What turns a house into a home? I have been through many a
house that clearly was decorated completely from a chain furniture store and that is
just what the house looked like – a showroom. In other words, no personality, nothing to
reflect the owner’s individuality and taste.
So how do you make a new house look unique? Especially a
first time house or apartment?
I was a young newlywed, all of 21 when my
husband and I bought our first home. He was still finishing grad school and we
planned on starting our family so needless to say money was tight. This was in
the 1970’s way before “shabby chic” became a thing. But I had always loved
antiques and aside from a new sofa, I furnished my new home with antique and vintage treasures.
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| Our first home! |
Here are just a few tips on how to make your new (or old!)
home reflect your style.
Personalize with:
mementos – collections from travels, family heirlooms or other
favorite collectibles like sports memorabilia
or vintage quilts.
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| photo from Southern Accents |
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| photo from http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com |
art – art is a very personal choice and reflects ones
personality. Do you prefer landscapes or still life done in oil, or black and
white photographs or electronic picture frames? Watercolor impressions or vintage advertising posters? The
choices are endless but should be something you care about. Don’t just stick something on the wall from a generic chain decor store. Shop at local galleries, art shows, flea
markets, or arts and crafts fairs. You don’t have to spend a fortune to find
something unique.
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| photo from art.com |
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| photo from Country Living |
family photos- Most newlyweds like to decorate their home
with photographs. I recommend choosing one area to feature photos in like a
staircase, occasional table, or bookcase. Try to frame them in matching or
coordinating frames such as all black or all silver. Otherwise your photo collection
looks very hodge podge.
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| My daughter put together this photo display in her family room. |
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| photos from BHG |
vintage furniture or accessories – instead of buying cookie
cutter furnishings consider adding one or two antiques. They give a room a
sense of history and depth. Plus, if you know how to hunt they can be a real bargain! I found this little side table for about $17 and painted it with chalk paint and added a French graphic.
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| photo from For Creative Juice |
Furnishing a new home can seem a bit daunting but can also be such a fun journey! Take your time and surround your self with things you truly love.
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