6 Ways to Design a Home that Reflects Your Personality
If you've finally got the chance to do some serious design on your home, it is invigorating. Finally, a home that will reflect your personality! Just as quickly though, many people are daunted: how to prioritize personality, function, and budget and get it all done in a reasonable amount of time?
Never fear: if you take a few deep breaths and ask yourself some key questions, you'll figure it out in no time. That being said, a big part of the process is patience as you look for the right furnishings and put them in place, and you might want to check in with a trusted real estate agent about the potential for resale with your choices.
Start with mood boarding
A great idea to figure out what "your personality" looks like in a home is to browse home decor websites and magazines and start compiling images that feel 100% You. You may not have the budget to turn this mood board over to an expert interior designer, but you can indeed use it to start figuring out the colors, materials, and overall looks that translate as perfect for you.
Prioritize personality in a budget-friendly way
If you had an unlimited budget, you could personalize everything from furniture to window frames, and wall art to countertops. However, most of us aren't in all-out renovation mode, so we prioritize. If you have a small budget, you can still do a ton with a new coat of paint, a few framed prints, and some textiles like throw blankets and area rugs. Focus on the details you can afford to pick out and customize.
Work with what you already have
A big part of staying on budget and making a harmonious space for yourself is leveraging what you have. An old nightstand painted a great new color is often better than buying a new nightstand that fits the vibe 5% better. Focus on making the most of what you have through upcycling and you'll have more budget for the last few items you need.
Paint color sets the tone
Don't underestimate a new wall color! Between walls and trim, paint can be an excellent start for your rooms, creating the personality canvas you'll work from. Flooring is similar, but you can often change paint more affordably.
Small accents shape a room
Just a vase here, a potted plant there, and the perfect jar of wooden spoons in another spot may be enough to turn a neutral kitchen into a space that feels much more like home. Consider how you can use minimal accessories and bring your whole self to the room. Often, your personality can be expressed in fewer items than you think, and the look of a non-cluttered home is sleek and elegant.
Need a quick redo in a kitchen or bathroom?
Change hardware and shift the whole vibe.
If you're desperate to renovate for a different feel, you can often make a big splash just by replacing knobs, drawer pulls, and towel racks. Pick a design that really fits you and changes the feel of the room from dated to amazing. When the budget is there to make the full shift, you'll already have great hardware for it, or you’ll already have a nice-looking upgrade if you opt to sell your home.
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