The appeal of older homes is the character. Perhaps it is the character that was popular at the time and previous owners simply did not do any more for cost efficiency, perhaps it is the character that has come from generations of renovations over the years. Regardless of where that character came from, it is a huge draw and it can help you really feel at home in your property.
If your home is new, or if it was renovated to a new standard don’t worry. You can add essential character to your new build and enjoy those stunning details with this top guide:
Look at Your Fixtures
A great way to add little character details with minimal renovation or interruption to your life in your home is by updating the fixtures. The character you add is entirely up to you. You can go for modern, artsy, minimal, maximal, vintage, and anything in-between. You will, however, want to be patient. Patience will ensure you get the best character updates possible.
Handles
Door handles, cupboard and drawer handles, and the like are all great places to update. Do note that if the new handles or doorknobs that you want to add don’t fit, you may need to either fill in and refinish the surface, or even look into a new door entirely. The good news is that you can find replacements that are an easy switch, so if you are looking for no-mess options, they exist.
Lights
Lights are one of the best ways to transform a home, and for the best results you will want to be prepared to hire an electrician to run wires to where you want your lights to be. It isn’t just the light fixture you need to consider, after all, but how the light interacts with your home.
Crown Moulding/Skirting/Panelling
A huge trend these last few years is antique panelling, grown moulding, and skirting. From adding shelves to just adding some wall detail, there are many great ways to add character to an entire wall or to finish off any room with these character updates.
Look at Your Windows and Doors
One of the best ways to add both character and some additional function to your home is by looking at your windows and doors. Rather than allow your windows and doors to be directly hit by the elements, add character with door and window surrounds. Cast stone window surrounds are stunning, and a great way to either add character to your home, or to restore an older property back to its original lustre. Windows and doors are two of the most common points of entry for intruders. Make sure to lock them before you go to bed or leave the house if you don’t want a break-in. You can ensure your security by getting locksmith tools and kits to make sure your locks are perfectly working. Check around to make sure everything is intact before closing it up for the night or leaving for an extended period of time.
Choose one Key Area
If you want to invest in something big, like a new fireplace, aim to make that fireplace the centrepiece. It’s how you will get the most out of your character additions. The small fixtures updates are like icing, but that main feature is the cake itself. Not only will this allow you to focus your budget, but it can also help you focus your design.
