7 Affordable Upgrades That Will Add More Character to Your Home

Interior designers are full of helpful ideas for how you can add character and depth to your space without breaking the bank or turning your house into a construction zone.

Keep reading below for seven of their favorite hacks for giving your home that designer je ne sais quoi.

Revamp Your Lighting

“Honestly, lighting can make a bigger impact than almost any other update,” says Heidi Houdek, the founder of Heidi Houdek Interiors.

She explains that while many people view lighting as an afterthought, this shouldn’t be the case. “It can completely change how a space feels,” she says.

Specifically, consider replacing so-so fixtures with bolder, more design-forward ones.

“You can find a great light fixture—at any price—that really helps to enhance the ambiance and overall character of the room,” says Michelle Gage, the founder of Michelle Gage Interiors.

Plus, Gage adds, if a room is truly too dark, it doesn’t cost much to hire an electrician to add an electrical box to a space.

Add Oomph to Your Walls

Don’t settle for boring walls! “Wall treatments are one of those details that instantly make a home feel more cozy and intentional,” Houdek says, citing wallpaper, paneling, and paint as options to consider. “White walls absolutely have their place, but adding even one thoughtful layer can be the difference between a room that feels just okay and one that feels truly beautiful,” she says.

For example, consider livening things up with some picture frame molding or crown molding, both of which can add so much dimension to your home at an affordable price point. (You can even go the DIY route with both of these upgrades.)

Don’t Forget About the Ceiling

Once you’ve tackled your walls, it’s time to think about your ceiling. Houdek is partial to adding ceiling beams for character aplenty.

“This might sound pricey, but if the real thing is not in your budget, there are faux beams out there that look just like the real thing,” she says. “They take an ordinary room and elevate it dramatically.”

Another designer-favorite option is to paint or wallpaper the ceiling, otherwise known as a room’s fifth wall.

Whether you’re looking to use up some leftover wallpaper from a past project or just want to draw the eye upward in a stylish way, these are great approaches to consider.

Install Window Treatments

If you haven’t replaced the builder-grade window treatments in your home, consider this your excuse to do so.

The right window treatments “not only add print and pattern to your home but also add visual height which can help to break up boring walls,” Gage says.

Whether you opt for simple bamboo shades or luxe velvet drapery (or something in between) is entirely up to you.

Add Eye-Catching Art

Another way to add major character to your home is to ditch mass-produced art pieces in favor of works that are more reflective of your style and interests.

Nicole Roe, the founder of R. Nickson Interiors, enjoys sourcing affordable yet unique art via vintage stores, flea markets, and the like.

“You can find one-of-a-kind pieces for under $100 that bring character and personality to a space,” she says.

“These imperfect, collected works instantly make a home feel layered and collected rather than styled straight from a from a big box store.”

Go Green

Don’t underestimate the impact that a bit of greenery can have on your home. Roe is a big proponent of decorating with plants and also paying close attention to the way in which they’re displayed.

“Mixing traditional planters with vintage or found vessels such as ceramic bowls, aged pottery, or even glass jars, add depth and character,” she says.

Design Your Own Pillows

Last but not least, Roe likes the idea of weaving some custom pillows into a home as a means of providing it with more character.

Less expensive to design than a piece of custom furniture, pillows “can be a smart splurge that deliver big impact,” she says.

The process of selecting a fabric that speaks to you will make you feel like a pro designer—even if that’s not your day job.