Adding Personality to your home
Moving into a new home can be such an exciting experience, the fresh start and the endless possibilities. But after the boxes are unpacked and the thrill fades, you might realize something feels off. The space looks great, but it doesn’t quite feel like home just yet. Don’t worry, you didn’t pick the wrong house. It just needs a little personality. The good news is that you can add warmth, charm, and a little “you” to your space and it is easier than you think. Here are my eight go to ways to help any home go from perfectly fine to perfectly yours.
Color and Paint Selections
Choosing a color palette that truly speaks to you makes all the difference. Imagine you’re dreaming of a warm and cozy space, but all your walls are painted in cool greys and icy blues. No matter how many throw pillows or candles you add, that chill will linger. That is because the base of your space sets the mood long before the decor does. If you crave warmth, start with the foundation of soft, inviting neutrals, then layer in natural wood tones, accents of rich rust or caramel, and maybe even a pop of colour that makes you smile every time you walk in. The right palette doesn’t just look good, it makes your home feel like you.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to infuse personality into your home. Most new builds rely heavily on pot lights. Which means that it is up to you to bring in the mood, warmth, and character. Think of lighting as jewelry for your space. Add wall sconces in hallways, bathrooms, or bedrooms to create soft, inviting ambience. Have fun with your dining room chandelier or island pendants, as these are statement pieces that everybody notices, so let them reflect your style. Don’t forget accent lighting! Table lamps, picture lights, and even a well placed floor lamp can add depth and dimension, creating layered lighting that feels cozy and intentional. The right mix will make your home feel uniquely yours, day and night.
Texture
Texture is one of the most efficient ways to elevate your home. It adds visual interest without competing for attention, giving your space that warm, layered, lived in feel. Mixing different textures like a chunky knit throw paired with a sleek leather sofa, or a woven basket beside a smooth stone fireplace, makes even the simplest elements stand out in the right way. Do not be afraid to combine soft with structured, matte with glossy, or natural fibres with metals. It’s that contrast that creates depth, coziness and personality that every home deserves. Texture has a way of grounding a room and making it feel complete. Even if your color palette is neutral or minimal, the right mix of textiles, finishes, and materials keeps your home visually engaging and full of character. When you intentionally layer texture, your space becomes richer, warmer, and yours.
Artwork
Artwork is one of the most meaningful ways to express yourself in your home. The pieces you choose add character, life, and that personal touch you are looking for. Whether it’s a bold statement painting, a curated gallery wall, or a simple photograph that reminds you of a special moment, art helps tell your story. Don’t forget that artwork isn’t limited to what hangs on your walls. Sculptures, ceramics, and even artistic light fixtures can bring dimension and creativity into your space. Some pieces are purely decorative, while others are functional works of art that elevate everyday living. The key is choosing what speaks to you, if it makes you pause, smile, or feel inspired, it deserves a place in your home.
Furniture and Layout
Furniture is one of the biggest contributors to how your home not only looks, but feels. The right pieces can completely transform a space, bringing comfort, style, and intention into every corner. If you’re craving a warm and cozy living room, opt for deep, comfortable sofas you can lounge on for hours. A stiff, formal love seat won’t give you that same inviting vibe. On the other hand, if you want a more polished or modern feel, structured silhouettes and clean lines might be the perfect fit. Equally important is how your furniture is arranged. A thoughtful layout encourages flow, conversation, and connection, while a poorly arranged room can feel awkward or cramped. The layout you use, should benefit you the most. Make sure that the space works for you and not the other way around. When both the furniture and layout reflect your lifestyle, your home instantly feels more personal and more you.
Custom
Custom items are one of the most powerful ways to personalize your home. These pieces are designed specifically for you, your lifestyle, your preferences, and the way you actually live in your space. No one else will have them, that’s exactly what makes them special. Maybe you have an awkward corner that never quite works, or a wall that deserves something more meaningful than a store bought shelf. Custom pieces solve those challenges beautifully, giving you function and personality in one. From built in cabinetry to one of a kind coffee table, these tailored touches add a level of intention that elevates your home far beyond the standard. When something is crafted just for you, it doesn’t just fill a space, it tells a story. Those unique details are what make your home feel truly and unmistakably yours.
Embracing a Mix of Styles and Eras
If your home is starting to feel a little monotone or overly “serious”, it might be because everything leans too heavily into one design style. Remember, you are allowed to mix, match, and play. Some of the most charming, personality filled spaces are the ones that blend eras, textures, and styles in unexpected ways. Design rules are not meant to be followed; they are intended to guide you, not limit you. If you love a clean, modern aesthetic but stumble upon a vintage 70s piece that makes your heart skip a beat, do not hesitate to bring it home and show it off. Those contracts create visual interest, warmth, and a story that feels lived in and authentic. Mixing styles gives your space depth, character, and a collected-over-time feel that makes a home truly unique. When you combine what you love, regardless of the era, you create a home that feels layered, intentional, and undeniably you.
Accessories and Personal Collections
Nothing brings personality into a home quite like the pieces that hold meaning to you. Accessories and personal collections are where your story comes to life. Family photos, sentimental items, and special treasures instantly add warmth, comfort, and that unmistakable feeling of “home”. Maybe it’s a souvenir from a memorable trip, your child’s artwork framed proudly, or a vintage find that sparks nostalgia. These are the touches that make a space feel lived in and loved. They add layers of history and emotion that can not be replicated with store bought decor. Don’t be afraid to display the things that make you smile. Style them on shelves, group them on coffee tables, or mix them into gallery walls for a collected, intentional look. When your home reflects your experiences and memories, it gains a depth and authenticity that design alone can’t achieve.
At the end of the day, adding personality to your home isn’t about following strict design rules; it’s about creating a space that feels like you. Whether it’s the colors you choose, the textures you layer, the art you love, or the little collections that tell your story, every detail works together to shape a home that's warm, inviting, and uniquely yours. Remember, your space should make you smile, bring comfort, and reflect the life you’re building inside it. So play, experiment, and trust your instincts. When you fill your home with pieces that mean something to you, it naturally becomes a place you love to live in every single day.
