Creating a home that mirrors who you are.
Believe it or not, there is a downside to the tons of design inspiration so readily available. And it’s that, unchecked it can turn us into ‘lazy creatives’, robbing us of ingenuity, and our spaces, of personality! The temptation is to ‘lift’ those beautiful spaces from our source of inspiration into our own. What you end up with is an amazing-looking space that really doesn’t belong. Not only can you not, relate to it, but it does not work for your family. It ends up feeling generic and impersonal instead of making your heart sing every time you walk in.
The things we fill our homes with to make our lives convenient are just inanimate objects made valuable by the meaning we ascribe to them. Take furniture in showrooms for example. Hundreds of beautifully crafted pieces, waiting in line, ‘homeless, aloof, but putting on a good show,’ – so that someone can take them home. Well, at least that is how I picture them! You pick the ‘perfect one’ for your space – a coffee table! Take it home, place some books, a tray may be flowers in your favorite color, and it comes alive – and so does your space! “Must be that beautiful wood!” you think. Because, in there, with your other pieces, it’s now not just furniture – the grain, the stain, the nail-head details – it makes your space all the more special and you love it! It has found a home.
Our spaces feel good when they are filled with things and people that we love, in ways that make sense for our life. This is what makes up the personality of a space. It’s more than a general design aesthetic such as modern or industrial, and seeks to introduce individuality and uniqueness. Bringing in a depth or intangible layer that some may refer to as ambiance.
Why create a home with personality?
Home is more than a physical structure. It’s a psychological idea of how we want to live. When that idea and our physical surroundings are in sync that place becomes home. You want a home with personality because:
1. You will have a more exciting and stimulating environment for you and your family
2. It will better suit your needs, lifestyle, and beliefs.
3. You want to love and enjoy your space rather than put up with it.
4. You are one of a kind, and your home should refelct that.
5. It will give you mental security and stability.
6. It will lead to more creativity and productivity.
7. When you love your home, you will feel happier, and more fulfilled.
How do you create a space full of personality?
Taking time to understand your perception of home, will make creating it possible.
1. Define what ‘home’ is to you
Taking time to understand your perception of home, will make creating it possible. Do this by unpacking the mental image that you have about what home is. I see home as my little sanctuary – my hideaway from the world. The place I go to recharge, regroup, think, and create. This is where I can be myself, with the things that I love, enjoying it with the people I love.
2. Name your Interests
Identify the things that make you happy. What are your interests and hobbies? Is it cooking, gardening, sports, or traveling? Then ‘look’ again – with new eyes. What captivates you about it? Is it the colors, the different textures, the shape? As you identify what you like, note it down.
3. Get creative
Once you identify the feelings and things that are important to you. Start thinking about how to recreate that in your space. E.g. if nature is important to you – you may want to create a live wall with plants, bring in more plants, turn a log into an end table, or DIY wall art with dried flowers. Think outside the box don’t be afraid or allow yourself to be boxed in because the more creative you get the more personality your room will have.
4. Mimic
What can you copy from your ‘loves’ and interests? For example color. If the ocean is one of your favorite places, identify the colors of the ocean and use the palate to guide your choice of colors for your space. Color is a simple but very effective way of personalizing a space.
5. Bring it in
Another way is by bringing in the textures, sounds even smells from your favorite environment into your space. This is often very effective. Some who are given to being eccentric, have been known to bring in whole car carcasses and install them on their walls as art. I like having sea shells around my home. I use them to style my shelves and surfaces. The same can be achieved by having large-scale art or wall murals.
6. Art
Hang art and pictures. This is one of the best ways to personalize or show ownership of a space and doesn’t just apply to pictures of yourself or loved ones. Include pictures of your travels, special occasions, and other memories. There are many ways to display art that you or special ones have made.
7. Accessories
Styling and accessorizing is another way to set your space apart. Instead of buying random ornaments and accessories, incorporate special finds, gifts, and made things. That way every item in your home will have a story and meaning.
8. Collections
Display collections – if you have unique hobbies and interests you can display these as collections. From coins, masks, books, trophies or any other things that may captivate you. With just a little imagination, literally any item can be turned into an amazing display. No two collections will be similar so this will make for a very personalized addition to your home and be the subject of endless interesting conversations with guests.
9. Pattern
Use unique patterns, fabrics, and textures in your soft furnishings to create the feeling that appeals to you. It’s almost impossible to find two people who mix and match fabric and texture in exactly the same way so it’s one sure way of creating a personalized look.
10. Uphloster
This is also very effective in adding character to your space. Old loved pieces or generic ones can be reupholstered in your favorite fabric instantly becoming one-of-a-kind pieces.
11. Architectural detail
Learning to work with and not against existing architectural details in your home will do wonders for your space. Sometimes these present as challenges to your process but with the right attitude and creativity they become the star of the show. When you embrace, emphasize, or add architectural detail you give it the uniqueness you seek.
12. Lighting
Light is a great tool that when used skillfully will not just be a source of light that illuminates your space. It can be used to add drama by emphasizing certain areas, downplaying others, and creating intimate moods that will elevate your space.
13. Stimulate all the senses
Thinking of ways that the five senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste) can be stimulated will heighten the experience of your home. For example, having music always playing in the background and pleasant scents wafting through your home will intensify how you or others experience your home, making it memorable for you and your guests.
14. Don’t stop
Some of the most beautiful and sophisticated spaces were created over time. The secret is patiently building and improving on what you already have. Don’t be afraid to edit, move around, add, or experiment, but always checking if it aligns with your initial thoughts of what a home is. As you keep at it, the personality of your space will begin to reveal itself.