There are some rooms you walk into and think to yourself, “Wow, this room is amazing!” But, what is it that sets a room apart from others? Furniture, rugs, and accessories can make a big impact on the overall look of a room, but it’s the architectural features and unique details that make a room interesting. A room with character has its own personality. It invites you in and makes you want to stay awhile, exploring the details in the space. So, how can you add character to your rooms? Read on for several do-it-yourself ways to add character and charm to any room in your home!

Paint an Accent Wall

Paint is a designer’s most powerful tool. Why? Because paint is the least expensive and perhaps most impactful way to completely change the look of a room. Painting one wall in the room a dramatically different color than the others is a great way to create a focal point and draw your attention to a certain part of the room. Accent walls are perfect for highlighting artwork, or creating a dramatic backdrop for furniture.

entr foyer accent wall

Source: @marycasachic on Instagram

Install Wallpaper or Murals

As a designer, I have really grown to love wallpaper and murals over the last few years. In case you were wondering about the difference between the two, murals have a single large design that spans the entire wall, whereas wallpaper is a repeating pattern. Either can be used for an accent wall, or throughout the room, but I know some of you out there are still hesitant about using wallpaper in your homes. Rest assured, today’s wallpaper is nothing like the overly floral, busy eyesores of years past.

Wallpaper is a great way to add playful pattern, geometric lines, or texture. I particularly love using wallpaper in bathrooms, kid spaces, laundry rooms, and as an accent wall in bedrooms. There is a wallpaper out there that works with every style, and many of today’s wallpapers are easy to install and removable, so give it a try!

Add Some Decals

I just adore this navy blue nursery, but would you believe that these lovely blue flowers on the wall are actually decals, and not wallpaper? Like wallpaper, decals are a fun way to add some character to your room. Decals are fantastic because, not only can you create a stunning accent wall, but they are easy to install and completely removable! You can purchase these gorgeous blue floral decals here.

Polka dots and triangle decals make a classic pattern that looks great in any room. Easier to install and remove than wallpaper, but gives a similar look! Shop here for polka dots in every color, and here for the cute black triangles.

black triangle wall decals stickers

Source:

Install an Architectural Feature Wall

An architectural feature wall is a little more permanent than paint or wallpaper, often using panels, moulding and/or trim to create texture, shapes, or a pattern. Installing grids, shiplap, wainscoting, or reclaimed wood planks to one or more walls in your room can drastically elevate the style of the space, and create a magazine-worthy look. These walls may take more time to create, but trust me, the results are worth it! Just take a look at these stunning examples.

 

Source: Style at Home Design by LVZ Design

 

Add Wood Beams

Wood beams do an excellent job of adding a cozy, warm feeling to a room. They’re also a great way to add a natural feel to your space, which is a key element of good interior design. There are some amazing faux wood beam products out there today that make installing beams a breeze, and they cost way less than real wood beams.

We installed a faux wood beam in our kitchen last year, and we were amazed by the character it brought to the space. Everyone thought it was real, but it was just a simple poly foam beam from Home Depot. Easy to install and easy on the wallet!

Dress Up Your Ceiling

People often overlook their ceilings as a way to bring character into the room, but there are so many ways you can transform your plain ceilings into something exceptional. And, if you happen to have a tray ceiling in your room, as many newer homes do, you have a prime opportunity to do something special. Here’s an example where wallpaper was added to a tray ceiling to bring in beautiful color and texture (wallpaper is Thibaut – Raffia in Teal)

Just like with wood beams, adding wood planks to the ceiling brings in a cozy, warm feel. Great for farmhouse and coastal decorating styles!

Here is a plank ceiling feature we installed for a client above their dining table. It created a beautiful backdrop for their chandelier, and added instant character to the space.

Coffered ceilings add dimension to your ceilings, and traditional character to every room. I love a true coffered ceiling, but it is a challenging and expensive feature to add after a room is already built. So, one option is to add moulding and trim to create a faux coffered ceiling. You can even add planks or bead board in between the coffers for some extra charm. Check out these great examples!

Install Window Trim

If you live in a newer home, chances are your windows don’t have trim around them. Adding trim around a window gives a finished, sophisticated look which instantly adds character to a space. Don’t just take my word for it, check out these great before and after pics!

Add Picture Ledges

Picture ledges are easy to install and can be used to create a beautiful gallery wall in any room. They look more permanent than a picture hanging on the wall, which adds more allure to the room. Yes, you can buy them, but they are also an easy DIY project. Here’s a tutorial for how to build them from Thrifty Decor Chick, and here are some white picture ledges you can buy from Amazon.

 

New Light Fixtures

Most people buy a house, and never think to change out the lighting. Therefore, adding updated and unique light fixtures in a room is another way to add character and charm to a space. No need to hire an expensive electrician, because replacing light fixtures is a DIY job. However, if working with electricity makes you uncomfortable, a handyman will be able to tackle the task. So, swap out those builder-grade chandeliers and boob lights for something that makes a stylish statement – you won’t believe the difference a light fixture can make! Take a look at these before and after pictures from Young House Love to see the difference a light fixture makes.

changing out builder grade light fixtures

BEFORE – Source: Young House Love

change builder grade light fixture before after

AFTER – Source: Young House Love

Window Seats & Banquettes

Who doesn’t love the idea of a cozy window seat for reading, or a cute banquette area for eating? Building in a banquette not only saves space, but is a fun feature that adds a ton of character. If you have the space, window seats are a great option for adding storage and charm – especially in kids rooms!

Built-Ins

I could create an entire post dedicated to my love of built-ins! Any blank wall can become a stunning architectural feature with built-ins. From mudrooms, to entertainment centers, to coffee stations, to benches and libraries, built-ins are the best way to not only add lots of storage but also tons of character! Here are a few examples of gorgeous and functional built-ins.

painted built-ins for office

Source: Scout Nimble

Here is the built-in we designed and built for our daughter’s room. Those extra drawers allowed us to remove a large dresser in the room and make everything feel bigger.

daybed with trundle under window

Source: Welsh Design Studio

Check out all of the built-ins in this next room! I see a closet, bench seating, and bookshelves around the bed. No need for any furniture in this space!

Paint the Inside of Your Doors

People don’t often think about painting their interior doors, but a painted door can be a great way to add color and interest to a room. In a previous post, I shared some pictures of painted doors to show what a great statement that little pop of color can make. Life is short – go ahead and add some color by painting your doors!

If your room feels like it’s missing something, or if “boring” is a word you use to describe your space, it’s probably lacking architectural features and other details that add character. Today’s homes often don’t include the details that make a house feel cozy, unique, and charming. In this post, I’ve shared 12 ways you can add that all-important character to every room in your home. And the best part, is that all of these are DIY projects that you can implement over time to create a home that reflects your personality! After all, your home should be a reflection of the special people who live in it!