character. To find the best vintage pieces, you’ll need to go treasure hunting. Check out your local markets, fairs, auctions, and estate sales. Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms are also great for secondhand or retro pieces. If you’re looking for something made just for you, Etsy and Instagram are perfect.
Style Your Shelves
Shelving doesn’t always need to be for storage. Beautiful shelves holding carefully chosen objects can be a fantastic design feature. The key here is not to overfill them or match everything perfectly. You want a bit of variety in height, shape, and texture, and enough space between each piece so they don’t look crammed in,
Layer Your Lighting
Most new builds come with a single ceiling fixture per room. However, good lighting isn’t about one fancy chandelier; it’s all about layers. Let’s break it down:
- Overhead: This general ceiling light can be quite harsh.
- Task: Things like desk lamps or reading lamps.
- Ambient: Includes wall sconces and picture lights.
- Accent: A bold piece that becomes a focal point.
Layering the lighting will create a cosy effect that highlights the room from different angles. This makes for a soft, inviting vibe.
Create Architectural Interest
You don’t need to start ripping down walls to create interesting architectural features. Fortunately, there are plenty of renovation-free and renter-friendly ways to achieve similar effects. For example, you could:
- Add stick-on wall tiles, pannelling, or moulding
- Use removable wallpaper for a fun pattern
- Paint one wall in a rich color for added depth
- Hang curtains ceiling-to-floor for a dramatic look
These methods make it look like the building itself has character, even if it was a cookie-cutter home before you moved in.
Let Your Home Grow With You
Your style changes, and your tastes will change with time, as will your family’s needs. As the years pass, you’ll also visit new places and meet new people, so you’ll have the chance to collect more interesting pieces to decorate your home. This is what giving a space character is really about, as they’ll make the space feel more like you. Here are some tips for long-term styling:
- When you’re on vacation, check out local markets
- Look for rugs, artisanal crafts, and artwork
- Showcase inherited items from friends and family
- Look for inspiration when you travel in hotels and homes
Remember, there’s no need to rush to get it finished. Your interior design is always a work in progress. The important thing is to be intentional, start small (you could go room by room), and let the space grow naturally, as you do.
Endnote
Interior design for a new build might seem daunting at first, but really it’s an opportunity to start with a blank slate. The trick is to start with texture, add pieces that tell a story, use ambient lighting, and let your home evolve with you. This will give even a brand new development the character it needs, and help create a space that makes your family feel right at home.
