Blog>Expert Advice>Three ways to add personality to your home
Last updated: 5 February 2025
Three ways to add personality to your home
Inspired by the House with the Blue Shutters, we explore three impactful ways to make your space unique. From bespoke features to custom carpentry and statement furniture, here's how to inject character and style into your home.
If you've watched our tour of the House with the Blue Shutters, you don't need us to tell you that this is a house packed full of personality.
From the vibrant blue shutters to the bespoke carpentry, the secret 'Narnia' room to the unique glass extension, this beautiful Victorian property offers a masterclass in creating a characterful home.
If you're inspired by what you've seen, keep reading for three top ways to make your home stylish, distinctive, and full of life.
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1. Bespoke features
Bespoke features add individuality and charm to a home, ensuring that no two spaces feel the same. The House with the Blue Shutters showcases two perfect examples of this:
The secret 'Narnia' room: A hidden entrance within floor-to-ceiling shelving leads to an unexpected space - a cosy room for relaxation complete with a boat-shaped drinks bar!
The glass extension: An elegant first-floor addition creates a luxurious, light-filled ensuite to complement the guest bedroom
While these home renovations are on a grander scale, we can still use them as a source of inspiration for our own homes. Here's how:
Create a cosy reading nook
Having a space to relax and unwind at home, away from distractions and technology, is so important. Our health and wellbeing hub shares several creative ways to make the most of your four walls.
One of the simplest ideas is to create a cosy reading nook. Pick a quiet spot, invest in a statement chair, and get your lighting just right for a snug retreat.
Enhance the available natural light
A light-filled home has many benefits. It can reduce blood pressure, lower stress, and boost your mood.
In the absence of a glass extension, consider bifold doors, sheer window dressings, strategically placed mirrors, and light-reflecting colour schemes.
Our article shows how to increase the natural light in your home with a selection of simple tricks.
Consider an extension
If it's more space you need, an extension could be just the ticket. However, a glass extension is typically on the more expensive end of the spectrum, coming in at around £3,000 per m².
Price up the cost of your extension plans with our handy cost calculator. You'll also find an outline of the average costs for what to expect for different types of home extensions.
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2. Custom carpentry
Built-in furniture offers many benefits. It's custom-made to suit your needs, fits the space perfectly, and maximises every inch of available storage.
But having something crafted bespoke for your home also adds a unique detail that no one else has.
The House with the Blue Shutters inspired us with several examples of custom carpentry, including:
A bespoke window seat
The perfect way to use an otherwise overlooked space on the landing.
A raised platform bed with storage drawers
A smart and stylish way to add charm and character to a child's bedroom while keeping clutter to a minimum.
A built-in headboard wall
A chic addition to a guest bedroom complete with integrated alcove lighting.
Floor-to-ceiling shelving
Housing more than just refreshments - this clever cabinetry hides the entrance to a secret room!
Take inspiration from the House with the Blue Shutters and commission custom carpentry to elevate your home!
Carpenters typically charge around £37.50per hour. Find carpenters we've checked and approved in your local area now. Simply search your postcode, below.
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3. Unique furniture and accessories
So far, we've ticked off bespoke features and custom carpentry. The final piece of the puzzle for adding personality to your home is your choice of furniture and decor.
The House with the Blue Shutters owners have spent decades curating unique items - these pieces tell a story and make a home feel lived-in. Some of our favourites include:
The oil drum repurposed as a larder
A great way to upcycle and add an industrial edge to a modern kitchen.
The retro hanging bubble chair in the living room
A playful addition that invites relaxation in a busy family home.
The boat-shaped bar in the secret room
A fun and unexpected centrepiece to enhance the enjoyment of the space.
Bringing personality into your home doesn't mean overhauling your entire interior. Thoughtfully chosen furniture, statement lighting, and unique decorative accents can make an impact without needing major renovations.
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Get inspired with the full home tour
Need some help with your interior decor?
If you're inspired by the House with the Blue Shutters, why not bring some of these ideas into your own home?
Whether you're considering a bespoke feature, built-in carpentry, or standout furniture, finding the right tradespeople is the secret to success.
Architects, carpenters, and interior designers, can all be found on Checkatrade.
We make it easy to find the home improvement help you need and hire with confidence. Enter your postcode, below, to find trades in your local area.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job