Don’t let a builder basic bring your decor game down. Injecting architectural character into your home is way easier (and cheaper) than you may think!

When the real estate game is this hot, it may not be economical to invest in that 18th-century Victorian you’ve always dreamed of. Thankfully, this year’s design trends take matters into the homeowner’s hands. While year after year we praise the powers of new paint colours and wallpapers and boast the revival of furnishings and styles of yore, 2017 is stripping it all away and taking a good look at what’s underneath — the architectural design of the home. After all, when house hunting we’re constantly told not to be swayed by the wall colour or furniture layout because that will eventually all go; and what you’re left with is what you should fall in love with. 

Of course, in a world of high rise condos and cookie cutter subdivisions, finding that architectural character in a new home may be difficult. Luckily, it’s also a world where hardware stores offer such character ready-made and in stock. With a few simple purchases and a little DIY, you can easily add to the bones of your home to make a bold structural design statement that is wholly your own.

Image: Tracey Ayton

1 Wall mouldings

Use this affordable and flexible architectural trick to add instant decorative drama to your space without changing its structure. It’s perfect for achieving a classic look without having to actually purchase a century-old home, like this once builder-basic residence. With ready-to-install options at your local hardware store, you can easily apply crown moulding or have wall trim cut down to size (sometimes for just a few dollars per foot) to frame out your walls and add instant character to your space. 

Image: Ashley Capp

Doors are an easy way to inject your home with character and style without going through a renovation. Scour flea markets for vintage finds like this set from Christine Dovey’s basement makeover, which she had painted glossy black and frosted. 

Image: Robin Stubbert

Image: Michael Graydon

3 Doors and window frames

Speaking of doors, don’t forget that frames and window casings can also influence your home’s design style. Take, for example, this updated 1930s build. Outfitted with new steel window frames and mullions painted black, the kitchen summons a style akin to a traditional Parisian restaurant when paired with the vintage brass mirrors and an elegant chandelier.

Image: Michael Graydon

Why just stop at the walls? Create a panelled ceiling using the same idea as the wall mouldings as designer Melissa Davis did here, which she says, “softened the bare bones look of the neutral master bedroom.”

Image: Michael Graydon

Much like the sought after character of a turn of the century Victorian, wood beams don’t need to come as a structural fixture of your home anymore. You can now order faux beams that are manufactured to replicate natural wood and have them installed. Or, for the crafty DIYer, you can create your own using wood planks and your stain of choice, and in whichever design you choose like this stunning coastal cottage ceiling!
 

Image: Tracey Ayton

Add character to any cookie cutter new build by creating built-in shelving units that make a stunning focal point in any room, but also provide a great deal of open and closed storage options. Use crown moulding to seamlessly blend the built-in against the ceiling and across the expanse of the wall. 
 

Image: Michael Graydon

You don't need to do much to make a style statement with your staircase. In fact, an easy but effective update would be to simply switch out your newel post. But if you really want to make an impact, why stop there? You could also refit the balusters and handrail, replace the treads, and play with different materials depending on whether you want to go traditional or modern in style. For example, this coastal cottage’s staircase is the first impression of the home, and one that is certain to last thanks to its stunning split design boasting traditional newel posts and dual handrails.