My House--Always a Work in Progress--The outside needs some character-building, too, but our focus right now is inside.

Our house was built in 1992–nice neighborhood and great yard–but fairly nondescript. Like many houses built in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, the goal for builders seemed to be to give buyers as much square footage as was affordable, but no panache. Panache must cost more.

If you have a house (like ours) that needs a little jazzing up, first take a good look around with as much objectivity as you can muster. Do this:

• See your home’s potential. Sit in one room for a while but move to all different sides of the room. What do you love? What would you change tomorrow, if you could? Keep your ideas in a small notebook. Sketch your ideas.
• Know your style and that of your house. Just like with hair, trying to work against nature is always more challenging and costly. Trying to take an urban loft and turn it into a farmhouse might be frustrating and expensive; but adding some chic country elements are a possibility. Turning a country cottage into a contemporary space…well, that’s just wrong.
• Try to focus on one aspect so that you are not overwhelmed. Sometimes it isn’t knowing so much where to start, but merely to start. (Note:  Do take time to consider so that you do not rush and end up having to un-do or re-do something later.)
• Recognize that changes you make will impact potential future sale of the home–for better or worse. If you plan on living there for years, go for it. But still be smart. Plans change, and if you have to sell, you will not want to have to re-do everything you did. It is hard enough to make yourself repaint!
  

For almost 10 years, my husband and I have slowly been trying to add some character (or hire it out!) We chose to start (for the most part) with trimming windows. (My own hunky carpenter has done all of the windows. I think he’s pretty good!) We like a more traditional style than our home offers, but the traditional elements we are adding feel like they fit (at least, to us!) We have moved on to columns, flooring, and built-ins. We have more planned, when the budget allows, but for now, here are some ways we have added some panache.

Window with Retro-Fitted Trim

Heightened Door Frame, Added Column and Trim

Added Columns and Beadboard, Laminate Flooring and Carpet

Beadboard with Small Cap

Column One of Two

Basement Corner Built-In (sump pump hidden below)--Pay no attention to the messy shelves...

Maybe you are one of the lucky ones who bought a house that is already a home. If so, good for you! I will try hard not to be jealous. If you have to do it yourself, however, how would you add that character?