Five ways to make your home reflect your personality

When it comes to making a house a home, the key ingredient is adding a splash of personality. No matter how many pieces of fancy furniture one crams into a space, or how beautifully the rooms are lit, unless they really say something about the owner, entering the space is likely to feel reminiscent of a tour from an estate agent. This is why it is so important to throw oneself into the interior design process and be bold with one’s choices. Here are four easy ways in which a person can transform their living space to reflect their own character, turning brick and mortar into a vibrant space that will be perfect for welcoming guests post-lockdown.

Make a statement with wallpaper

It may seem obvious, but the most dominant part of a house is the walls, so why not use them to make a statement? This could mean changing the shade of paint to evoke a shade of one’s own personality: blue suggests a sense of calm, perfect for an introvert; orange gives off a certain warmth that would be suited to open, compassionate types; while vibrant tones such as yellow and pink may be better matched to an extrovert. If painting the whole room red seems a tad excessive, one could opt for a fiery feature wall to show their passionate side, or personalise the room further by designing their own wall mural. Uploading one’s own images onto the wallpaper is an easy way to decorate a home in a meaningful way by transporting visitors to the host’s favourite scenes. Visit https://www.photowall.co.uk/ for custom wallpapers and interior design inspiration.

Tell a story with art

For those who prefer a neutral colour palette or those whose rental situation prevents them from repainting your walls, it’s possible to be just as bold with the art that is on display. This doesn’t mean one has to go big: minimalist works can say just as much about the owner whilst letting them maintain a light and airy space.  One can use art to tell a story, collating an exhibition of memories. Posters can give a nod to one’s favourite cultural icons, whilst picking up local paintings on holidays and hanging them throughout the house can be a great way to capture and relive great memories. One could even consider buying a sculptural centrepiece or creating a collage of frames on one wall for a striking boho effect.

Create a growing space with potted plants

The best way to bring life to a room is to quite literally bring life to the room. Investing in some plants will turn a room into an evolving organism that grows along with the homeowner, changing shape and shade with the seasons. They can be used to mark occasions – one pot could be a physical reminder of how far one has come since moving in -– or they can be used to express a mood or quirk. Flowers bring a splash of lively colour, while leafy plants promote a fresh and open-feeling space. Cacti are a less needy option for hardy souls, while ivy and other climbers will forge their own path, great for the wild and unruly.

Tie the room together with soft furnishings

Cushions, rugs and blankets can also say a lot about a person. Having a particular print or pattern can help create a clear message, but equally, block tones and pastel shades can be a good backdrop for a big personality. Big cushions will draw a visitor in and blankets evoke a sense of warmth and safety; likewise, fluffy rugs will make a room feel cosy and inviting. Opt for a Moroccan-style rug for an exotic feel, or floral curtains for a more nostalgic retro vibe – but remember that too many loud fabrics will compete in a clash for supremacy. The last thing a person wants to do is drown themself out of the room. 

The editorial unit