We usually associate houses built 100+ years ago, like Victorian manors and period bungalows, with character. But does a house have to be old to have character? Short answer: no. Even if your house is brand new (or new-ish), you can still bring in a sense of story or history with furniture, art and decor. Here are 4 easy ways to add more character to your home:

Tell a story with colour

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to inject character into a space is through colour. Colour not only evokes mood but also story. Be inspired by colours from your surroundings, town/city, or even the era in which your house was built. 

While my house is not historical, its 1960s Kiwiana bach status gives it an element of nostalgia that I wanted to preserve as much as possible by embracing the ‘60s penchant for injecting colour into spaces. Instead of opting for plain floor tiles in our main bathroom, I chose a bold, orange, and blue floral pattern tile and painted the walls a muted blue/green shade that leaned into the ‘60s aesthetic. I considered my coastal surroundings when choosing paint colours for my home interiors. I opted for coastal hues, deep shades of blue and green, and paired these with a warm shade of white to bring those natural elements into my home.

Pattern is another design element that can heighten a space’s sense of story and personality. Historically, patterns were used by ancient craftsmen, artists, and architects as a storytelling tool. Patterns and motifs encapsulate their culture, design movements, religion and politics. For instance, ancient palaces were often decorated with carved motifs of the ruling family crest and religious symbolism.

We can use patterns to share our narratives or reflect our surroundings. In my home styling, I pay homage to my seaside locale and to the proud maritime culture on the Matakana Coast, incorporating subtle nautical stripes in cushions, throws, and rugs to reinforce an underlying coastal/nautical style.

Add natural texture to your space

Like colour and patterns, texture can also tell a story. When we think of objects that have lived previous lives, we instantly conjure images of weathered patinas, roughened wood and surfaces slowly shaped by time and the elements.

In pre-modern times, builders mainly used locally sourced natural materials like wood, clay, stone, and pure metals. Using natural materials in houses and buildings meant that surfaces aged ‘gracefully’, and weathered patinas only added to their beauty and charm (provided they were maintained well, although arguably even abandoned old houses look more attractive than their modern counterparts).

In newer spaces, rustic textures create a feeling of cosiness and authenticity that can sometimes be lacking in newer houses. Adding architectural interior design features such as exposed wood beam ceilings, concrete or stone walls, and metallic accents such as aged brass not only injects character into the space but also heightens the wow factor.

Interior Designer Banjo Beale puts it beautifully in his book Wild Isle Style:

“It’s the imperfect nature of texture that makes it oh-so-perfect. Texture is a great equaliser. You might not want a space to feel too modern or everything to feel too old, so mix it up with high and low.”

Natural texture can also be introduced through decor, soft furnishings, and furniture. Furniture from reclaimed wood paired with more modern pieces can create an interesting juxtaposition. Bringing in decor made from natural fibres such as jute and sisal and soft furnishings in wool and linen can also create a more ‘lived-in’ feeling in a space.

Skip brand new and collect vintage or antique furniture and homeware

Another easy way to add character and story to any space is to choose furniture and homeware pieces with a history. 

Side note: If you’re wondering what the difference is between antique and vintage furniture, antique furniture, homeware, art, or fashion is 100+ years old. Anything vintage is 50+ years old but less than 100 years old.

Now, I’m not saying you need to furnish your home entirely with antique or vintage pieces (unless that’s your vibe, in which case—by all means!). Incorporating one or two beautiful pieces, such as an antique sideboard, cabinet, bookcase, or decor centrepiece, in your home styling can imbue a space with so much more personality.

Some of my favourite home decor pieces are those I found after hours of scouring vintage and thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace (all great places to start when looking for unique and affordable finds).

Old furniture adds an element of history to a space and makes great conversation starters.

Eclecticism is just a fancy word for making something your own, lean into it

Characterful interiors have one thing in common: they are visually stimulating and aesthetically specific to the people who live there. This effect can be achieved through eclecticism, mixing and matching design styles and elements to create a unique space. 

Eclecticism is about creating a visual narrative around what you and your family love and what sparks joy.  ‘Mix and matching’ is vital when embracing an eclectic approach to home styling:

• Take inspiration from various design movements

• Combining the old with the new

• Pairing luxurious furniture or home decor with rustic/thrifted pieces

• Pairing colours and patterns that don’t match and yet are in harmony (e.g. pattern clash)

• Going bold and daring with colours and patterns

• Showcasing objects and mementoes you’ve collected over the years 

Embrace imperfection, highlight the ‘mismatch,’ and don’t be afraid to let your story and personality imbue every surface, nook, and cranny of your home.