Modern homes often lack character, story and charm and seem impersonal. To correct that, you may add character to your home easily using these simple ideas below, and you home will become more welcoming and will tell a story.
Dark Walls
Dark colors can make a space feel heavy and oppressive, and they tend to soak up light, which is usually at a premium in a smaller space. But dark colors can actually make a small space seem larger—it just all depends on how you use them and they are sure to bring character and interest to your space. The key is, instead of painting the entire space in a dark color, to just paint one wall. Dark colors read as receding from the viewer, so the accent wall visually enlarges the space and sets up a nice contrast that can make the rest of the space seem brighter by comparison.
a Scandinavian space done in neutrals and creamy shades, and one black wall for a bold accent, some boho touches
a modern farmhouse dining space with a black plank wall and black chairs that echo with it and add drama to the space
a stylish moody bedroom with a dark purple accent wall, grey and white furniture, a small nightstand with a table lamp and ledges with artworks
a chic modern space with a black wall, creamy furniture, walls and a ceiling and cool accessories and details
a chic coastal farmhouse bathroom with a navy planked wall, a large tub with a cuddy, a wooden pendant lamp and a floating vanity plus a cool mirror
a beautiful farmhouse dining room with a butcherblock dining table, black Eames chairs, a black chandelier, a teal paneled accent wall that wows
a Scandinavian dining space with a dark green accent wall, a grey table and chair, pendant bulbs is chic and cool
a catchy boho living room with a chocolate brown accent wall, a neutral sofa, a black and grey lounger, a chair and a pouf and some plants
a catchy and bold living room with a purple accent wall, a grey sofa, a color block rug, black duvets, a gold lamp and a mustard pouf
an attic bedroom with a navy accent wall and a gallery wall, a black upholstered bed, a glass shelving unit on the wall
a cool dining room with a dark green paneled wall, a butcherblock table, brown chairs, pendant lamps and neutral curtains
a refined and chic moody bedroom with a deep purple accent wall, a bed with grey bedding, nightstands, some artwork and mustard curtains
a chic bedroom with a deep purple accent wall, a white upholstered bed, grey bedding, a non-working fireplace, a mirror and a crystal chandelier
a catchy living room with a navy accent wall, greige seating furniture, an etagere with potted plants and a statement wall art
a cozy dining space with a black accent wall, a stained table and colored chairs, a black pendant lamp and a map on the wall
Wall Paneling
From contemporary cladding to hardwood panels, there’s something for every home, no matter the style, era and budget. Not only does it protect the walls, but paneling can be painted in a hardier finish such as an eggshell or satin, which will be easier to clean. One of its many qualities is that installing wall paneling isn’t actually as disruptive as you might think, and often it’s well within the capabilities of a competent DIYer. MDF paneling styles, which can later be painted, are particularly common and forgiving to use. They can simply be stuck onto an existing wall with adhesive and you’ve got a brilliant wall paneling idea created within minutes.
a chic bedroom with a pink paneled wall, a white bed, dark nightstands and sconces plus neutral embroidered bedding
a farmhouse entryway with white paneled walls, wooden furniture, chic lamps and much natural light
a modern luxurious living room with grey paneled walls, blue furniture and a built-in fireplace and TV
a stylish bedroom in modern and boho styles, with a black paneled wall, a black bed and a grey bench plus a wicker lamp
a stylish bedroom with a black paneled wall, an upholstered bed and bench, a round chandelier, wooden nightstands and layered rugs
a stylish living room with a white paneled wall that makes an accent and looks bold adding style and chic to the space
a welcoming rustic boho nursery with a green paneled wall for a chic and stylish statement plus a touch of natural color
a modern living room with a navy paneled wall, chic grey and navy furniture, a tan sofa, a printed rug and blankets
a catchy nursery with a black paneled wall, a crib, a rocker and some printed textiles and a mobile
a cozy fall living room with a grey paneled wall, a grey sectional, a beige leather ottoman, some pretty season decor
a beautiful guest bedroom with a dark green paneled wall, a neutral upholstered bed with bold floral bedding, white nightstands
a cool boho bedroom with a green paneled wall, a bed with neutral bedding, a bench, a mini desk, a lovely gallery wall with platters
a peaceful bedroom with a pale green paneled wall, a rattan bed with neutral bedding, a stained nightstand and a gold sconce
a glam bedroom with a pink paneled wall, a grey bed with grey bedding, an oval mirror, gold sconces and neutral curtains
a neutral bedroom with a paneled accent wall, a grey bed with neutral bedding, stained nightstands, a printed rug and a chandelier
A Statement Piece Of Furniture
A statement piece of furniture is one more solution, perhaps, an easier one than the previous two. You can just pick up a cool statement piece and integrate it into your space making it look cohesive. There’s a trend of rocking a single vintage piece that contrasts the other furniture, and this is exactly what you need. It can be a vintage or antique chair, a file cabinet or credenza, a vintage daybed or some other piece that will bring character here.
a beautiful home office with a vintage black desk, a modern gold and white chair, a statement artwork and a potted plant
a beautiful ornate stained sideboard with a white stone countertop, a large mirror and a chic table lamp are a great combo for a living room
a bright eclectic entryway finished off with a bold vintage red sofa that stands out and colorful pillows
a Scandinavian home office with floating shelves, a black vintage desk, a white chair, a beautiful gallery wall and a fan
a white Scandinavian kitchen with white square tiles on the walls, a vintage stained kitchen island and a table in one, pendant lamps
a mint green cottage bathroom with a vintage bathtub, a neutral antique chair, a side table with decor
an airy refined living room with a lilac antique chair, a statement artwork, a dark rug and a glass coffee table with decor and flowers
a stained low filing cabinet on casters is a console table in your living room that provides storage and that you can style
a large antique file cabinet got a thick white counter and became an amazing kitchen island
a lovely and bright nook with open bookshelves, a colorful gallery wall, a table and chairs, a bold catchily-shaped red and white striped chair with a footrest
a welcoming living room with blush walls, a marble-clad fireplace, a grene curved sofa, a catchy striped sculptural coffee table
a jaw-dropping navy and white inlay sideboard with a book stack, some greenery and a candle lantern makes an accent in the space
a whimsical entryway with a curved console table, a faux fur stool, a bright gallery wall with a mirror and some decor on the table
a jaw-dropping hot pink grasscloth paper sideboard with gold legs and bright decor will make a statement with color and texture
a colorful eclectic living room with a white low sofa, a hot pink chair that makes a statement, a bold boho rug, a pallet coffee table
Gallery Walls
Gallery walls have been a trendy way to add art to a room for years. For them, gallery walls have transcended into the realm of timeless and aren’t going anywhere. But, like other timeless features, that doesn’t mean it’s not immune to some updates. The gallery wall may not be a feature so easily rid from homes, but the layout, composition, and art included can help make the detail feel more current. Any gallery wall, whether it’s a small or large one, will give character to your space and will tell of your tastes, interest and the story of your family.
a bold corner gallery wall in black and white, with prints, artwork, photos and fun pieces is a cool idea for a modern space
a bright mid-century modern home office with blush walls, a stained desk and a chair, a colorful gallery wall and greenery and a cactus
a chic gallery wall with gold and blonde wood frames and abstract art of various kinds
a corner gallery wall with black and white artworks in black frames adds personality to the space and makes it cozier
a chic and peaceful bathroom with green paneling, a catchily shaped bathtub, gold fixtures and a mini gallery wall with photos
a colorful living room with a rust-colored leather sofa, beige chairs, a round table, a pink rug and a blue inlay dresser, a whimsical mini gallery wall
a cool Scandinavian dining space with a trestle and black chairs, a black and white gallery wall and a black pendant lamp
a lovely Scandinavian dining zone with a grey cabinet, a round table and vintage chairs, a mini gallery wall and some greenery
a refined dining space with a banquette seating, a round table, rattan chairs, a mini gallery wall and a black sconce
a charming vintage dining room with a vintage table and mismatching chairs, a faux fireplace and a mini gallery wall over it
a fantastic living room with a colorful gallery wall, a pink TV unit, a grey sofa, wooden chairs and a coffee table, pendant lamps
a cool and bright living room with pink seating furniture, a coffee table, a rattan side table and a colorful gallery wall
a catchy living room with a navy sofa and bright pillows, a printed pouf and rug, a colorful gallery wall and potted plants
a farmhouse entryway with a wooden bench, a chic black and white gallery wall, sconces and potted fir trees
an airy bedroom with a dark-stained bed and nightstands, grey and white bedding, a large gallery wall over the headboard
Texture
In an interior design context, texture refers to the use of furniture, textiles, objects, and finishes in a range of materials that play off of one another to add both visual interest and tactile variation to a room design. A room without enough texture is like a dish that lacks salt: flat, boring, uninviting, unfinished. Adding texture can make a room feel more interesting, welcoming, and enjoyable to behold and inhabit. Every element of a room—flooring, wall finishes, furnishings, objects, accessories, art, wall panels, and decor—is an opportunity to incorporate texture. You can start with an empty room, juxtaposing materials with different textures—hard, soft, shiny, matte, smooth, rough, etc.—as you build your design step by step. Or you can give existing decor a lift by building on the textures that are already there and adding more layers.
a light-stained kitchen with white stone countertops, a white zellige tile backsplash and stained shelves instead of upper cabinets
a plain dove grey kitchen with gorgeous mother of pearl Zellige tiles covering the whole wall and the hood for more interest
an attic shower space clad with blush and tan Zellige tiles, with suspended potted plants and black fixtures for a modern feel
a weathered and stained wood accent wall softens the industrial-inspired living room with vintage touches
an earthy colored faux stone accent wall is a gorgeous way to spruce up a neutral contemporary bathroom
a bold mustard velvet sofa is the centerpiece of the living room, with its color and material
a pink velvet sofa makes a statement with texture and with bright color, black and white pillows create a contrast
a gorgeous contemporary living room with a black leather sofa, stacks of books, potted plants and a chic gallery wall
a chic and dramatic living room with a black accent wall, a black velvet sofa, chic glass coffee tables, pendant bulbs and a round mirror