When it comes to interior design, cookie-cutter perfection is definitely out. An inviting home is one that tells you something about the people living there. A bold print here, a worn but beloved armchair there, a vintage chandelier up above. Details like these reveal quirks, memories, and style without saying a word. So, how do you turn your space into a true reflection of you? You can start right away with these practical tips.
Start with what attracts you
Forget the trends. Instead, ask yourself what colours, textures, or objects make you feel calm or happy. Have you always been drawn to rustic wood and baskets? Or are sleek lines and high-contrast shades more your thing? Start small – put out a vase, a cushion in natural fabric, or reupholster a favourite chair in an eye-popping red.
Photos and seashells: Add objects that tell stories
That shell you pocketed during a beach holiday in Cornwall. The Victorian plate your grandmother passed down. Or the lopsided clay bowl made by your child. These items carry history and meaning, and if you arrange them thoughtfully, they’ll transform a living space from catalogue-ready to unmistakably personal.
Install art that speaks to you
Think of walls as prime real estate for expressing yourself. Don’t just put up mass-produced canvases. Frame the cover of your favourite 70s album, hang an unknown print from a local artist, or finally print out and put up the family holiday photo that still makes you smile.
Use your passions and hobbies to inspire decorative ideas
Don’t be shy about using your home to shout about what you love. Stack your books, show off your vinyl collection, or leave your old guitar in plain sight. There’s no better way to spark joy and conversations.
Use colour to create ambience
Whether you’re drawn to neutrals like soft sage or vibrant shades like burnt orange, don’t be afraid of colour. It’s one of the easiest ways to shift a space’s tone and feel (and is why colour drenching has become such a trend). Remember, you can always redo it later.
Let nature in with earthy accents
Houseplants, natural light, and tactile materials make a home feel alive. If you’re drawn to calm, earthy interiors, green kitchens are a beautiful way to bring them into your home – the olive cabinets paired with wood or rattan accents and stone countertops create a calming, rooted feel.
Avoid the showroom look: Mix and match styles
Fashionistas have long known that pairing vintage pieces with newer finds creates energy and contrast. The same applies to interiors. A sleek IKEA sideboard beneath a flea-market mirror? It really works.
Let the entryway hint at what’s coming
Your entrance hallway isn’t just a pass-through; it’s an opportunity to give a hint of your home’s style. Add a bold rug, an antique coat hook, a cheeky print, or some other item that will set the tone for what visitors can expect in the rest of the house.
Use scent and sound to create a mood
Your home should sound and smell like you, too. A diffuser with your favourite essential oil, or a record spinning in the background, can change how a room feels instantly by evoking feelings of nostalgia or even acting as a source of motivation and energy.
Create a home with heart
An interesting home isn’t the one with the most expensive or trendy furniture but one filled with personality. Don’t chase some Instagram aesthetic – instead, build a space that tells your story.
