The most enjoyable part of designing a room is layering in the proprietor’s personal treasures and mementos. Homes that tell a story about the men and women who live there, their travels, experiences and interests are always a joy to be in. It is these sorts of things that give the space its own character. But not everyone has the luxury of traveling the planet and picking up fascinating artifacts. Luckily, it is easier than ever to discover full-of-character, well-made furnishings with that one-of-a-kind allure. From hand-painted textiles to woven baskets into raw-edged wood furnishings, you can make a warm and inviting space which seems to tell a million stories. I’ve gathered up some examples which are inspiring me right now. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
West Elm
Paulina Reyes Silk Bird Pillow Cover, Yellow – $39
West Elm has done an excellent job of partnering with artisans to create unique collections with hand-crafted appeal. I love these silk cushions, which remind me of traditional Otomi textiles.
Horchow
‘Ezra’ Sea Grass Coffee Table – $849
Horchow’s new collection is appealing both because of its price point and its diverse assortment of internationally inspired pieces. This seat with a woven seat and daintily turned wood legs would give actual character to a living room.
Horchow
Rattan Baskets – $78
Woven baskets in a variety of shapes and sizes always soften a room. These would be ideal for gathering toys, firewood or rolled-up blankets.
The Classy Cottage
Arteriors Home Phillip Wood Desk – $2,520
If this little console could speak, you can bet it’d be sweet, charming and the center of attention. It might bring a beautiful dash of character into a hall or bedroom.
Wisteria
Reclaimed Candlesticks – $59
These vintage, turned wood candleholders seem like they have illuminated many evenings over the years. Think about forming an assortment of similar vintage items. The repetition has significantly more impact than the occasional one-piece bit, and the impact on a distance can be transformative.
Ananda Serving Table – $499
Add soul into an entryway with a standout piece of furniture like this Asian console table. It will make the space feel relaxed and rested.
VivaTerra
Convertible Wood Cube – $298
There’s nothing quite like a solid piece of timber to deliver integrity and feel to a room. These cubes look great in pairs. Just imagine them alongside a plain white sofa in a sterile white living area — instantaneous character!
Etsy
Gorgeous Large Chinoiserie James Mont–Style Filigree Lamps with Gallivanting Women
You can’t look at these lamp bases without wondering what the story is. They seem like they came out of a church or even a Mediterranean villa. But they’d be equally enchanting in a contemporary space.
John Robshaw Textiles
Carved Wooden Column Table – $1,395
Architectural salvage is a superb way to add interest and character to a room. This coffee table is an easy way to achieve the appearance.
John Robshaw Textiles
Block Print Drawing 44 – $270
John Robshaw is famous for his Indian-style hand-blocked prints. However he also sells artwork made from the fabrics that covered the tables where his prints were created. The fabrics are marked with remnants of the printing process, and he then adds his own antiques and doodles. The end result is a string of unique textiles which can be framed to deliver color and play to your walls.
Serena & Lily
Dakota Mirror – $295
This mirror includes a hand-carved allure. I imagine it adding a real depth of character to a bathroom or entryway.
VivaTerra
Bruges Chair – $879
There’s something about wicker and cane chairs which spells adventure! Maybe it’s that the connotations of tropical ponds and sun-baked porches. But adding a chair like this to a living room will immediately create a laid-back, international vibe.
Domestic Modern
Tibetan Rug with Circles – $497
A rug can set the tone for an whole space. If you want a room with character, a rug like this is a superb place to get started. It is not quite as expensive as the antique Persian kind, but it’s the same faded elegance. I really like the color and the geometric pattern — a real modern spin on a traditional.
PLANTATION
Woven Porcelain Tray – $75.50
Ceramics using a sumptuous charm will add character to your space. Choose items which are not completely perfect. This basketweave ceramic tray gets the joys of a handwoven piece, but the surrealism (can it be textile or ceramic?) Is also strikingly modern.
Etsy
Hand-Embroidered Otomi Fabric, Yellow by Yucu Ninu – $300
Real Otomi cloths have become incredibly popular in recent decades, and they have the capability to elevate a room to an entirely new level. The pattern, sheen and rich colors will ensure that it takes centre stage in your own space. If I wanted to add character to a vanilla room, I’d throw one of them over the back of the sofa, or use it as a bedspread.
Jan Jessup
Nater Berkus Safi Fabric, Maize – $29.99
As a less expensive alternative, I really like this golden ikat from Calico Corners. It might add understated character to an ottoman, dining chair or cushions.
Uzbek Craft
Antique Suzani – $240.98
Suzani is another popular textile in the modern interiors. Use it in small doses to avoid looking too “themed.” A stunning suzani similar to this one, framed or used as a wall hanging, would change a bland space into something extremely personal and special.
Kirsten Hecktermann
Souk Red Cushion – GBP 50
Hand-dyed cloths have an integrity you won’t find in your average textile. I am a fan of these subtly coloured, hand-dyed velvet pillows for dressing up any sofa.
Pottery Barn
French Wine Bottle Riddling Rack – $249
When I had the space, I’d love a sizable riddling rack to store wine. All these are employed in champagne cellars to keep bottles at just the perfect angle. You can discover vintage ones or breeding pieces (like these) all over the web. It is a great way to add texture into a dining area and display your individual interests (if you are into wine).
Etsy
Antique Late 1800s Wooden Letterpress Drawer by Hoof & Antler – $45
Finally, letterpress drawers are popping up all over the area, and for good reason. They’ve an excellent authenticity and are often worn and well-used. They make good storage and display pieces. And they always seem as though they have a story to tell.
Next: 12 Ways Art and Books Can Tell Your Story