Most new homes built today are built by production builders who try to make homes as inexpensive and affordable as possible.
The outcome of this is that everyone's home in the neighborhood looks nearly the same - they are all beige, white, and cream on the inside and nearly identical on the outside.
Here are some interior designer tips & tricks for giving your generic new home some extra character and charm to set it apart from all of your neighbors' homes.
photo courtesy of Greg Fleischacker flickr.com/photos/gregfly/4699730139
Doorbell
Upgrade your doorbell since your doorbell is the first thing people touch when visiting your home.
A unique doorbell will help welcome your guests.
Here are the steps for How to Replace a Doorbell Button.
Paint
Paint all of your walls and maybe even your ceilings.
If you cannot decide on a color, select the same color you currently have, just a little darker.
For more contemporary homes, consider painting your walls the same color as your trim.
Don't forget about painting your ceiling, especially if you have crown molding.
Don't feel pressured to paint all of your walls immediately when moving into your home. Take your time to create a design plan for each room, then select the perfect color for that room that is interesting but not overpowering.
For tips in selecting paint colors, see the article How to Pick Paint Colors Like a Pro.
Don't be afraid to go bold with color. Most people regret playing it too safe with paint colors. Remember, it is just paint and it can always be changed.
Light Fixtures
Builders sell homes by making them affordable, so they put in the cheapest fixtures possible in order to bring the cost down.
In order to add more character to your home, replace your boring light fixtures with ones that are interesting and complement the overall design of your home.
Most major home improvement stores have a good selection of light fixtures to choose from, however shopping online gives you an even greater selection so there is less of a chance that your neighbors will have the same light fixture.
Don't forget about replacing your bathroom vanity light fixtures too. This is one of the most noticeable and inexpensive changes you can make to a bathroom.
Knobs and Pulls
Whether you have cabinets in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or any other room in your home, add knobs and pulls to all of your cabinets to add instant character and charm.
Knobs are not only jewelry for your room, but they also help protect the cabinets from the constant abrasion from your hand opening it.
To create cohesion throughout your home, get knobs and pulls that match the other metal finishes in your home (such as your door knobs).
Framed Mirrors
Replace your boring bathroom plate mirrors with wood framed mirrors.
Select one mirror per sink and get the largest mirror that will fit centered on the faucet without hitting the light fixture.
Many home improvement stores sell wood framed mirrors as well as home decor stores and online.
Opt for a beveled framed mirror for a more classy and elegant look.
Landscaping
Add to your minimal landscaping since it probably looks exactly like all of your neighbors' landscaping.
Increase the size of your flower beds, add some shrubs & trees, and plant some flowers to add welcoming color.
Adding stone edging to your flower beds is an easy way to make your home look more expensive and add character.
You do not have to do a complete overhaul at once - simply add several shrubs or a tree per year and eventually you will have a lush landscape.
Don't forget about your backyard too. Adding a patio, deck, or even just a simple seating area with some potted plants can add a lot of character and usable space to your home.
See the other article How to Give the Exterior of a New Home More Character.
Window Treatments
Most new homes do not come with window treatments, and bare windows are one of the most obvious signs of a new unfinished home.
Adding curtains and/or shades instantly makes a room feel more complete and pulled together.
Hang your curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible and let the curtains hang all the way to the floor to make your ceilings feel taller and your windows feel bigger than they actually are.
Avoid basic mini blinds if you want a more luxe interior.
Crown Molding
If your new home did not come with crown molding, consider adding it.
Crown molding adds a finished and elegant look to any room and makes a home feel much more custom and high end.
You can hire a carpenter to install it or if you are handy, it is something you can tackle yourself with a little practice.
Paint it the same color as your trim for a classic look or the same color as your walls for a more modern look.
Fireplace
If your home has a fireplace, make sure it is a focal point of the room and not an afterthought.
Consider updating the surround with new tile, stone, or shiplap if it looks dated or too generic.
Add a interesting mantle if your fireplace doesn't have one.
Style your mantle with a large mirror or piece of artwork and a few accessories to make it feel complete.
Flooring
Builder grade carpet and flooring is usually very basic and low quality.
Replacing your carpet with hardwood floors or a high quality luxury vinyl plank flooring can make one of the biggest differences in the overall look and feel of your home.
If replacing all of your flooring at once is not in your budget, start with the main living areas first and work your way through the rest of the home over time.
Front Door
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to add character to your new home is to paint your front door a bold color.
A bright red, deep navy, forest green, or classic black front door makes a big statement and sets your home apart from all of your neighbors right away.
While you are at it, replace your builder grade door handle and knocker with something more unique and stylish.
Bathroom Updates
Builder grade bathrooms are usually very plain and basic.
A few simple updates can make a big difference without spending a lot of money.
Replace your basic faucets with something more stylish. Add some open shelving for extra storage and to display some pretty accessories.
Replace your basic toilet paper holder and towel bars with something that matches the other metal finishes in your bathroom.
These small changes add up quickly and can make your bathroom feel much more custom and finished.
