Skip to main content

How to add character and charm to your boring new-build home

Unfortunately, new-build homes don’t come with the eclectic charm of a fixer-upper nor the appealing character of a period home. They may not have distinct architectural detail or grand molding along the walls, but that doesn’t mean that they should lack personality.

If you’re a homeowner looking to spruce up your new-build home, there are plenty of ways to add character, period pieces, and timeless aesthetics to your space without making it feel out of place or kitsch. The best part about owning a new build is that it can be the perfect blank slate. With a bit of planning, you can create the home of your dreams by adding a few small changes that will make your home feel lively and ageless.

Related Videos
new-build home with period decor to add character

Add a few pieces of vintage furniture

One of the easiest ways to add charm to your new-build home is to add a few vintage furniture pieces to your existing decor. Stunning armoires, mid-century console tables, classic fine china cabinets, and beautiful chests can bring a vintage touch to your space. It’s best to add these pieces in moderation and blend them with your existing furniture and color palette. For example, say you have a lovely modern gray sofa in a neutral and green-based color palette. A timeless green armchair or a classic set of vintage side tables could be the perfect subtle additions to your space to invite more character to your design.

We also recommend avoiding overly ornate pieces that look gaudy and tacky in a new-build home. Instead, opt for simple period pieces like those of the Arts and Crafts era, which feel charming without being overly elaborate.

Opt for hardwood floors

Most new builds include dull grey carpet or dark laminate flooring. While these materials suit the aesthetic that new builds often aim for, they lack character and charm. To help spruce up your space and add a personal touch to your flooring, we suggest opting for hardwood. Depending on your budget, you could add hardwood to the whole house or choose to reserve it for the main living space. Select a warm traditional wood like red oak, American cherry, or walnut. Wood floors are a great way to invite a more earthy and comfortable aesthetic to your space. This flooring solution works beautifully with antique wooden furniture and other vintage pieces.

Add unique crown molding to your walls

Another way you can add character to your home is to add a unique crown molding to your walls. More ornate crown molding across the ceiling and upper walls can add an elegant and classic look. This is a fantastic option for homeowners who prefer more elaborate or eclectic vintage pieces since the crown molding will help your furniture appear less gaudy in your new build. Alternatively, wood trim along the lower and upper walls adds a fantastic mid-century detail that feels rustic and charming.

If you want to take it a step further, you can always consider adding paneling or wainscoting to your walls in a more ornate style. Adding an intricate wainscoting pattern to your space can create the perfect accent wall in your home. Depending on your design, you can create a stunning period look that flows seamlessly with your home’s new-build architecture.

Or, paint your walls in a classic color

New-build interior walls are often painted in light greys, whites, beiges, or other muted neutrals. While neutrals can be an incredible color to add to your design, new builds often use them in a way that feels bland or uninspiring. A simple way to spruce up your home and add more personality to your design is to paint your walls a different hue. For a lovely mid-century look, try adding a bold yellow, orange, or brown to your space. Alternatively, a classic Victorian-inspired design may look more appealing with a green, blue, or darker-toned color palette.

Another way you can customize your walls to add more charm to your home is to add vintage-inspired wallpaper. Wallpaper is quickly coming back in style and can be the perfect way to create an accent wall or add more visual interest to your design.

cozy couch with texture

Don’t forget to play with texture

One thing grandmillennial enthusiasts have nailed when it comes to blending the old with the new in home decor is focusing on texture. Texture is a vital consideration in interior design, and adding the right textiles can completely transform your space. For example, consider adding faux fur materials, Moroccan-inspired rugs, silk curtains, or beautiful embroidered pieces for an antique look. Be sure to add plenty of unique textures throughout your space, and consider blending these textiles with your existing color palette. Rugs, pillowcases, furniture fabrics, curtains, and tablecloths are all things you should consider focusing on in your design.

Adding antique period pieces to your modern build is all about moderation. To make your new build feel charming and filled with character, it’s important to add small details that will help freshen up the look of the space without becoming too gaudy. Vintage furniture pieces, classic wall adornments, gorgeous textiles, and unique color palettes are vital considerations for pulling off the look. Luckily, new builds offer the perfect blank slate for a cozy home aesthetic, so you can rest assured that customizing it to your needs is a simple process.

Editors' Recommendations

5 stellar 2023 bathroom design trends you need to add to your home design
Bathrooms don't have to be boring - spruce up yours for the new year
Modern black and white bathroom with large tub

The new year is always a time for new beginnings, and what better way to start the new year off than with a new bathroom design? If you’ve been thinking about remodeling your bathroom, 2023 could be the year to finally take the plunge. We have five awesome bathroom design trend ideas that you will love -- keep reading to find out more from design experts about adding one (or more) of them to your home’s decor.
Technology
It seems like technology advances more every year, and 2023 will be no exception. Dave Adams, the VP of marketing, entertainment, and home office furniture at BDI, said, "You can expect technology to have a home in every room of the house."

Not only will smart home items, such as lightbulbs controlled by a central hub, continue to pop up in rooms like the bathroom, but expect to see more technology incorporated into items like showers and faucets. You don’t think you need a smart shower until you experience the luxury that is stepping into a preheated and steamy shower on a cold morning.
Home spa
Carrie Schulz, the head of design at Block Renovation, told us that an increasing trend in home bathroom design is to create a home spa -- a calming, warm space where you can relax. She suggested homeowners "work with natural materials, soft textures, and layered neutrals" to achieve this. A towel warmer in the corner will round out the day spa feel.

Read more
5 expert tips to personalize your home design in 2023
Get personal with these expert tips for your home's vibe.
Couple planning their living room layout together

Interior design trends shape the way you style your home, but personalization is where you get to shine. Personalizing your home's interior decor is a great way to achieve a vibe by using colors, textures, and materials. The overwhelming tone of 2023 in home design is creating a space where you feel good. If this seems like too broad a statement, keep reading -- we'll have you on your way to personalizing your home design in no time with these expert tips.

Don’t worry about matching
Gone are the days when you must worry about matching colors and textures inside your home. This is excellent news for anyone who always felt their personality was much less tidy than their home’s vibe. Jon Sanborn, the co-founder of SD House Guys, suggests "mixing different metals throughout the house to create a more unique and interesting look." Think brass hardware in the kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Just don't get carried away -- paying no mind to matching colors could get dangerous.

Read more
Experts love these 2023 interior design trends (and we think you will, too!)
Here are the 2023 interior design trends the experts are raving about
Neutral and green color palette for living room design

As 2022 comes to a close, homeowners are looking to the experts for the latest interior design trends in the coming year. The year 2023 invites change and a fresh perspective on our interiors. So, it’s no wonder that many homeowners are eager to turn the page and start anew. When it comes to 2023 interior design trends, we’re seeing a mix of bold statements, familiar looks from the past, comforting spaces, and some continuation of popular 2022 themes.

If you want to hop on the latest trends for the new year, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the hottest interior design styles to look forward to in 2023.

Read more