11 Tips for Making Your House Feel More Personal
From embracing imperfection to collecting objects you love, we share tips for how to reflect yourself in your home decor.
While the aesthetics of a house are key, it’s the soul of a house that really matters. The best homes are the ones that reflect the person, or people, that live there.
They’re homes with real personality, with loads of rich details and character that tell a story about their inhabitants. The result is a more inviting space in which to welcome guests, but more importantly, it’s a place where one can be themself, where one can relax, dream, grow, love, and ultimately thrive.
So, consider these not as tips for decorating, but rather for living better through the home.
1/ Avoid trends, collect what you love
There’s always going to be someone out there telling you what’s ‘in style’ now. Use that as an opportunity to see what you connect with and disregard the rest. Instead, collect pieces that have meaning to you — reminders of loved ones, cherished memories, past adventures — whether they cost money or not. By honing in on what you love over what others tell you you should want, you’ll also save money and contribute less waste into the world.
Image: @lucywilliams02
Image: Gillian Lawlee (@my.life.in.colour)
2/ Layer, layer, layer!
Have you ever walked into a home and found it was devoid of human existence? Too much empty space can feel cold and alienating. On the flip side, a room layered with objects hums with life. We’re not suggesting a home should be disorderly and full of junk, but it should have some detritus of life — a tray collecting small trinkets and other useful items, a dish to hold jewelry, a Polaroid peeking out off a bookshelf.
3/ Don’t be afraid of color
An all-white or beige home is a choice — if that’s what you truly want, you do you. But if you’re settling for neutrality, then it’s time to take a risk. A few elements of bold color can pop out and really add personality to a space. You can go all in with an eye-catching statement wall or dip your toe in with an object, like a jug, bowl or vase. Just choose a real color, something that’s rich and lively, like robin's egg blue, goldenrod yellow, kelly green.
Image: @matthewwilliamson via @elledecorationuk
4/ Embrace imperfection
It’s tempting to get a little precious when it comes to decor….everything arranged just so, all imperfections banished. In letting go, you’ll find that objects with flaws and looser arrangements can appear more fresh and dynamic. Don’t throw away a broken plate that you love or remove the drips of wax on a candle holder. Move things around frequently and let them be a little askew. This process of acceptance and reinvention might even be therapeutic.
5/ Create a sense of comfort
Part of feeling at home is having a place where you can relax and let your hair down. It’s ok to have formal rooms that are more focused on aesthetics, but there are some areas where comfort is king. Soft and plush accents can go a long way toward creating a cocoon-like environment. Textured throw pillows and a luxurious blanket are a must for the sofa where you spend the most time. Area rugs on hard floors cushion your feet when you get out of bed or when you’re working in the kitchen.
Image: Design by @husband.wife. Photo by @chrismottalini.
6/ Blend old with the new
Nothing introduces character into a home quite like older pieces. Just by their very nature, antiques and vintage furniture and objects can feel quite special and unique. They might show their age with fading or patina that only lends to their appeal. You can’t help but think of the past lives they must have “lived” and how they bring that richness of experience, history and faded beauty to your home. Mix them in with newer pieces. There is magic in the contrast of old and new — each piece comes alive and shines on its own.
7/ Decorate with your values
As a consumer, you can have a positive impact with what you choose to buy. Consider purchasing products that are better for people and the planet, whether that’s products made by women or BIPOC brands, pre-loved items that allow you to participate in the circular economy, or artisanal goods that support craft and local communities. In turn, these objects will bring good energy into your home. A ceramic piece hand thrown by a skilled and devoted potter or glassblower will always feel more special than anything coming out of a factory.
Image: Lucy Williams
8/ Add a dash of playful detail
Why so serious? Just because things are beautiful doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Employing a bit of wit and humor in your decor can help lighten your mood and make your home more welcoming. For instance, a ceramic plate scrawled with a cheeky phrase or a vase or candle holder in an unexpected shape. A well placed “conversation starter” lets guests know you’re down for some fun. When the house is empty, they might even make you chuckle to yourself.
9/ Design with function in mind
They say function makes a good designer. Meaning, items designated for utility or for leisure can actually become your decoration. Envision how you want to use a room and what you’ll need to bring that to life. If it’s to maximize space and store items, you can decorate with great-looking woven baskets or an antique chest. If entertaining is your thing, you can set up a colorful tray on a side table to organize barware and bottles. No need to sacrifice function for form — they work together in harmony.
Image: Sarah Brown @sarahbrowninteriors
10/ Display what’s personal to you
Some people are reluctant to display items that are more personal because they’re not out of the box perfect or don’t match the rest of their decor. As a reminder, these things are beautiful because they are personal. These are the things you’d grab in case of a fire — framed photos of your loved ones, art that your kid made, your latest birthday or anniversary card. Every time you see these things, they will make you smile and feel Joy. What fancy objet de art can do that?
11/ Put your hobbies and passions on display
A big source of inspiration for decorating can come from hobbies or passions. Reminders of what you enjoy doing can provide an endorphin rush or bolt of inspiration. It’s also a chance to get creative and approach your decor outside of the box. If you love to surf, place a shell on a shelf to remind you of the ocean, or for a bigger impact, install a surfboard on a wall. If you live for music, lean a record on a shelf or hang a framed concert poster.
