Before You Jump on the Latest Design Trend, Do This Instead for a Home That’s More You
In my last post, I touched on 3 questions to ask yourself before decorating your home. Now, we explore the one creative pre-styling and decorating exercise to help you make your home feel more like YOU.
Full disclosure: as someone obsessed with design and newness, I’m not here to tell you that we shouldn’t buy trendy items or stop following trends altogether. Where is the fun in that?! Rather, I’m here to encourage you to approach home decorating from a more authentic creative process so that you can design meaningful spaces that look and feel more personal.
What is an ‘authentic’ home?
When we think of authentic homes, we don’t automatically think about their homewares and furniture. Instead, our thoughts go straight to the story behind the spaces and the people living there. They look lived-in, layered, storied, and unique. While some furnishing and decor may give a small nod to current trends, the driving factor behind their design and styling is deeply rooted in the memories and tastes of their occupants.
Let’s NOT copy and paste
When I compare how I used to approach home decorating three years ago to how I do now - there is a massive difference. I’ve gone from trying to make my house look like a furniture catalogue (‘cause I thought that’s what good design meant) to digging deep, finding the design elements that excite and call to me, and mining my childhood and personal experiences for creative direction and inspiration.
Maybe you’re reading this because you don’t want a ‘trendy’ home but one that not only celebrates what you and your family love and cherish but also sparks joy. If that’s the case, then you may want to try the following creative exercise to get inspired:
Hit pause and make a Sentimental Mood Board
Unlike a design mood board, a sentimental mood board zeros in on visuals that speak to your personal experiences. It is a collage of your favourite memories, places, and things you/your family love. This can be a fun art project you can do with your loved ones.
On an A3 (or larger) sized piece of corkboard or cardboard, print out and pin the following types of visuals:
Childhood and family memories
Your favourite photographs. This could be of your family gatherings, birthdays, special occasions - any photographs of memories you hold near and dear
Your favourite movies, books, music videos, album covers, etc.
Print out film stills of your favourite movie scenes, book or album covers, art and anything you love
Family traditions and/or histories
Maybe you come from a long line of talented artisans. Do you have a notable ancestor your family commemorates? Perhaps you have a long-held family tradition? Old photographs, including family records, are fascinating and can give you a sense of belonging and history.
Travels
Our adventures and travels are such an inspiration for many of us. Think back to all the times you’ve visited a place that truly wowed you. Include photos from your travels, postcards, and souvenirs.
Your local surroundings or geography
Last but not least, look at your local surroundings, city/town/suburb. What do you love about it? Maybe you live in a small coastal or rural town and love being so close to nature. Or you live in an inner city apartment and thrive off the hustle and bustle, or in a quiet suburb and relish the family-friendly vibe and close-knit community. Take photos of your favourite local spots and include these on your mood board.
When you’re finished, step back and examine your mood board.
Your mood board is a collection of all the details that mean something to you and are design elements that can be incorporated into your space. This could be:
Your favourite family photos (have them framed beautifully and displayed throughout your home).
Keepsake objects and family heirlooms. If your Grandma has a gorgeous collection of vintage china, she’s happy to gift you. Why not display those on your walls or shelves as statement pieces instead of another impersonal store-bought purchase?
Your favourite books, music, art or films. Frame album covers and posters and feature them on your walls - surround yourself with things that make you smile.
The textures, patterns, colour palettes - even lighting you’re subconsciously drawn to - can be chalked down to your personal experiences and favourite childhood memories. Instead of opting for the ‘colour of the year’, why not bring in textures, patterns and colours that remind you of happy times? Maybe you fell in love with Italy on a vacation years ago and have been obsessed with Italian interiors ever since. Perhaps you could introduce design elements that remind you of Italy?
Artwork or homewares made by local artists and homegrown brands. Curating locally sourced decor or furniture gives your interiors an interesting conversation piece and a sense of place and supports local businesses (a win-win in my books).
Use your Sentimental Mood Board as a guiding compass in your decorating and styling journey and a reminder that home isn’t a catalogue but a reflection of everything you hold near and dear.