Show Your Personality Through Decorating

There are simple and quick ways to add life to your rooms by adding a little of your own personality. We can each express ourselves through our decorating choices.

Here are some things to think about as you discover your personal style.

·         Look Around

Observe the world around you to find inspiration. What objects in nature are you drawn to? You might be inspired by a trip to a tropical paradise or want to create the feel of an English manor. You may be surprised how simple it can be to bring your own personal style to your home.

·         Find Your Style

Some people will develop a style preference based on their childhood home. Others will be inspired through television programs, magazine articles, decorator showhouses or design showrooms.

Sometimes we are instantly attracted to colors or decorating styles which may not be practical for our current circumstances. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong, but try to settle on a style that can be carried throughout your home and will fit your lifestyle.

·         Color Your World

The feeling you get from your home can change dramatically depending on the colors you bring into it. Color adds interest and vitality instantly. Or it can help to create a soothing mood.

Walls can be painted any color you can imagine, so don’t discount the idea of painting an entire room red if you’d like. You can use color in fabrics for pillows, window coverings and rugs.

It is usually best to find fabrics in florals, stripes, and solids that can be repeated throughout the room. Use these fabrics for pillows, window coverings, cushions etc. We have lots of information on choosing color, so find what you like and go for it!

·         Select Furniture Carefully

Since furniture is often a large expense whether you’re starting fresh or starting over, shop until you find pieces you will admire each time you see them. When my daughter moved into her new home, she needed a comfy sofa for her family room. She chose a gorgeous cranberry sectional, and has added accents of the same color throughout other rooms in her home. It also works well with Christmas decorations.

Read on about using art, plants, collections, and themes in decorating.

Use paintings, posters, and art to show your personality.

·         An Eye for Art

You’ve probably been drawn to particular styles of art in stores, restaurants or museums. Do you know what it is about the art that particularly attracts you? Do you want to live with it? Maybe you’ve been fortunate to collect some original artwork throughout the years.

If you’re unable to purchase original art, you can easily get the same feeling by purchasing prints or posters. You might find some art you like atArtocracy, Original Art Online, or Poster Check Out.

Choose the right location for your pictures, using large pictures on large walls, or clustering many pictures together for a large statement. Smaller prints should still make a statement, but in a smaller setting. Small pieces can be clustered or lined up, depending on the space you have.

Check magazines and catalogs for new ideas. There are endless ways to decorate wall spaces or bookshelves with art. Iron plaques, wooden wheels and plate racks are just some ideas to consider. You’ll find some interesting and unique ways to display art in our article 28 Tips for Hanging Art. Maybe you’ll be able to think of even more.

·         Greenery Adds Life

Whether you use live plants or silk greenery, the effect is almost the same. I know people who wouldn’t dream of using artificial plants and flowers. But I also know that dead real plants don’t look too great!

Plants and flowers are a simple and relatively inexpensive way to fill and soften large or small spaces. A floral arrangement can make a gorgeous focal point in an entryway or a centerpiece on a dining room table. Plants on side tables can soften picture frames or provide a backdrop to smaller collectibles. Try using a ficus tree or palm tree in a corner and see the instant effect.

Be sure to properly care for live plants with proper feeding and placement. Silk plants should be dusted or washed to stay beautiful.

·         Display Your Collections

I love charming Santas and delicate angels. Do you have a special collection of things you love? You probably enjoy the process of adding new pieces over time. Precious coins, toy trains, fine crystal and other collections don’t need to collect dust in boxes. Find a place to display them in your home.

Rather than scattering collections throughout your home, make a statement by grouping them together. Plate collections can be hung on a wall, crystal displayed in a hutch, or birdhouses perched on a ledge.

·         Theme Rooms

Do you have a great idea for a themed room? What are your hobbies or interests?

A horse-themed room could showcase trophies, pictures and memorabilia. A child’s bed could be made to look like a jumping fence. The door could be designed like a barn door, and the room painted to look like a pasture.

We’ve got some great ideas for decorating themes for girls’ rooms and decorating themes for boys’ rooms.

For more mature rooms, draw on favorite travels, an interesting hobby, gardening, fashion, or a more traditional decorating style.

Final Thought

Most of us never “finish” decorating our homes. If our home really reflects our likes and interests, we’ll find wonderful new items to add and refresh the look and feel. This is part of the joy of decorating. Be open to new ideas and always enjoy the journey!