How to Add Character and Charm to a House

How about first taking a peek at a listing photo of the same view of the living room from when we bought our home and first moved in to get things going? Isn’t it wild how different it is? Are you ready to add some touches of character and charm to your own home? The best part is that it doesn’t all have to be added at once. This should evolve as life does.

Add Crown Molding

Crown molding is one of those elements that immediately elevates and changes a room. Thicker crown (over 4″) tends to look a little more vintage and expensive. If wood crown molding isn’t in the budget, give foam crown molding a try.

Add Accents Like Trim to The Walls and Built Ins

Elevating the walls with trim also really creates interest. Whether it’s Board and Batten, Beadboard or even Picture Frame molding, adding the architectural element of trim immediately creates interest to the eye.

Board and batten and wainscoting can be inexpensive to install and give a room a modern yet classically vintage feel.

Add storage with a built in in an unused area of space in place of a closet, especially in smaller rooms.

Also adding a built in for a weird open area like the cabinet above makes a useful space out of an awkward area and creates interest. With the addition of the library ladder it creates an even more useful way to use the space and a bit of vintage charm.

Bring in Architectural Elements

Adding elements such as corbels in corners or adding them to cabinets is a way to create interest in a really inexpensive way. it’s one of my favorite ways to bring in some charm and personality.

A transom is another item found in older homes that not only create interest, but add light. This one was added to create a divider for an open space between two rooms, but keep the light.

Stationary french doors create a room divide, but maintain the light.

Adding wallpaper and trim also adds character without making huge renovations.

Open shelving and vintage furniture add visual interest and can create just as much storage as traditional cabinetry.

Also adding antique furniture and using it in unexpected ways can also make a huge difference and add a ton more character. Changing out the old dated cabinet hardware can give it a huge lift. Don’t be afraid to being in vintage or antique furniture pieces even in modern homes.

How about adding just some wood elements such as this simple divider shown at the far end of the room? It adds some much needed wall space to place furniture and give a bit of interest. The art shelf adds a layer of color and a mood to the dark walls and a fun vibe to the entire space.

In a bathroom, honeycomb floor tile and subway wall tile add character. Bathroom tiles can be classic and vintage at the same time.

While bathrooms can look amazing with real vintage pieces, there are many new pieces now that look vintage and can be easier to find common sizes, of vanities especially for a really old house with limited space or a new construction home.

Add Vintage-Inspired Lighting

By adding rewired vintage lighting or even new lighting that seems old adds charm and style.

Adding vintage inspired light fixtures over open shelves has a casual feel and adds much needed light, plus additional warmth to the lighting.

A vintage chandelier can create a focal point in a kitchen and new hardware can update old kitchen cabinets.

Add a Faux Fireplace

While many older historic homes have gorgeous fireplaces, a new build may not have a fireplace. Adding something as simple as a faux fireplace can add architectural interest, can change the feel of the entire room, add much character, and add a place to hang stockings at Christmas!

Look Up and Add a Ceiling Medallion

Ceiling medallions can be a great way to add interest around a chandelier whether it’s an old or newer home. This can also close a gap when a lighting plate doesn’t quite cover the hole on a chandelier base. They add interest to a boring hallway ceiling as well. See this post for how to age a new ceiling medallion to look old.

Add a Decorating Quirk

What is a quirk you might ask? A quirk is something that adds a little touch like old homes used to have or something unexpected. Older homes had fun little quirks like old ironing board cabinets or a phone nooks. Today we don’t generally see those things, so we can add in quirk and personality through our decorating choices. This is a great option and easy fix if you live somewhere such as a rental and can’t make any structural changes.

Add a living plant wall

Add some fun to the wall with something unexpected like faux fruit art plates.

Use old windows in displays behind decor.

Add hanging plants and greenery (even if they are faux!).

Use vintage signs to add character and pick up small brass plates at flea markets and antique stores to add character to doors.

Display a collection such as album covers or vintage art.

Add layers of decor for interest such as these vintage oil paintings layered on each other.

There are so many ways to add charm and character to a home of any age, from simple decor items to larger changes. The biggest thing is to not be afraid to take small risks and enjoy making your house a home that feels like you.

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Start by Cutting Out Your Bunny Silhouette

You can grab the free printable at the end of the post if you want to make this adorable bunny craft to trace your own. Trace and then cut out the bunny silhouette on cardboard. with scissors or a craft knife.

Paint the Cardboard White on Both Sides

Paint both sides of the cardboard white. That way if there are any open spaces after gluing the coffee filters down the brown cardboard won’t show through.

Glue the Coffee Filters to the Cardboard

Once the paint dries, pull out a coffee filter and gather it so the center is at a point. You don’t need a tons of coffee filters, just about 100. Bend the coffee filter at the point slightly to make a little tab and then glue that tab to the cardboard. Continue until the entire silhouette is covered. Hold pressure slightly longer if using craft glue to get the coffee filter to hold on the the cardboard. If using hot glue, use a pencil end to push the coffee filter onto the cardboard so to not burn any fingers with hot glue.

Trim Up Your Bunny

Once your bunny is filled all of the way in, use scissors to trim up any paper filters use a ribbon or add a hanger on the back to hang! Then tie a ribbon around the neck to finish it off and add a sweet touch!

You could use this same technique to cut an oval and use your creativity to make matching Easter eggs!

For more Easter crafts see how to make these fun Easter bunny and egg line art.

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Finding Faux Food and Vintage Plates

I found faux food at the craft store and already had a collection of vintage plates. If you don’t have any, new plates can be used or sourced from the thrift store. Some of the plates I have saved because they were so gorgeous and some were no longer safe to eat off of. You can read more about what to know about vintage dishes before eating off of them here. Faux food can be found at the craft store, on Etsy, or even faux food on Amazon. While you can buy pre-made faux food plates already put together right on Etsy, you can also buy faux foods as well or make your own. That might have to be another post. Find pre-made food and plate wall hangers here.

Supplies for Creating a Faux Food Decorative Plate Wall

-Vintage or new plates

-Multi-purpose glue

-Faux food

-Plate wall hangers

Prep the Plate and Adhere the Hanger

Before gluing your faux food on, make sure to clean the plate completely and remove any dirt or oils on the front or back. Once dry, Adhere the plate hanger on the back of the plate. This will be easier than doing it after the food is glued on. While there are many kind of plate hangers including ones that grip the top and bottom with a metal piece and those that stick on the back, I am using some hold school hangers that are from England. I’ve used them for years and work really well as long as you follow the directions exactly.They also don’t damage the plate and can be removed later.

Glue the Faux Food on the Vintage Plate

Once you have your faux food there are many kinds of glues and adhesives you can use. I like to use Welbond, because it’s not stinky and works on a variety of surfaces. The drawback is it does take longer to dry, so patience is needed.

Glue the faux food on where the item has the most contact with the plate. Make sure to remove any glue while it’s still wet otherwise it won’t come off later.

Hang Your Faux Food Vintage Plate Wall Art

Once the glue is cured and dry, it’s time to hang your wall art! I just made a few. Even though the images i’ve seen have walls of collaged plates, it’s OK to just do a few here and there! Anything that adds a little fun is ok.even though it’s gorgeous, it doesn’t have to be a big thing.

I added the faux doughnut and strawberries and cherries plates near my coffee station, and the plate with the faux pears and cheese in my dining room.

This faux food plate was fun to make because I carefully cut the pear to create a slice and the cheese wedge is actually a painted round sponge I made!

You can have so much fun with this project and create some fun and creative home decor in just an afternoon!

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Supplies To Paint Terracotta Flower Pots

-Multipurpose Paint in various colors (we used white, yellow, red, green, blue and pink)

-Terracotta pot and saucer

-Sponge craft brush

-regular round craft paint brish

-Non-toxic outdoor varnish

-Paint palette or paper plate

Paint a Base Coat of Paint on the Terracotta Pots

Used white multipurpose craft paint  with the sponge brush to coat the outside of the pot and saucer. If using a saucer don’t paint the inside of the saucer where it collects water, the paint will peel and bubble over time from water exposure. Let the top coat dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Pick Paint Colors for the Decorating Part

While you can use any colors, I picked bright and springy colors.  Add a few drops at a time about the size of a dime. The paint can dry quickly and less will be wasted.

Make the Dotting Pattern

Decide on the pattern, You can wing it or pre-mark it with pencil marks. I decided to go for it! An easy trick is to use  the end of a paint brush to make dots in an organized pattern, and alternated my colors. To apply, dip the end of the paint brush in the paint and lightly press it onto the pot surface. For smaller dots you can use dowel rods, toothpicks or even the head of a straight pin (Adults only!).

You can have fun creating different patterns on each pot and alternating colors. I decided on half circles on one, and a round/diamond pattern on other other pot. If you are looking for a more upscale adult version see how to make plastic pots look like ceramic pots.

Let the Paint Dry

After I finished all of my “paint-dotting” I let them dry. for 24-48 hours and cure according to directions. Multi-surface paint takes a little longer than regular craft paint to be water resistant. Some multi-surface paints you can also use on coffee mugs to create a unique gift. Make sure to check the directions on the bottle.

Seal the Paint on the DIY Painted Terracotta Pots

Once cured, use an outdoor, non-toxic varnish to seal them. If they are going to be inside only, Dishwasher safe Mod Podge can be used to seal the acrylic painted terracotta pots, but they might not be as durable outside.

Add the Plants

Once it’s dry it’s time to add plants!Any plant except edible plants can be added.  This is fun where kids can start grass seed on the top to create something fast growing and green. They can also trim it ans give it a regular hair cut!

These painted pots add something nice and green in my window sill and a bit of color until spring arrives!

If you liked this project, you might also like:

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Supplies to Make Your Own Custom Washi Tape:

-If you can’t find plain Japanese paper tape, you can also use low tack artist tape or drafting tape which is thinner and more flexible, and has less adhesive than masking tape. If you want to create larger stickers, you can also use a thicker width masking tape. Or use sticker paper for larger versions.

-Acrylic paint colors of choice

-A piece of stiff plastic sheeting or parchment or wax paper in a pinch

-Rubber stamps in different designs, smaller ones can be better for detail. Small alphabet stamps if you want to create custom brand labels

-StazOn permanent  ink pads in various colors

-Permanent markers

-Paint brushes

-Scissors

Apply Strips of Tape to Plastic Sheeting

First, prepare your work surface by placing your tape across your plastic sheet in strips the same size pieces, or different sizes if you are creating a label or sticker. press onto your flexible plastic sheeting. When adding your tape be careful not to stretch it too much or it will distort the image when you remove your design later. Make sure you check out this post if you want tips on getting started in Junk Journaling.

Tip: One trick if you end up using regular masking tape to make your washi tape: Press your strip of masking tape to a piece of low lint fabric or even on your jeans first and remove before adding to your plastic sheeting. This will take the adhesive factor down a lot and make the tape little more removable and not too overly sticky.

Paint Tape if an Under Color is Desired

Use a soft brush to paint on your tape with acrylic craft paint. Have fun with painting multiple colors, or add a unique touch by painting onto the tape and then using a paper towel to lift some of the paint for a dappled or distressed finish to add textures.

Remove any excess paint with a cotton ball  or paper towel and let dry. If you don’t let the paint dry, your stamps will pick up the paint. If you leave too much paint on the tape, when it is stretched it could crack. Think of it more as dyeing the tape as opposed to painting on it.

Add Age and Patina with a Stamp Pad

If you want to keep the natural tape color, use a stamp pad to lightly rub  and drag across the surface and add some tint to the tape.

Start Stamping for Washi-Tape Printing

Then use your StazOn and stamps or markers to add design elements and a repeating pattern. You can use markers to write in script or add dots and dashes to your DIY washi tape.

I layered different stamps to create a more collaged and aged effect on the tape. Different colors can be added as well.

Keep on Plastic Until Ready to Use

Once your tape is done, just leave it on your plastic sheeting until you’re ready to use and stack them for easy storage.

Tear and Apply Tape

Remove as and when needed to apply to artwork and junk journals.

I really love how it’s so easy to create something custom like this. Create own color combinations and patterns and a pretty way to wrap gifts and add to envelopes, notebooks, planners and more!  You could even use a name stamp to make your own tape or for wedding favors and other decorative purposes.

Tip: For a different take and way to make your own decorative tape, you can use a graphic program like illustrator, create a design, use ink jet or laser printers to print the design on sticker paper, and cut into strips.

I love making a bunch of tape to use on different craft projects and art projects on canvas for mixed media.. They are a great way to add a personalized touch to whatever you are making. Don’t be afraid to play with color or stamps.

If you liked this post, you might also like:

Find this project and 34 others in the book Creatively Christmas

How to make hand-stamped ribbon

Make an Anthro-inspired mini pom-pom wreath

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Using caution is recommended with this project. Older and vintage jewelry may not be lead free (grab a lead check kit if there are any questions!) or have other harmful metals or materials in them that you could be exposed to. Make sure to check your brooch isn’t valuable first and has fake stones as ooposed to real diamonds or gems. You can also use new jewelry pieces of embellishments instead. Always use proper safety procedures, directions on the supplies and equipment before starting this project and do in a well- ventilated area.

Clean the Vase Surface

Start by washing the milk glass vases to get off any dirt, grease or sticky residue and let air dry upside down until they are completely dried.  Then remove the backs off the jewelry pieces if needed (you may not have to). I do wear eye protection for this because those bits can go flying every where! I’ll also wear gloves at times as well. I have a nickel allergy and some of the older (and newer) pieces of jewelry do contain nickel (or lead).

Glue on the Vintage Pins, Brooches or Earrings

Once the backs are removed, you are ready to glue! I found laying the vases on their backs and supporting them works best. Larger pins and brooches can be glued on by themselves, but smaller ones or vintage earrings can be clustered together. A little low-tack painter’s tape help to keep the pieces on place while the tape sets. Then they are ready to go! It takes about 24 to 48 hours for the glue to cure to use them. I prefer to use a non-toxic glue. I used some brooches and old earrings  (and a few new broken ones) to make my fun vases. They come in so many pretty styles. It seems like such a shame just to throw them out!

Let Dry and Add Flowers

Once the glue is cured, add flowers and display! These would be such a pretty centerpiece for a wedding or bridal shower too. New vases can be used if vintage vases can’t be found.

 I clustered about 4 earrings on this vases. I love how it looks and I love that it gives those broken pieces of jewelry a new purpose.

Now am going to start scoping out broken jewelry even more and diving into my collection.!

If you liked this post you might also like:Upcycled vintage suitcase to jewelry display holder.

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Things to Look for When Using Vintage Suitcases in Decorating

There are a few things to be aware of when using vintage items like these in your home. Always pass up items that are:

-Smells such as mold, mothballs or cigarette smoke. Those smells will probably not come out and moldy smells can mean a deeper issue. But, we do have a purpose for ones that the smells don’t come out of below!

-Could have bed bugs or critters. Always to a throughout check before buying or bringing them into your home.

-Weird stains. We don’t know what they are so we’ll just pass if we see those.

Only bring in 100% clean, vintage suitcases!

Add an Accent and Storage in a Bedroom

Stack Vintage Suitcases

All 3 of these suitcases have some much needed storage in a cozy living room. The look of them together is so pretty. It’s better than something made out of plastic.

Things needed  to access less are on the bottom and those items to use more of are in the top. By adding the cloche and fern it makes it look more intentional instead of just piled in the corner.

Add an Accent with Other Found Objects

Think Unconventionally for Decorating with Vintage Suitcases

Vintage suitcases can also be repurposed. This one was re-imagined into a way to add flowers and vases into a room. You can see how to create this vintage suitcase flower vase display here.

Suitcases for Height

Suitcases as Furniture

Suitcases in Display

I use vintage  and antique suitcases in my store display all of the time. They really add interest and height and again bring in extra storage.

Vintage Trunks

What to do with Smelly Suitcases

If you have a suitcase that has a slightly off odor, there are a few options:

-open dry coffee grounds in a bowl on the inside. Let sit for at least a week closed.

-Clean with a good multi-purpose cleaner and let dry open in the sunlight.

-Wipe down with vinegar and let stay open outside until evaporated

-Add lavender sachets  and let it stay closed for a while.

If you just can’t remove the smell, before they are tossed….

Use them outside! We had some that just had a really strong, odd smell we couldn’t remove. We turned them into a stacked suitcase planter by drilling holes in the bottom. While they only lasted a season, but they were cute while they lasted!

If you liked this post you might also like:

Styling a faux fireplace

How to make an easy vintage suitcase table

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Why Decorate with Plates?

Plates and dishes can be art pieces unto themselves. A gorgeous platter or plate by itself can fit in an odd space. Many vintage plates also have amazing and detailed artwork that deserve to be displayed. From scalloped edges, to hand painted embellishments, not only are they pretty, but affordable. Vintage plates can be found at thrift stores for just a few dollars in all kinds of patterns.

Wall Plates Can Be Collaged

Do to their shape, plates and platters lend well to be collaged in all kinds of designs. They can be stretched across a long wall, or made to fill a skinny wall.

Tips to Collaging and Hanging Decorative Wall Plates

–Just like any collage, lay out the plates on the floor in a pattern first. If a better visual is needed, cut paper circles out the same sizes as the plates first and tape those up to play with placement.

–Don’t feel like you need to just stick to the same size plates. Start with larger plates and platters, then mix in smaller saucers to fill in any gaps. This will give an organized feel to the design. Even little vintage butter pats can be added.

–Patterns can be a little more abstract or very linear. Don’t feel like you need to stick to one pattern. Sometimes the shape of the plates with determine the layout.

–If a more modern feel is desired, hang all of the same size plates in organized rows.

-The most important thing is to hang what you love and want to look at every day!

–It’s ok to use new plates too! Mixing and matching new and old plates can add a collected feel. Vintage or new plates can also be added among art work to a collaged gallery wall to add interest such as Celebrating Everyday Life did in this post.

Mixing and Matching Different Plates and Bowls- A Few Examples

The Lettered Cottage always has a great eye and just knows how to put things together just right.With a mix of larger and different size plates, smaller saucers and even bowls,  it’s interesting and fresh.

At Home on the Bay has mixed and matched all kinds of styles,sizes and patterns, new and old They are just so gorgeous and I love all of her different plates. It’s read very Cottagecore and cozy.

Add Additional Whimsy with Faux Food

If additional fun and whimsy is wanted, try adding faux food to vintage plates. This is a great way to add interest and create art for the walls. If anything it’s also a fun conversation piece!

Hanging Decorative Wall Plates

The best way to hang decorative plates on a wall? There are many ways and options to safely hang wall plates for collage. From Metal spring clamps made just for hanging dishware, to adhesive backed plastic hangers. One way is to also use adhesive disc wall hangers which is very old school, but can easily be removed later.

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Supplies for Creating an Easy Line Fill Abstract Art Idea

I love an easy art DIY, such as this abstract art technique with a paint scraper. To create this project you’ll need:

-A canvas (any size you want, you can easily go big on this one!)

-A light colored watercolor pencil (the lines will dissolve when you paint)

-Acrylic paint your color choices. This can be either craft paint or art paint. (With thinner craft paint, two coats may be needed for a solid look). You can find supplies here.

Use a Watercolor Pencil to Create Freehand Lines

Start by free handing crazy watercolor pencil lines all over your canvas. When I say crazy, I mean crazy. In fact, make sure to cross lines and pencil marks go over each other. This will create a unique pattern to paint. No rules, just let the pencil lines flow.

Using a light colored watercolor pencil for this project is great, because the pencil lines will dissolve into the paint and disappear unlike a regular graphite pencil that might bleed through.

Start Painting in The Spaces Between the Lines

Once your lines are done, use your acrylic paint to paint in the spaces between the lines on your easy line fill abstract art.  I took color inspiration from my vase on my mantel and I ended up using about 6 different colors. If you want it to coordinate with your decor, feel free to use some of your wall color as well. I love the flexibility of this project, because you can go really colorful, or you can keep it monotone, or even do a color gradient.

Use Crayons or Washable Markers also to Create Abstract Art

This is also a really fun project for kids as abstract line art ideas go, and really doable for almost any age. Replace the paints with crayons or washable markers and just use paper…and even the littles can do it.

Let Paint Dry and Display!

I think this is just such a fun way to create beautiful art for any age and it can really be customized to your space as well!

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Different Types Of Bulbs That Can Be Forced

Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, paper white narcissus, amaryllis, grape hyacinth (muscari), iris, snowdrops, crocus. You can force them in either pots or in water. If you think far enough ahead, these make great holiday gifts!

Spring Bulbs Need Cold Like Refrigeration To Bloom

I had a few bags of tulip bulbs left over last fall that I was just too lazy to plant. I was afraid they would rot if I just left them out in the open or they would attract critters; so I put them in the garage refrigerator (Don’t put them in a refrigerator with food items, some bulbs are poisonous if eaten! Always keep them clear labeled as well!) in a paper bag starting in September in a crisper drawer and left them alone all winter. Most bulbs need a “cold” period, almost like a fake winter before they can be forced. So I did a little research on forcing bulbs and gave it a try. Even tough I live in a very cold place, if I left them outside they would freeze and then rot, so a fridge is the best chance at an evenly cool environment. You can also leave them in an unheated garage as long as the bulbs don’t freeze. They need a few months of cold temperatures to bloom, so October or November would be the latest to put them into cold storage for spring blooming. If you put them in as late as December, you won’t be able to force bloom your bulbs until almost April.

Remove The Bulbs From Refrigeration When They Are Ready

In mid- February ,I pulled my chilled bulbs out to force bloom. Some went in an old mug with some gravel on the bottom and pebbles on top put in  a little water every day just till it barely touched the bottom of the bulbs. It’s necessary to keep the water level constant when forcing bulbs in water.

I used Tulip bulbs mixed with grape hyacinth blubs. It’s fun to change them up for a mixed bouquet. In the past I’ve mixed/forced hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis and paperwhites (I don’t love paperwhites because even though they are so pretty, I find them slightly stinky, but that’s a personal preference.).

Use A Bulb Forcing Jar For Ease

Forcing bulbs in a vase or forcing jar is an easy way to do single spring bulbs! After they have enough chill time, such as in an old refrigerator or unheated basement, just place the flat side of the bulb with the roots facing down, and make sure the water just touches the base of the roots. Any higher and it will cause the bulb to rot. Place the vase in direct sunlight for strong stem. If it doesn’t have enough light, the plant will be a light green color with a floppy stem and leaves. You should see a small bud pop out of the top of the bulb in a few weeks.

Find a jar to force hyacinths here on Amazon

Make it: An upcycled gold paint stripe vase

Bulbs Can Also Be Forced In Potting Soil

I am always shocked and elated when they actually start to grow roots. I prefer to force mine in potting medium because not only do the stems seem to grow stronger and more uniform, but when they are done blooming, I can take the entire bit, dirt and all outside of the pot and plant the spent bulbs to bloom he following year. I love when those flower buds start popping out and it’s even more exciting to see something growing in February!

Keep Even Moisture When Forcing Bulbs

The most important thing when forcing your bulbs in dirt or potting soil is to keep the moisture even. If they dry out, the flowers won’t bloom and all you’ll end up with is stems. If you stems seem like they are too light of a pale green color, they may need more direct sunlight.

One year,I decided to try forcing and entire bag of tulip bulbs in potting soil and moss in a vintage birdbath. I envisioned an entire swath of glorious tulips, and so Martha Stewart-like in the concrete birdbath. I was so excited when I started to see little stems poke their way out of the bulbs!

If you don’t want real forced bulbs, and prefer ones you can use year after year, check out this post on how to make faux forced bulbs out of brown grocery bags.

I could see the roots working their way down and little green shoots reach towards the sunlight. I was so expectant of the tulips really thriving

Grocery Store Forced Bulbs

Forcing spring bulbs is easy to do, but I will admit, I still don’t mind picking up those pre-planted pots of hyacinths from the grocery store. It’s very much an instant gratification thing, especially when there are years I don’t remember to chill my bulbs in enough time. Life gets busy sometimes.

What To Do After The Bulbs Are Done Blooming

Once those grocery store bulbs (or your own forced bulbs) are done blooming in their pots some you can plant in your yard (depending on the cllimate) like tulips, hyacinths and daffodils. Wear gloves as some have irritating or toxic sap and cut all of the foliage off down to the base. Remove everything from the pot and plant them in your yard. While the bulbswon’t bloom anymore this year, next year after a full winter you get rewarded with flowers popping up in the yard!

Bring even more flowers into your home in late winter/ very early spring by force blooming branches such as forsythia, lilac and crabapple branches, you can see more about how to force spring flowering branches here..

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