Hello there, darlings!
Our absolute favorite comments we get about our home is when someone says that it has charm, character and feels so cozy. There is nothing better than knowing that our home has the same warm, comforting and welcoming sense for others.
Recently I was taking photos of the house for our Instagram and I noticed that the character of the old house was accentuated by certain items that we have collected. So, then it hit me. That is how we can help other people start adding that those feelings they love about our house into their own!
I started brainstorming all the elements that we have combined to create our homey atmosphere and wrote this blog post to share them all with you. I also wanted to start with small changes and edits so that there is no pressure to ditch everything and start again. These can all be first steps in a process. Remember, designing a house takes time.
So here we go – let’s chat wee edits to add character and charm into your home,
1. Color
Okay, don’t freak out just yet I’m not going to advise you to paint every wall in your house, but I do feel that adding some assortment of colors will help. Start by choosing some of your favorite colors, finding small items in those colors and then repeating the colors throughout the home. Don’t worry about purposely going out to rebuying items but keep the new colors in mind when you are shopping. One of my favorite changes that we made when I really jumped into this journey was colored candles. Surprising, right? But they made a world of a difference. Other small color changes would be pillows, blankets, mugs, flowers, soaps, towels, or books. Bonus points if they are thrifted or secondhand!
2. Artwork
First off, I don’t mean spending hundreds on artwork from a gallery. What I do mean is instead of purchasing art from big box stores go and find it from a local boutique, secondhand shop or an artist. Even ask older family members if they have any art packed away that could be enjoyed again. Some of our favorite pieces were inherited items and their back stores of how my family got them makes them all the more special. If you’re not one to dig through thrift stores then you can find so many sellers on Etsy, eBay or FB martketplace that can easily mail you pieces.
3. Handmade items
Now I love Target. Just going to get that out there right now. But I do feel like the bits and bobs from big box stores have a time and place. Just like secondhand items do as well! One thing I am seeking out these days are handmade items as they absolutely add charm and character into any space they inhabit. You can easily find handmade items online or support a friend of yours that is knitting, crafting, weaving, painting or carving. The best thing about handmade items is they make fabulous centerpieces for the rooms and the perfect conversation starters.
4. Plants
This one is probably obvious as we love green and growing things here. In the past year and a half, we have added a bunch of indoor plants to our home they bring so much joy! Initially we choose really easy plants like ferns, snake plants and ivy’s and now we’ve advanced to rubber plants and bird’s nests. Most recently we added geraniums and look forward to seeing those bloom later this year! We also chose some spring bulbs to have around the house and they have improved our winter moods tremendously.
5. Antiques
Well of course we were going to talk about antiques! They don’t have to be fancy or expensive but anything that is old and well built. When we bought our first home, we bought secondhand items because of our budget and the pieces always looked so great in our old home. The character of the pieces spread their charm into whatever home they occupy. Don’t feel like you have to choose large or extravagant items, remember we are starting small! They can be as simple as vases, pitcher, ornaments, books, plates, or plant pots.
6. Your Personality
This one may be the most important. To add character and charm to your home make sure to add your individuality! Do you love cats? Great, find lots of artwork of cats. Do you love florals? Amazing, get all the floral patterns and paintings. Do you love bright colors? Lovely, paint all your spaces. Do you love books? Add as much as you can and be creative with how you do it! Make sure to take risks and change it up. The best design lessons are learned from experiences so the more you try the more you learn!
There you go! The six small ways to add character and charm into your house. We can’t wait to see what new design decisions you make. Even if it is just a bunch of new colored candles.
Do you think we missed any elements? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you.
XX
