Joanna Gaines Shares Her Top Tips For Add Character To Your New Build

There are plenty of positives that come with purchasing a newly built home — from modern designs to not having to deal with any preexisting structural issues or damp problems. One of the downfalls, however, is that new builds often lack the character found in homes that have stood for decades, or even centuries. Older houses, such as Victorian-era homes, naturally offer charm thanks to details like stained-glass doors, decorative molding and wainscoting, and original hardwood floors. That said, a house doesn't have to be old to have personality. There are plenty of ways to add character and charm to a new build, and interior design mogul Joanna Gaines has shared some of her top tips in her MasterClass "Designing a Home That Tells Your Story."

One of the biggest takeaways from Gaines' nearly 90-minute virtual class is the importance of what she calls "architectural heroes" — which are essentially standout architectural details that act as a focal point. While many older homes already have these features built in, new builds often do not. And if that's the case, Gaines says you can simply create your own. One way to do this, the "Fixer Upper" star explains, is designing an old brick or stone fireplace for the living room that "feels like it's been there for 50 years." If you're aiming for a rustic cottage or farmhouse look, you could also consider installing faux wood ceiling beams. To bring a sculptural, Art Deco feel to your space, you can even DIY arched doorways using just styrofoam and joint compound.

Another detail often associated with older homes is decorative wall paneling, which is why adding crown molding, dental molding, or wainscoting to the walls of a new build is another timeless technique Joanna Gaines uses to transform a lifeless room. That said, adding architectural heroes to your home doesn't have to be a major project. If installing a fireplace or wood beams feels like too much, you can still incorporate character in smaller ways through texture, furniture, and decor pieces. "This is where I think it just gets fun and creative," Gaines explained in her MasterClass. "The hero can be the texture on the wall, it could be a pattern on wallpaper. You could have an old hutch from your grandmother, a piece of art that speaks to you. One great hero can really tell a great story in a space." 

Another important concept that Gaines focuses on in her MasterClass is "bringing your story to life," which she explains can also be done through personalized decor. As she explained on Instagram, something that she has on display in her own home is a vintage bowl filled with happy memories, including family photos and her sons' first home run baseballs. Displaying meaningful decor in your space — whether it's a family heirloom, a handmade piece, or a vintage decor item that elevates your home – is one of the easiest ways to bring a historic, lived-in feel to your new build, and make it feel uniquely yours.