Have you ever been to someone else’s’ home, perhaps after being invited to a colleague’s dinner party, or the household of your child’s friend, only to see the same kind of designs and decorations? There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. The same photo frames or ornaments or wooden tables are hardly a clash of tastes, and those two people have likely never met one another anyway.
There’s also nothing wrong if two or more people on your street like the same product or purchase from the same local home furnishings store, branded or not. But perhaps for you, you’re somewhat tired of the stock inventory you see in other homes, and you want a more distinct personal taste.
Personal taste is one thing, but general taste is quite another of course. Meaning that while having every single piece you like in one room can be fantastic (and your own happiness is the only thing that matters in your home), it’s nice to have a little restraint, and also follow good design principles too.
In this post, let us offer some advice to achieve both priorities:
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Consider Where Custom & Designer Makes Sense
It’s a pretty good idea to think about where investing in something a bit more unique or custom will help you express yourself. Not every single item in your home needs to be a bespoke piece of course, that would be a huge undertaking and quite a cost, but there are certain elements that really stand out and can set the tone for a whole room, allowing your personal flair to shine through. For example, if looking to veil your window a little more, you could choose designer roman blinds and curtains, which could help define the space beautifully.
Such an example often catch the eye and have a big impact on how light enters a room and how much privacy you have. Investing in these kinds of pieces means you’re getting something tailored to your home and your specific style that can’t just be picked up from the local furnishing store. It also allows you to introduce high-quality touches that flatter your taste.
Use Accrued Furnishings & Personal Keepsakes
Your home should tell a story, and what better way to do that than with items you’ve collected over time? These could be pieces of furniture you’ve picked up on your travels, inherited items from family, or perhaps just little bits and bobs that hold your special memories.
For example, you might have an exploded fishing rod that your grandparent loved to fish with above the mantlepiece, which could be a good conversation starter. Mixing these accrued furnishings with newer purchases gives your home a unique character too, and contributes to what we say when we call a home “lived in.”
Let Your Hobbies Shine Through Your Design
Your passions and interests are a huge part of who you are, so why not let them influence your home design? Now that might not mean cluttering every shelf or space with hobby-related items, but more subtly implementing them into your decor. If you love to read, a dedicated reading nook with a comfy chair and a carefully curated bookshelf can be a wonderful addition, showing off that part of you and perhaps the fantasy series you most love.
Or perhaps you enjoy painting, so a small corner with an easel and some art supplies, even when not in use, shows your creative side. If you’re a keen gardener, bringing in interesting plants or displaying unique pots can connect your outdoor passion with your indoor space too. You’re likely thinking of a hobby you enjoy now, so why not implement it in more than one room?
Consider Your Complementary Color Palettes
Choosing colors for your home can feel like a pretty intensive task, but thinking about complementary color palettes can help people newer to it. For example, picking colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, like blue and orange, or purple and yellow can help you provide a smaller contrast.
When you use basic color theory like that thoughtfully, these combinations will give you a vibrant and balanced look, and that helps your room feel dynamic and interesting without being too jarring. Then you can trim to your hearts content around that, and have a little fun with it too! Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, just make it you.
Let Your Favorite Design Era Inspire You
If you’re not sure where to begin, think about the styles from different times in history that really speak to you. Maybe you love the clean lines and functionality of mid-century modern (which is more than good enough), or perhaps the details and grandeur of Victorian design appeal to you. Perhaps you saw the Batman cartoon and can’t stop thinking about art deco, that counts too.
If you have a few elements from that era and place them into your contemporary space, as long as they don’t clash with other major design elements, it’ll work well. For example, a vintage armchair from the 1960s can look fantastic in a more modern living room, or a classic art deco mirror still adds elegance. This approach allows you to borrow the essence of a particular period that you admire, without seeming like you’re clashing major themes from room to room.
It’s Fine To Go For Practicality
Remember, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with focusing on the practical look in your home, as sometimes, the most beautiful solutions are the ones that work best for your everyday life. Thinking about how you use your space and choosing furnishings and layouts that support is more than fine. If you just want to enjoy the most orthopaedic and comfortable chairs you can, having them in your space is more than good enough. It’s fine to go for practicality and worrying about the additions later.
With this advice, we believe you’ll make your home decor reflect your personality in the best possible sense.