Your home is more than just a place where you sleep and store your belongings. It’s a place that reflects who you are, your tastes, and your lifestyle. It’s a canvas where you paint the story of your life. Making your home feel personal is an important step in turning your house into a home that is uniquely yours. Here are 14 ways I’ve been able to make my home feel more personal, and how you can too.
1. Display Personal Photos
Nothing says “This is my home” quite like displaying personal photos. Whether it’s pictures of your family, your favorite vacations, or milestones in your life, they provide a window into your world. I love changing up the photos in my home regularly; it’s like a living photo album that my guests and I can enjoy.
Choose frames that complement your home decor and group them together to create a gallery wall. You can also opt for digital photo frames that change pictures every few seconds. Remember, the goal isn’t to overwhelm your space with photos, but to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that tells your story.
2. Showcase Your Collections
We all have something we love to collect. For me, it’s vintage tea sets. Each one has a story, and displaying them in my home not only sparks joy for me but also serves as a great conversation starter with guests.
Think about what you love to collect. It could be anything from vinyl records to travel souvenirs. Find a way to display them in your home. Bookshelves, glass cabinets, or even wall-mounted shelves can all serve as great display platforms. This way, your collection is not just gathering dust, but adding personality and charm to your home.
3. Personalize Your Wall Art
Wall art is a great way to liven up your home. But instead of buying generic pieces, why not create your own? I’ve taken up painting during the lockdown and although I’m no Picasso, the pieces I’ve created hold a special place in my heart.
You don’t have to be a professional artist to create wall art. You can create a collage of magazine clippings or print out your favorite quotes and frame them. Personalized wall art not only adds color and interest to your walls but also infuses your home with your personality.
4. Choose Meaningful Furnishings
Each piece of furniture in your home should tell a story. I love scouring flea markets and thrift stores for unique pieces that resonate with me. I have a coffee table that was once a door in a 19th-century farmhouse and a lamp made from an old camera.
When choosing furniture, go beyond just looks and functionality. Think about its story. Has it been upcycled? Is it handcrafted? Does it remind you of a particular time in your life? These are the pieces that will make your home truly feel like your own.
5. Create a Cozy Reading Nook
As an avid reader, one of my favorite spots at home is my reading nook. It’s a small corner with a comfy chair, a side table for my coffee, and a lamp. It’s my little sanctuary where I can escape into a different world.
If you love reading, consider creating your own reading nook. It doesn’t have to be fancy or take up a lot of space. All you need is a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a place to keep your book. Add a throw blanket and a cushion for extra coziness.
6. Display Handmade Items
Whether it’s a piece of pottery you made in class or a quilt your grandmother made, handmade items have a special place in our homes. They bring warmth and authenticity that mass-produced items simply can’t match.
Display these items proudly in your home. It could be a shelf dedicated to your own creations or a wall hanging made by a loved one. Not only do these items add personality to your home, they also carry the love and effort that went into making them.
7. Grow Indoor Plants
Plants not only purify the air in your home, they also add a touch of nature and tranquility. I love having a bit of green in every room. It’s calming and it adds life to my space.
Start with easy-to-care-for plants like succulents or snake plants. As you get more comfortable, you can add more varieties. To make it more personal, choose planters that match your style. You can even paint terra cotta pots to match your decor.
8. Add Personalized Touches to Your Bathroom
The bathroom is often overlooked when personalizing a home, but it’s a space where you can really get creative. I have a beach-themed bathroom with shells I’ve collected from various beach vacations.
You could choose a theme that resonates with you, or simply add personal touches like monogrammed towels or a custom shower curtain. Small details like these can turn an ordinary bathroom into a personal oasis.
9. Create a Gallery Wall of Your Favorite Art
Art is a great way to express your personality, and a gallery wall is the perfect way to showcase your favorite pieces. I have a mix of prints, original art, and even a few pieces created by my children.
When creating your gallery wall, don’t worry about making it perfect. The beauty of a gallery wall is in its imperfection. Mix and match different sizes, colors, and types of art. This is your wall, make it a reflection of you.
10. Use Your Favorite Colors
Don’t be afraid to use your favorite colors in your home decor. If you love bright, bold colors, find ways to incorporate them into your space. I have a teal accent wall in my living room that I absolutely love.
You can paint a wall, add colorful throw pillows, or even hang colorful artwork. Remember, this is your home. Make it a place where you feel happy and comfortable.
11. Incorporate Your Hobbies
Your hobbies are a big part of who you are, so why not incorporate them into your home decor? As a yoga enthusiast, I have a dedicated yoga space in my home complete with a wall of inspirational quotes.
Think about what you love to do in your spare time and find ways to incorporate it into your home. It could be as simple as displaying your musical instruments or creating a mini library for your book collection.
12. Display Family Heirlooms
Family heirlooms carry a lot of sentimental value and can make your home feel more personal. I have my grandmother’s antique clock on display in my living room. It not only adds a vintage touch to my decor, but also reminds me of her every time I see it.
Whether it’s an antique piece of furniture, a vintage photo, or a cherished trinket, display these items in your home. They provide a link to your past and make your home feel more connected to your roots.
13. Personalize Your Outdoor Space
Don’t forget about your outdoor space. Whether you have a small balcony or a large backyard, make it a space where you love to spend time. I love gardening, so I’ve created a small herb garden on my balcony.
Think about what you enjoy doing outdoors and create a space for it. It could be a cozy seating area for reading, a barbecue area for hosting parties, or a play area for your kids. Personalizing your outdoor space extends the personality of your home beyond its four walls.
14. Add Personal Touches to Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. Make it a place where you love to spend time. I have a chalkboard wall where I scribble recipes, jot down grocery lists, and even leave messages for my family.
Personal touches in the kitchen can range from customized kitchenware to your choice of tea towels. Consider displaying your favorite cookbooks, hanging your children’s art, or even showcasing your own culinary creations. These personal touches will make your kitchen feel more like your own.
Remember, creating a personal home doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey. Take your time, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun with it. After all, it’s your home. Make it a reflection of you.
