My friend Julie has been all over the world and her home’s sense of style shows it. Her travels to the Far East have yielded a design sense that embraces quirk – some handmade oriental rugs adorn the floor while adorable cat figurines sit nestled next to antique books and Klimt prints – yet remains elegant and cozy at the same time. It’s an atmosphere I never want to leave and just being there makes you feel like you’ve been transported to someplace unique.
What’s special about Julie’s place is that she’s learned to pull from her experiences to create a place that’s all her own. Even if you haven’t traveled extensively or consider yourself a fan modern art, you can still find a way to bring your personality into your home’s décor. We’ve come up with a handful of easy ways you can put your personal stamp on your home’s look to create the same unique and cozy atmosphere. The best part is that it won’t cost much and the end result will be a place that’s unmistakably yours.
Here’s how to get started:
- Think about what means the most to you.
It always helps to do a little pre-planning when you’re designing a room’s look. So take some time to really think about what you value in life, what your favorite memories are and where you’re interests lie. You can then create a theme for your room or create areas within your space that are devoted to those different memories or interests. - The next logical step is to then gather up items from your home that hold meaning for you.
You can then turn a collection of small objects into a fun focal point. Mount small pieces like sea shells, spools of thread, or antique spoons in shadow boxes. Favorite postcards, letters, photos, and ticket stubs can also be framed. Hang these objects in a cluster to give your focal point a designer touch and draw the eye to that space. You’ll create an instant conversation piece! - Bigger objects like figurines and vases can also pay tribute to your past experiences on bookshelves and coffee tables.
Start by spreading these objects out and then grouping them according to color, size or meaning to create small displays. You can avoid a cluttered, hap-hazard look by repeating groups according to style, color, and texture. - Next, don’t be afraid to play with old and new.
Many of us have hand-me-down furniture, artwork, or glassware and similar objects that well-meaning friends and relatives passed down to us when we first got our own places. Whether you love them or just can’t seem to find a reason to get rid of them, these pieces can sometimes be an instant goldmine when it comes to design. Why? Because they give you the freedom to play with both old and new looks without spending a dime. Imagine mounting pieces of your grandmother’s china next to a modern print or displaying an antique oriental rug underneath a beautiful glass-topped coffee table. These things are all part of your experience and another great way to put your personal stamp on your home. - Finally, you can also transform some of these found objects by updating them to make a better fit with your personal sense of style.
For example, you can update those donated dining room chairs by using some inexpensive fabric and paint. Simply remove the upholstered seat and cover with a large pillow case. Secure it to the chair using a staple gun. Then, paint your chair in a color that complements the rest of your room or the furniture you’ll be using it with. In a matter of hours, your chair will have gone from tired hand-me-down to fresh and personalized.
There are dozens of other ways you could add a splash of personality to your place. If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person, the options are truly endless. All it takes is a little bit of thought and the willingness to get started. Many times you can make these ideas happen without ever leaving your own home!
How have you updated your home to reflect your personality? Does your home say who you truly are? Don’t be afraid to share in the comments section!