A Guide to adding Character to New Builds
Transforming a brand-new home into a space brimming with charm and character might seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it's entirely possible. Making any space, no matter how modern, feel warm, inviting, and lived-in.
Softening the Edges of Modernity.
When faced with the stark lines of a contemporary embark on a mission to inject warmth and narrative into the space. Here’s how you too can add layers of history and texture to your home:
01. Paint and wallpaper’s Transformative Power:
Color flows, rooms transform. Starting with paint or wallpaper, lay the foundational soul of a room. By carefully selecting hues that highlight or downplay architectural features, you can create a sense of uniformity and expansiveness. In one project, a dark corridor paint made adjacent living spaces appear brighter and more inviting. Ensuring a fluid color story throughout your home is crucial. Carry a color from one room to the next, adjusting its intensity based on the room's size and natural light. This technique not only creates a cohesive home environment but also tailors the mood to each room's function.
02. Texture and Materiality:
Blend beadboard, stone, wood for depth. Incorporating beadboard, natural stone, wood trims and ceiling beams into kitchens, bedrooms living rooms or entry spaces introduces substantial texture amidst smooth surfaces of walls, stone and metal. This approach brings depth and warmth, transforming these spaces into inviting areas of craftsmanship and detail.
03. Layering Light for Ambiance:
Sconces, lamps, pendants—transform rooms from flat to vibrant. Craft warmth, meet needs, spark joy. Mix sconces, lamps, fixtures to banish flatness. Create spaces that glow with life. Overhead lighting alone can leave a room feeling flat. We advocate for building out a room's lighting with sconces, table lamps, and central ceiling fixtures to craft a cozy atmosphere that still meets functional needs.
05. Custom Millwork:
Dive into bespoke elegance—bookcases, wainscoting, cabinetry. Craft your space's story. Investing in custom millwork can dramatically alter the feel of a space. Consider adding built-in bookcases, wainscoting, or custom cabinetry designed to mimic the craftsmanship of bygone eras. These elements can add architectural interest and provide a backdrop that feels both timeless and personalized.
06. Natural Elements:
Potted plants, fiber rugs, wood touches—infuse texture, embrace change. Evolve spaces, naturally. Bring the outdoors in to soften modern lines and add life to your space. Large potted plants, natural fiber rugs, and wooden accents can introduce texture and a sense of growth and change over time, much like a lived-in home evolves.
07. Artisanal and Handmade Details:
Choose artisanal—pottery, textiles, furniture. Celebrate maker's marks, shun the mass-made. Incorporate artisanal or handmade items wherever possible. Hand-thrown pottery, handwoven textiles, and artisan-crafted furniture bear the marks of their makers, bringing a sense of craftsmanship and uniqueness that mass-produced items lack.
Five Must-Haves for Instant Character
Antique Textured Rugs: Instantly ground any room with history, color, and pattern.
Textiles: Use throw pillows or window treatments to introduce layers of texture and color.
Books: Organize by size for a personal touch that also serves as colorful decor.
Artwork: Select pieces that resonate with you personally, regardless of the room's color scheme.
Decorative Objects: Curate interesting vignettes with prime number groupings for a visually pleasing arrangement.
Avoiding Faux Finishes
Faux finishes are a no-go for us almost always. Authentic, aged materials bring an irreplaceable depth and narrative to a space, far surpassing any manufactured attempt at history.
By embracing these insights and tips, anyone can transform a new build into a space that feels as though it has been curated over a lifetime. It’s about more than just filling a space; it’s about crafting a home that tells your unique story through every color, texture, and object.
xx Paulina
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