Beyond Cookie Cutter: 7 Design Tips to Infuse Personality into Your Home
Over the course of nine and a half years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with clients who’ve either moved into, or were already living in, what they described as cookie-cutter home neighborhoods. Together, we embarked on a mission to make their homes stand out and differentiate their home compared to the other houses in their area, ensuring that their living spaces truly represented their personalities or helped them sell their homes faster. Despite the common desire to stand out, I’ve observed most people tend to resort to basic improvements like fresh paint jobs, new floorings, updated light fixtures, and landscaping work. While these changes do make a difference, the homes still somehow retain that cookie-cutter feel. In this blog, my aim is to help you see things differently and enable you to infuse your home with unique character that truly sets it apart. Here are my top 7 tips to achieve just that.
Wood trims around the windows. Image created using AI via Canva
Update trims around windows and doors
Many home developments often feature white or cheap wood trim around the windows and doors, while some homes may even lack any trim at all. To infuse character into your home, I highly recommend updating the trim with detailed or high-quality wood options. This simple change can make a remarkable difference in the overall appearance of your home. The trim need not be excessively ornate with intricate details; sometimes, even simpler trim can lend an elegant and refined look to the entire space.
Modern interior doors for the hallway. Image created using AI via Canva
2. Update or replace interior doors
I've come across numerous homes that have bland and basic interior doors. To add personality and style, consider replacing these plain doors with ones that feature detailed panels. If you already have interior doors with panels in excellent condition, consider painting them in different colors to create a vibrant and distinctive look. While you're at it, updating the door knobs/handles will further enhance the overall appeal and uniqueness of these doors.
Archway for the foyer. Image created using AI via Canva
3. Update the doorway look
Many homes have doorways that sport a very basic look. If your doorway has a little extra height, consider transforming it into an archway or enhancing it with decorative trims. This simple modification not only adds character but also elevates the overall ambiance of the space. You can further enhance the archway by adding some intricate details; it can be as simple as incorporating crown moldings to give it a touch of elegance.
Modern eclectic style living room with wainscoting walls. Image created using AI via Canva
4. Wall treatments
Most home developments feature houses with simple and basic drywall, lacking any distinctive details. To infuse character and achieve a high-end look for your home, consider installing wainscoting from the floor to the ceiling. Wainscoting doesn't have to be entirely made of wood and you can also paint it in any color you like to match your desired aesthetic. Additionally, you can explore various wall treatments, such as 3D walls (known as urban walls) or mid-century style panels, to add further dimension and uniqueness to your living spaces. This option can be a lot less costly than other options in this list and can be an very doable DIY project.
Modern farmhouse kitchen. Image created using AI via Canva
5. Give your kitchen a makeover
When people tell you that the kitchen is the most important room of the house, they're absolutely right. Kitchens play a significant role in boosting a home’s value. If your kitchen looks exactly the same as every other kitchen in the neighborhood, it's time to consider giving it a makeover and making it stand out from the rest. You can opt for a simple kitchen cabinet paint job, install a new backsplash and countertop, or even undertake a complete gut job for a more extensive transformation. The key is to design the kitchen in a style that best fits your personality and creates a timeless look, ensuring it won't feel outdated in just a few years. Remember, it's best to avoid following fleeting kitchen trends!
Scandinavian living room with wood ceiling beams. Image created using AI via Canva
6. Add ceiling beams
If your home has a ceiling height that exceeds the standard 8 feet, you might consider adding beams to elevate the space further. It doesn't have to involve heavy and expensive beams that require construction for support installation. Instead, you can opt for lightweight beams that are not entirely made of wood, designed to be decorative, making them easy to install without breaking the bank. Additionally, it's not limited to just ceiling beams; you can also explore waffled ceilings, depending on the room's construction. This can be done in a lightweight and budget-friendly manner. Not only will these additions add character to your home, but they can also increase its overall value.
Scandinavian bathroom. Image created using AI via Canva
7. Make each of your bathrooms unique and different
Most cookie-cutter style homes have bathrooms that look the same, featuring similar elements such as vanities, mirrors, light fixtures, tiles, and hardware. However, let's break away from the norm and make each of your bathrooms unique and distinctive. For instance, powder rooms present an opportunity to have fun and create a conversation starter with guests and are popular with my clients that want to have a space to go a little wild in. These powder rooms can be completely different and unexpected compared to the rest of the home. As for the other bathrooms in the house, I would suggest incorporating different tiles, materials/finishes, light fixtures, wall colors, and unique pieces to truly make them stand out and reflect your individuality.
As I've covered all seven tips to help make your home unique and stand out compared to your neighbors' houses, it's essential to remember that these tips are not the only possibilities. There are still many more ways to make your home special. If you plan to live in your home for an extended period, I highly recommend pursuing changes that truly represent you and your personality. On the other hand, if you're considering selling your house in the near future, it's advisable to opt for neutral colors and finishes that appeal to potential homebuyers while still adding character to your home. Homes with unique traits tend to attract buyers more than those without personality.
If you're uncertain about which direction to take with updating your home, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. We offer virtual interior design services and would be thrilled to assist you in creating a space that perfectly reflects your style and vision
