However if you too live in a modern property there's lots of ways you can add traditional character - and for less than you think too!
Go traditional with your window treatments
The fool-proof way to add some effortless charm are beautiful plantation style shutters which look good in every home - a great way of hiding less-than-pretty window frames too! Alternatively what about some wooden blinds which are available at lots of high street store, and can give a similar stylish look to shutters without the price tag? I've got my eye on some for our spare room, which I'm hoping to makeover this year.
Fake a fireplace
I've seen a lots of people doing this on Instagram recently, and if our lounge was big enough I'd be measuring up as we speak! Why not build a stud wall to create a fake chimney breast in which you can install an electric fire and built-in alcove cupboards either side of? Instant character and charm - and invaluable storage too! The lovely Emma (@emmarosee1992) DIYed her own - and just look how amazing it looks! She's got some before and after pictures over on Instagram, so would definitely recommend having a look if you're thinking of doing something like this.
Change internal doors
This is something I would absolutely do if we were planning on staying in our home forever, as replacing our laminate-covered internal doors with more traditional-style wooden ones would make a world of difference. It's pricey though, which is why its not really an option for us at the moment. But why not paint over your existing ones? Use a good primer such as Zinsser 123, and then you'll be able to use normal paint over the top.
DIY panelling
The perfect way to add some character to bare walls, you can buy tongue and groove panelling from hardware stores that you attach yourself, however if your DIY skills don't quite stretch to that (like mine!), you could fake panelling with mdf/pine. This is something I tried in our downstairs loo last year, and am still so impressed with how it looks. You can have a read about exactly how I did it for around £30 here - its simply planks of wood attached to the wall with no more nails. I'd love to have a go in another room!
Replace the flooring (or hide it!)
Getting rid of modern style orangey laminate is one of the easiest ways to quickly refresh a room. You could replace with beautiful tiles or wooden floors, or go for a tile-effect vinyl (link to my downstairs loo flooring here). On a tight budget? Why not paint your floor with specialist floor paint which can be picked up at most hardware stores. Or simply layer up with lots of gorgeous rugs - perfect for making your home cosy for the winter months too.
What ways have you added character to your modern home?
Thanks for reading,
Sam Xx
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