Adding character to new spaces
Self-builders and those adding an extension can often find their new spaces suffering from a lack of ambience and warmth. We show you the best ways of injecting character and personality into your home
by Natasha Brinsmead
LUDLOW STOVES (LUDLOWSTOVES.CO.UK)
DOWSING & REYNOLDS (DOWSINGANDREYNOLDS.COM)
Unlike period houses, which tend to have bags of character and charm built in thanks to quirky details and original features, new spaces can, without careful planning and thought, appear a little uninviting and barren.
This can be a particular problem in larger, open plan spaces, where a lack of walls can mean that spaces are left feeling both physically cold and echoey, as well as lacking a sense of intimacy. There may be no quiet areas to huddle down in, no cosy little nooks and nowhere to hang artwork.
The good news is that character can be created. Sometimes all that is needed are a couple of freestanding items, while those willing to go one step further could consider adding in a few more permanent, architectural features.