6 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like “You”

There are a number of simple changes you can make to your space to ensure that it better reflects your unique personal style and truly reflects your style. Below, designers share some useful tips on how to inspire individuality in any size living space.

1. Showcase Art

Why not create a mini gallery in your living room? “Art always makes a home feel more personal,” says Michelle Gage of Michelle Gage Interiors. “Over time, you can collect art while traveling or visiting local markets and galleries.”

There is no need to choose something popular; Focus on the ones that speak to you. “Choosing something that suits your personal style will always make a difference,” Gage said. “What’s more, you can attach memories to your favorite new discoveries.”

Whitney Riter Gelinas of Wit Interiors agrees. “There is no ‘right’ type of art, because it all depends on what the work evokes in the viewer,” she said. “Our foodie clients recently provided us with menu frameworks for Chez Panisse and French Laundry so they can remember those meals for years to come.”

2. Show Enthusiasm

There are other creative ways to show your love for food and cooking at home. “One of my hobbies is cooking, and I love collecting all kinds of salt, herbs, and spices that I find,” says Peti Lau of Peti Lau Inc. “I like to put them in cool ceramics that come in all sizes and shapes, which makes my kitchen personal.”

Or maybe you’re just passionate about all the humans and four-legged friends in your life. “Placing photos in matching frames of different sizes alongside photos of your favorite human or pet adventures makes them feel consistent and reminds you of the great times you spent with great people,” Liu says. ”

3. Paint the Walls

Whether you’re renting a space or owning your own home, you can easily use paint to transform the room of your choice. “Paint is a great way to personalize a space,” says Gilinas. “The cost is low, but the impact can be huge.”

In addition to painting the four walls, consider this. “Think outside the box – is there a feature wall that can be painted in bright colors? Can a ceiling be punched with a hole punch? We like to use painter’s tape to define geometric patterns like stripes,” says Gelinas.

Don’t be afraid to take risks. Isabella Patrick of Isabella Patrick Interior Design commented, “Choosing a bold paint, curtain, or accessory is the easiest, but if you’re not sure what bold tile or cabinet color you really like, hire a designer to help you decide.” “A lot of what we do for our clients is to support them while helping them understand the essence of what they love. If you can’t afford to hire a designer, find a trusted friend to help you take bold action.”

4. Rethink Your Lighting

Don’t assume that architecture-grade lighting is already bland just because it already exists. “Set up lighting in every room,” advises Jocelyn Polce of August Oliver Interiors. “The glare of the lights overhead can feel boring and simple. Think about what you want to do with the space and the atmosphere you want to create.”

Use light to add texture and whimsy to your space. “Add a lamp with a printed fabric shade to introduce a pattern, or place a mini lamp on a tray on the kitchen counter to provide mood lighting,” Pols said.

5. Buy Only What You Like

Filling your home with items you think is special will make any space feel more like your own. “If you’re in dire need of a new sofa and you’re rushing to buy one during a big sale, you might end up with a great deal of sofa, but the sofa will never fit your actual style,” says Patrick. “It’s better to spend an extra $500, pay full price, and fall in love with it.”

Again, don’t buy them just because they look like a good deal, Patrick noted, adding, “The exception here is smaller antique or vintage items.”

6. Be Confident in Your Choices

Don’t hesitate to make design choices that will please you, even if they won’t be favored by everyone. “The number one way to make your home feel like ‘you’ is to understand your design aesthetic and feel confident in it,” said Brandi Wilkins of Three Luxury Nine Interiors. “We often tend to focus on trends rather than our personal tendencies.”

You can enjoy a certain trend on TikTok or enjoy videos of that trend without having to imitate the style in your own space. This can mean going the old-fashioned route when planning your space.

“The internet and social media make it almost impossible not to be aware of trends,” says Laura Hur of Lorla Studio. “Whether or not we intend to bring fashion trends into our homes, they are hard to avoid.”

Hull encourages going beyond the internet and social media to draw inspiration from design books, travel, museums, and other similar resources.

“When you see a room on Instagram that really resonates with you, take a closer look at what that room appeals to you,” she said. “Once you know what you like, you can implement the concept in your home in a more personal way by using colors or branding that are more in line with your personal style.”