All photos: Priscilla Du Preez
Whether you’ve just moved somewhere new or you and your partner are trying to give your home a makeover, incorporating your interests into your interior decoration is an excellent way to make a property feel like home.
If you’re looking for the best way to decorate your house so it shows off your interests, check out these top tips.
- Start with a shared vision:
When decorating with a partner, it’s important that the house feels equally representative to both of you. That means you need to work together to build a shared vision, rather than one person making all the decisions.
One key way you can do this is with a mood board. This provides a neutral starting place where you can both add your personal ideas for the house. Together, you can then go over each addition and agree on the various elements.
- Showcase your interests through focal points:
Every house should have several focal points that represent its occupants. These items should feel personal to you, but still suit the style of the home. For example, football fans can frame signed kits or posters of beloved managers. Whether you’re into classic legends or newer figures (like Arne Slot), you can create talking points that feel personal but stylish.
Alternatively, if you’re fond of travelling to new and exotic locations, you could have a collage of prints from your visited locations. Small elements like this really help to turn a house into a home.
- Don't be afraid to DIY:
Embrace your inner artist by creating your own artwork to display. Whether it's painting, pottery, or textile art, nothing is more personal than something you made yourself. Plus, it's a great opportunity to show off your talents to the world.
- Let the function follow passion:
Another great idea is to dedicate space to your hobbies. A redecoration is the perfect time to do it, and can allow you to modify your home to suit your needs. Avid readers, for instance, may wish to have a cosy book nook in the corner of a room. This can give them a dedicated, comfortable space to read in peace.
When designing these spaces, it’s important to make sure they fit into your existing space. We suggest looking for any disused areas of your home that you could easily repurpose. If you’re short on space, you might want to consider multifunctional furniture. A games room with a pull-out sofa bed can make an excellent guest room when needed.
- Balance trends with timeless touches:
Another point to consider is to combine trending fashion with timeless touches. In other words, you can try using a combination of bold colours and antique objects. Blending new and old can create a timeless yet modern look.
If you're searching for unique pieces, explore local car boot sales or antique fairs. You might be able to find some extraordinary items that reflect your personality, especially given the rise in sustainable home choices.
- Put your favorite travel photography on the walls:
Forget boring rows. Mix up sizes and orientations – think a big landscape shot next to a cluster of smaller, detailed moments. Play with different frame styles and colors for extra depth, or keep it consistent for a sleek vibe. Most importantly, tell a story!
Group photos from the same trip or create themes like "Beach Escapes" or "City Lights." You can even tuck in little souvenirs, like a pressed flower or an old ticket stub, to truly bring those memories to life. The goal? A dynamic display that whisks you (and your guests!) right back to those amazing moments.
Final Thoughts...
So, there you have it! Decorating your home should be an exciting journey of self-expression, not a chore. By weaving in your passions, hobbies, and memories, you create a space that doesn't just look good, but feels good – a true reflection of you. Go ahead, don't be afraid of little experiments, and let your home demonstrate the real you.
