If you are a home DIYer and want to add more character to your home without major renovations, here are some of my quick tips!

For me, character is all about texture and intricate designs. Don’t get me wrong, I love looking at old houses. I really love watching Fixer Upper too. But I don’t like the issues that come with many old homes if they’re not completely gutted. A lot of American home owners could probably relate. What I love about old homes is the character they have, like board and batten walls, intricate woodwork or built-in bookcases.

Its the details for me.

I live in a builder-grade home and here’s some of the things I’m doing to add more character.

Vintage Furniture

One of my favorite ways to add character to my home is with vintage furniture. A few years ago I was searching for a vanity for my bedroom. I ended up finding it on a Craigslist ad. It was antique and local enough to drive to pick it up. When I got to the person’s house, it was actually a full antique/vintage furniture set for only $200! I could not leave it there. I didn’t know what I would do with all the pieces then, but it came in handy for my current home.

The dressers that I use in my master bedroom and in the toddler bedroom are both from the same collection and they’re vintage. This adds special character to the rooms. As I mentioned before, I love a modern room with a hint of vintage. This is my style and I’m coming into finding what I like as I decorate and DIY my home.

In general I feel like furniture can add so many character because it’s a dominant piece in any room.

Old Picture Frames

There’re nothing like a good thrifted find. One of my favorite things to buy at a thrift store are picture frames. It’s one of my top DIY tips to save money, but also to add character to the rooms. In my toddler bedroom makeover, I used two frames that I picked up from Goodwill. All I did was print new art, buy new matting from Michael’s and wipe off the frames. I didn’t need to repaint because I loved the rich gold color. This style of frame added the touch of personality to bring this room to where I wanted it.

In the master bathroom makeover, I used two thrifted frames to add character to this black wall.

DIY Board and Batten

One of my favorite DIY projects I did last year was adding board and batten to my toddler’s bedroom. This was a quick and easy hack that came out amazing. You can read more about the Toddler Bedroom Makeover here or watch the video on YouTube below.

Thrifted Mirrors

Mirrors. Yes. Mirrors are probably my favorite design element to put into any room in the house. First, they bounce light. If any of the rooms are dark, mirrors help to bounce light keeping the rooms brighter. When you are trying to add a little bit more character to a room, try for a mirror with a really intricate frame. I found this beautiful mirror on Facebook marketplace. I placed it in my Powder Room which is basically the size of a closet with four white walls with updated light. The powder room is super plain, but this mirror added a really pretty elegance to the space. It also adds character.

Home Decor

Home Goods and Target Opalhouse collection is your best friend for small objects like crystals, paperweights and home decor items. Placing these types of items in bookcases and foyers can set the mood for a home.

Overall adding wall elements, like intricately designed mirrors, vintage picture frames and even found objects can add character. You don’t have to live in an old house to get antique vibes. Just go thrifting!

What do you do to add character to your home? Comment below!