A new home can feel like a fresh blank slate in so many ways (or if you’re my husband who has a phobia of water damage in old homes, a sigh of relief). But it can sometimes feel a bit cold or lacking in character, especially if there is not a trim or ceiling detail in sight. However a bare white room doesn’t mean it needs to stay that way – there are a few little design details that can be added for instant charm. That said, before leaning hard into what feels a little traditional, take an audit of what is already in the home. Yes the walls might be bare, but are the hard finishes super modern? Are there exposed ducts for an industrial look? If so, it might be worth pausing and creating a plan that feels more aligned with the existing elements.
1 – Add Shaker-Style Peg Rails
Oh my goodness these are just my favourite detail ever. They are both beautiful and practical, allowing you to display items that are pretty to look at but also functional. Bonus points if you add a shelf along the top to rest artwork and other larger decor objects, plus beadboard panelling behind or below. Traditionally you may find these in a laundry room or pantry, but I’ve installed one in our mudroom, entryway – even a wall in a kid’s bathroom and bedroom. In my opinion it’s a cost-effective solution to add some interest to a wall.
Left Image: My Daughter’s Bathroom Right Image: James May Homes
2 – Arch A Doorway
This one might not be as easy and quick, but it definitely makes a major impact. In our builder-grade home, we arched our pantry which was otherwise an angled plain door in the kitchen (you know the one I’m talking about). Being in such a high traffic spot, it adds so much charm and visual interest, plus provides just enough of a peek-in moment to see a hanging vintage pot rail and copper pots. Another doorway we arched was the mudroom, aka the small area that you walk into from our garage. This one is in sight as soon as you enter the house or walk down the stairs, so it felt like the perfect spot. Both arches enter into small rooms, which we’ve painted a dark colour to contrast the rest of the creamy white house. Not only does this help define the archway, but it also makes it feel like a little jewel.
Our Pantry + Mudroom Arches
3 – Add Wall Panelling
Ah, another favourite. We all know that horizontal shiplap had its moment during the ‘modern farmhouse’ era, however a more timeless way to add panelling to your walls is vertical shiplap – or traditional tongue and groove. It feels very cozy English cottage, but also elevates a space without having to add much else. If you’re leaning toward this option, my suggestion would be to do all four walls, or just the ceiling. Adding panelling to one accent wall doesn’t quite create the same classic elegance (and might feel a little dated). That said, I may have broken my own rule by adding vertical T&G on either side of our fireplace. The fireplace box and bump-outs on either side (not changeable) created a nook, which I took as an opportunity to dress up with panelling and a wall sconce. Not quite an accent wall, but an accent… nook? We’ll go with that.
Left Image: Our Living Room Right Image: Nadine Stay