we just purchased a builder grade home and i’m really struggling with how to add color and warmth into the space. everything is white: the walls, counters, doors, pretty much everything besides a few accents. we have a lot of dark wood furniture and an orange leather couch but what are some ways we can make the home feel cozier without adding in even more white? i definitely prefer a more vintage, almost grandma vibe compared to the modern, minimalistic vibe this house was built around.
*attached pictures are of the model home, i’m looking for the house to have a completely different feel than how it was staged. want to add in soft textures, lots of color and warmth without doing any demo*
by r0sekneed
6 Comments
Rugs, pots for plants, knick knack shelves, picture frames. Basically fill it with stuff you like and it will come together quicker than you think.
Next level up would be changing light fixtures and window treatments.
New construction homes are as far from vintage as possible so that’s quite a task! Start with paint on the walls. Look online for color schemes that fit your “look”
Can you group your LR seating closer together? I think the distance is making it feel even colder…
Paint the walls
If you’re open to adding things but not demo, I would start with the fireplace. Add a mantle, maybe a live edge one, and price out a stone surround. That flat fireplace look is a giveaway. Colorful runner in the kitchen, paint the bathroom, I don’t know what the rest of the house looks like but doing a wainscotting in the dining area and/or hallways can be useful for some texture instead of being so flat. You can also get battery wall sconces now that you can light up art pieces you like.
You’re going to clash with the architecture and modern lines, but if you’re fully committed to it- accessories like overhead lamps are a start, wall treatments like picture frame moulding, change in backsplash, bronze/gold faucets, handles, and even different doors can help with creating more vintage look. Paint is an easy one but won’t automatically make it vintage, but moody colors and color drenching with the wall treatments can get you half there. I’ve seen homes on IG undergo those transformations, but it took a lot of decorating and “hiding” of modern design that are hard to replace like window style outfitted with ceiling height pleated curtains, arch add on to entrances, and just a lot of cosmetic remodel beyond just decor items and accessory updates.