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 creme 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.
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.
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.
See the other article How to Give the Exterior of a New Home More Character.
