Making your home a personalized sanctuary can provide a sense of comfort, joy, and belonging. This is especially important now, as we are spending more time at home due to the ongoing pandemic.
Personalizing your home goes beyond mere interior decoration; it’s about infusing your space with your personality, tastes, and experiences. Here are 15 ways I make my home feel more personalized, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
1. Display a Collection
One of the easiest ways to personalize your home is by displaying a collection that you’re passionate about. Whether it’s vintage cameras, miniature figurines, or colorful glass bottles, a collection can add a unique touch to your space. Not only does it serve as a conversation starter, but it also brings you joy every time you see it.
For example, I collect antique maps and have them framed and hung up in my study. They not only add a vintage feel to the space, but also reflect my love for history and travel. You could also use open shelves to display your collection, turning it into a visual feast for the eyes. The key is to keep the collection organized and tastefully displayed, so it doesn’t feel cluttered.
2. Showcase Family Photos
Family photos can instantly make your home feel more personalized and lived-in. They tell your family’s story and evoke memories of happy times. You could display them in various ways: in a gallery wall, on a mantelpiece, or even scattered around the house in different rooms.
I like to mix and match different frame styles and sizes to create a dynamic gallery wall. I also prefer black and white photos as they have a timeless appeal. Remember, it’s not just about the photos themselves, but also how you display them. Get creative with the arrangement and don’t be afraid to incorporate other elements like quotes, artwork, or souvenirs.
3. Use Personalized Artwork
Art, whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or a print, can reflect your personality and taste. It can become the focal point of a room and set the tone for the rest of the space. But instead of just buying generic artwork, why not invest in pieces that have a personal meaning to you?
For instance, I have a painting that was done by a friend who is an artist. It’s not only a beautiful piece of art, but it also holds sentimental value for me. You could also consider commissioning an artist to create a piece specifically for you, or even creating your own artwork if you’re artistically inclined.
4. Incorporate Souvenirs from Travels
Souvenirs from your travels can add a unique and personal touch to your home. They serve as reminders of the places you’ve visited, the experiences you’ve had, and the cultures you’ve encountered. Plus, they can be great conversation starters when you have guests over.
Could could have a shelf dedicated to your travel souvenirs, ranging from a ceramic dish from Greece, a mask from Venice, to a handwoven basket from Kenya. Displaying these items not only personalizes your space, but it also allows you to relive your travel memories every time you look at them.
5. Use Books as Decor
Books can be a great way to personalize your home. They not only reflect your interests and tastes, but they can also serve as decorative elements. You can arrange them by color, size or subject, or even stack them on a coffee table as a centerpiece. In my living room, I have a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf that showcases my collection of books. It not only adds color and texture to the space, but it also provides a cozy, inviting atmosphere. And of course, it’s a testament to my love for reading.
6. Choose Unique Furniture
Furniture plays a crucial role in personalizing your home. Instead of opting for generic, mass-produced pieces, consider investing in unique, statement pieces that reflect your style and taste. This could be a vintage armchair, a quirky coffee table, or a custom-made bookshelf.
For example, I have a mid-century modern credenza in my living room that I sourced from a vintage furniture store. It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that adds character and charm to my space. Remember, furniture is not just functional, but it can also be a reflection of your personal style.
7. Incorporate Plants
Adding plants to your home can not only improve air quality, but it can also make your space feel more alive and personalized. Whether it’s a large fiddle leaf fig tree, a collection of succulents, or a hanging pothos, plants can add a touch of nature to your indoor space.
I have a variety of plants scattered throughout my home, each with its own unique pot that adds to the overall decor. Not only do the plants bring a sense of calm and relaxation, but they also add a pop of color and life to the space.
8. Display Personal Mementos
Personal mementos, such as letters, postcards, or family heirlooms, can add a sentimental touch to your home. They tell your personal story and evoke memories of important people, places, or events in your life. I have a glass box in which I keep letters and postcards from friends and family.
I also display my grandmother’s antique brooch on my dresser. These personal mementos not only add a unique touch to my decor, but they also hold significant sentimental value.
9. Use Personalized Linens
Linens, such as bedding, towels, or tablecloths, can be personalized to add a unique touch to your home. You could opt for monogrammed towels, custom-made bedding, or tablecloths with a pattern that you love.
I have a set of monogrammed towels in my guest bathroom that add a personal touch. I also have a custom-made duvet cover in my favorite color, teal, that adds a pop of color to my bedroom.
10. Create a Gallery Wall
A gallery wall is a great way to display a collection of artwork, photos, prints, or even mirrors. It can become the focal point of a room and reflect your personal style and taste. In my dining room, I have a gallery wall that features a mix of artwork and family photos. The gallery wall not only adds visual interest to the space, but it also tells a story about my family and our interests.
11. Use Wallpaper or Paint to Add Personality
Changing the color of your walls or adding wallpaper can dramatically transform your space and add a personal touch. Whether it’s a bold color, a subtle pastel, or a patterned wallpaper, this is a great way to express your personal style. I have a feature wall in my living room that’s painted in a deep teal. It not only adds depth and drama to the space, but it also reflects my love for bold colors.
12. Add Personal Touches to the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and adding personal touches can make it feel more welcoming and unique. This could be a display of your favorite dishes, a collection of cookbooks, or personal artwork. In my kitchen, I have a display of vintage teapots that I’ve collected over the years. They not only serve as decorative elements, but they also reflect my love for tea and vintage items.
13. Use Rugs to Add Texture and Color
Rugs can instantly add warmth, color, and texture to a room. They can also serve as a reflection of your personal style. Whether it’s a Persian rug, a shaggy rug, or a geometric print rug, the choices are endless. In my living room, I have a large, colorful kilim rug that adds a bohemian touch to the space. It not only adds comfort and warmth, but it also reflects my love for eclectic decor.
14. Invest in Custom-Made Pieces
Investing in custom-made pieces, whether it’s furniture, artwork, or textiles, can add a unique and personal touch to your home. These pieces are not only one-of-a-kind, but they can also be tailored to your specific tastes and needs. I have a custom-made bookshelf in my study that was designed to fit the exact dimensions of the room. It’s not only functional, but it also adds a unique touch to the space.
15. Display Items That Reflect Your Hobbies or Interests
Finally, displaying items that reflect your hobbies or interests can make your home feel more personalized. Whether it’s a guitar, a collection of vinyl records, or a display of running medals, these items tell a story about you and your passions. In my living room, I have a display of my favorite vinyl records. They not only serve as decorative elements, but they also reflect my love for music and nostalgia.