How to Add a Personal Touch to Your New Home

After months of planning and construction of your new house, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by a mess of misplaced furniture and moving boxes. A professional will reign in the chaos, but current trends of interior design might seem bland and unimaginative to your family. This is a great opportunity to unleash your inner interior designer! Even if you are not a natural when it comes to organizing and arranging furniture and decor, the tips below will help you incorporate those personal elements of style that will turn the new house into a home. 

Create a family and friends photo gallery for your wall

What’s more personal than having cool photos of your family members hanging from the walls? Frame as many (good) photos of friends and family as possible to create a never-ending exhibition in the living room.

Change the setting from time to time to create variety for visitors. The place will look and feel alive and fresh without making any radical changes or spending too much money.

Let everyone see your hobbies

Instead of hiding your hobbies in the garage, display those items on the walls. Your living space should reflect your passions.

Install a rack on a blank wall to hang your bicycle, and it will become the focal point of the room. Likewise, your guitar or the new quilt you made will look great on display.

Even if your hobby is something quirky or unusual, it will only add a more personal touch to the place.

Personal travel trophies collection

If you have a wanderlust spirit, you probably have a collection of interesting items gathered from abroad.

Every piece has a story to tell, and they deserve a place of honor.

If you have personal mementos, display those knickknacks in a shadowbox or on your mantle.

Personalized doormats

A personalized doormat can really tie the whole place together. A monogrammed mat will be the icing on the cake for your home, and a cheerful saying or sassy quote will charm your guests.

Visit places like Mat Shop for ideas.

Vintage furniture

Even in a modern home, you can always find a nice spot to incorporate family heirlooms.

This may be an old cabinet that blends nicely with the rest of the furniture or a cozy vintage chair.

Vintage pieces are a constant reminder of those who used it in days gone by. Let that item transport you to other places and times where it previously belonged.

Pick art that has a personal meaning

Don’t just hang random paintings on the wall if you want to add a personal touch to your new home. Opt for things that are meaningful to you, no matter the commercial value.

Be bold and display child drawings, paintings that aren’t finished, and sculptures that are crooked, cracked or disproportional. Don’t conform to common standards of decor; allow the art to reflect your personality.

Remember, your favorite painting doesn’t need to dictate the style of the whole room. Choose art that complements other decor with pops of color, but don’t worry about an exact match.

Create a home library

A book collection is a representation of your worldviews and beliefs. Create a home library by arranging books according to color and size. Stack them vertically and stand some up straight to enhance the visual interest in your collection.

Add cushions and curtains

Choose cushions and curtains with bright, vibrant colors, especially if you want to add some extra light to your room or the entire home.

Be careful with colors here: if you get darker colors – everything will look extra dim or dark. If you use too many bright colors, you risk everything “blending” and being indistinct.

Balance things out by combining shades of colors that you prefer.

Conclusion

Whatever your personal preferences are in regards to art, types of furniture, wall colors, lights, drapes, curtains, cushions, carpets – the most important thing to remember is to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Your newly built home will be a place to unwind after a stressful day at work and also a place of gathering friends and family.

Use these tips to make your living space enjoyable, entertaining, engaging and pleasurable.

Contributing Author:

Emma Williams is an Australian writer with a master’s degree in business administration. She has a passion for anything lifestyle and design related. She spends most of her time redecorating and participating in house projects. As a great nature lover, her biggest pleasure is spending time in a small cottage by the river.