Wouldn’t it be nice to know what people think when they step into your home for the first time? Would they consider it cool, welcoming, or a little too cluttered? Home is where most people can genuinely be themselves, so it’s not unusual for their personality to unconsciously reflect on where they live.
If you’ve just moved somewhere new, your house might still be something of a blank canvas. The possibilities can feel endless. But even old homes can still benefit from having a little more personality. So if you’re thinking of sprucing up your place for whatever reason, read on to get some fresh ideas.
Show Off Your Hobbies
People spend so much time working that it can feel like that’s all there is to life. Always make time for interests and hobbies whenever you can. Dedicate a sacred space for them in your home. It can be an unused guest room or a corner of the living room. Set up a small table and a comfy chair, and keep the tools of your trade within arm’s reach.
Another great idea is to display your collections in common areas, like old records or miniature perfumes. It would be a shame to keep them tucked away in some closet where no one can see them. And it’s a fun way to find out if your guests are into the same thing!
If you don’t have any collections yet, it’s not too late to start. Get into painting miniatures. Or if you’re a history buff, delve into medieval weapons and collect cool replicas of Viking axes. Putting these up in your living room will definitely make an impression on any guest.
Turn Memories into Mementos
Picture frames showcasing your favorite family moments, vacations, and major life milestones are always lovely, but everyone has them at home. Why not go for a unique way of showing off your treasured memories? Many customization services online can add your photos to items like mugs, plates, and phone cases.
But if you prefer something out of the ordinary, design a custom photo blanket to feature your favorite memory. It will keep your couch or bed warm, both literally and figuratively.
Besides photos, a unique way to preserve memories would be to save a small item, like a seashell from a beach trip or a pressed flower from your child’s graduation bouquet. Place them next to picture frames to add a nostalgic touch.
Photo calendars are also an excellent way to showcase your cherished memories and preserve them for years to come. You can choose your favorite photographs and arrange them in chronological order, creating a visual representation of your life’s journey using themes like Mixbook’s photo calendar themes. Whether it’s a picture of a family vacation, a birthday celebration, or a graduation ceremony, each month can feature a unique memory. Photo calendars are not only a great way to capture and relive the past, but they also make for a thoughtful gift for loved ones.
Catch Their Eye with Colors
What colors do you gravitate to? They usually say a lot about your personality, style, or outlook in life. Deck your home in colors that represent you, and it doesn’t have to be limited to paint. Set a color scheme for your plates and glasses, furniture, or pillowcases. You can even take it to the next level and use the same colors for your garden in the form of flowers.
Alternatively, colors can also set the mood you want in your home. Blues, violets, and pinks are said to be calming colors, while orange can prompt positive feelings. Red has been shown to enhance appetites and can be an excellent option for dining areas. Stick to a monochrome palette to achieve a chic vibe (though this can feel a bit dreary, especially for kids). If you’re feeling adventurous, neons can make a bold statement. Just try not to use them in bedrooms if you want to get a good night’s sleep!
Choose Handmade over Mass-Produced
Stick handwritten cards or your kids’ art projects from school on the fridge door. Or even your own art or poetry if you dabble in those. You can even frame and hang them in the living room instead of buying some prints at the mall.
Do you know how to knit or crochet? Make some cute coasters you can bring out whenever you have guests over for drinks. Start a project with your family members to make a cozy quilt for the couch.
Get everyone to pitch in and make something you can use at home. This will make your home feel unique and homey. They are also fantastic conversation starters. It would be much more interesting to talk about your child’s growing love for watercolor than where you bought that motivational poster.
Welcome Some Level of Chaos
Of course, keeping your home clean and tidy is always a great thing. But have you noticed that model houses in ads always seem too intimidating? Homes feel a lot more welcoming when they’re not 100% perfect. So don’t fret too much about the occasional clutter or a coffee stain on the table. Your bookshelves don’t have to be organized by color or size. It’s okay to have things out of place, like toys and crayons on the floor or old recipe notes in the kitchen. It just shows that you and your family are enjoying life at home.
Accept that no home can be spotless 24/7. In fact, it may even be counterproductive to insist on this, as constant pressure to keep everything in order can stress out family members.
These are just a few ideas to get the ball rolling. There are dozens of other ways to personalize your home, and it can be different for everyone. You can also find inspiration in how your friends and relatives design their living spaces. Save your ideas, mood boards, or palettes on Pinterest to keep them all in one place.
All that matters is that your home makes you feel like it’s where you belong.
