19 Ways to Add Character to Your House

For more than a decade, as they lived in rentals in New York and California, Katy and Ken Byers were squirreling away design ideas for their future forever home. So when they relocated to Nashville, TN, in 2013 and snapped up a new-construction Craftsman-style bungalow, they knew exactly how they wanted to modify it. “After being nomadic for years, we were excited to own a home and finally make it ours,” says Katy. The couple, free of the decor restraints imposed by landlords, started customizing almost every inch of the 3,100-square-foot space. 

Working closely with the builders over a nine-month stretch, Katy and Ken (pictured here with Reed, 4, and Brayden, 2) added character-rich details, like exposed-brick walls and stainless steel kitchen countertops, to create a rustic-modern style. Salvaged and industrial materials, one-of-a-kind accessories the pair made themselves, and timeworn hand-me-downs from Katy’s dairy-farmer grandparents also help give the interior a lived-in look. “Our goal was to make a house that is super comfortable, reflects what we love in life, and inspires us,” says Katy. “I think we pulled it off!” 

1: The sleek concrete fireplace, topped with a weathered 6-inch slab of reclaimed wood from a lumber mill in Athens, GA, is a mash-up of contemporary and country. 2: Matching sets of French doors flood the living room with light and offer big views of the backyard. 3: The home’s hardwood floors gained a sophisticated look from a dark espresso stain. The charcoal tweed sectional is from West Elm, and the leather chair is vintage. The wall color is Zircon by Sherwin-Williams.

Jericho Mid-Century leather, chrome, and steel chair in tan, $280, overstock.com