Just a few years ago, people where talking about how tastes were becoming “democratized”. The prevailing theory was that nationwide chains like Tommy Hilfiger and The Gap were allowing people from all walks of life to adopt the same ‘classic’ style. The democratic concept has made its way into home décor; our homes are mostly decorated in a clean, eclectic style. However, eclectic can be boring if everyone else has it, too. Bland decorating is probably better than some of the interior design fads of the past, but if you can’t tell your living room from a spread in a Pottery Barn catalog it may be time to redecorate. Below you will pick up some tips on giving every room in your home a touch of your personal style.
Follow the Realtors Lead
If you want your home to look like it’s ready for a showing, add by taking away. Take everything out that’s not completely necessary, and stick to the rule of threes: no more than three objects per flat surface. If your coffee table is covered in magazines, mail and knickknacks, most of that stuff has to go! Clearing the clutter isnt enough; you’ll want to remove items that are bland and boring, replacing them with things you absolutely love. It may not look like Crate & Barrel, but it will look like you.
Add a Splash of Colour
An easy and inexpensive way to bring some of your personality into your home is with fresh, new colours Fabric and paint can go a long way; if too much colour makes you nervous, start out by painting one wall a deep, rich colour and picking that colour up in artwork, décor and accessories. Don’t be afraid to experiment with scale—one imposing piece in a room can bring a touch of drama without being over-the-top.
Get a Second Opinion
One of the simplest ways to ensure that your home is a reflection of your personality is to enlist help. Whether it’s a friend who knows you well or an interior designer, you may have an easier time describing what you want than you would in doing the work yourself. The phone book is full of colour consultants and professional decorators; you’d be surprised at how a decorator can take a look at your home and suggest changes that make the most impact for the least amount of money. Local home shows, model homes and even home improvement stores are also great sources of inspiration.
Go Back to School
If you’d like to take the above concept one step further, you can ask around at your local community college, interviewing interior design graduates if possible. You may even be able to convince one of the professors to give them extra credit, or to make your home into a class project. Design students and decorators frequently have access to tools, fabrics, fixtures and furnishings the rest of us can’t get, and the results will be great. It doesnt take a lot of money to make your home look stylish—just a bit of time, effort and a healthy dose of your own personality.
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