Personalize Your Home: Simple Ways to Make It Truly Yours

Navy Railing - Make Your House Your Own — *New England Home* *Photography by John Gould Bessler*

Do you feel free to make your house truly your own? Do you decorate in ways that make you happy, reflect your personality, and bring you joy? Many people get stuck when it comes to making personal decorating choices.

We worry about what others will think — especially in the age of social media, where Instagram and other platforms influence what is considered stylish. We also worry about how design choices might affect a future sale, even if we aren’t planning to move soon. It’s easy to fear a costly mistake instead of trusting your instincts about what will make you happiest.

Make Your Home Your Own — *Country Living*

Your home should be the place where you feel completely at ease and can surround yourself with the things you love. Even if you rent or expect to live somewhere temporarily, there are plenty of ways to personalize a space so it feels like yours.

Southern Idea House, Coastal Style — *2019 Southern Living Idea House*
*Photographer: Laurey W. Glenn; Stylist: Liz Strong*

There are so many ways to make a house feel like your own: adjusting architectural details, swapping accessories, changing colors, rearranging furniture, improving organization, or updating lighting and rugs. Small or large changes can have a meaningful impact.

My general rule: when a change feels risky because reversing it would be expensive or difficult, seek professional advice or trusted design help before committing. Give yourself time to think it over and don’t rush decisions that could cost you significantly if you change your mind later.

For everything else, relax and follow your instincts. Choose what you love and add personality. Don’t be afraid to try something unexpected. You don’t have to do things the way everyone else does — blend in items you’re less certain about so they don’t dominate the space, or mix styles until the room feels right to you.

Navy powder room with white shiplap — *New England Home* *Photography by John Gould Bessler*

You can usually learn to love a room as a whole even if there are imperfect elements or a few design missteps along the way. Living with a little imperfection often adds charm and warmth, and makes a home feel lived-in rather than staged.

If you want regular inspiration and support, consider joining HomeBody Gathering Place for weekly Home Therapy sessions and access to six e-zine style decorating guides from the Room Recipe Decorating Method. I’m available there to answer questions and offer guidance when you need it.

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