Few experiences will be as significant as creating a new home. It’s a project that you can pour your soul into, and one that continues to change and improve as you grow within it. In saying that, it can be tempting to adopt the latest trends and fads when they look so good splashed on magazine covers, but there is no connection here to you and that concept. If you’re unsure about how to bring your dream home to life or chasing the newest decor inspiration, here is why you should follow your personal expression.
The design has to meet your individual desires
A cold, bare loft-style home might look great, but not if you have dreamed of a warm and intimate home to start a family in. Identifying what your values are will steer you into the right home design or give your home builders a comprehensive brief on how you envisage the layout. With every decision you make, stop and ask yourself ‘does this align with my values, and is this a desire that is my own?’ We’re all guilty of being influenced by external sources, and that’s fine to take inspiration from different angles, but you don’t want to hinge your future home on this.
Deciding what goes and what stays
Whether you are building new or moving, a time will come when you have to assess your belongings and decide if they come with you to your dream home or are retired. Most people think that condition is the defining character for deciding what stays and goes, but you should instead consider what sparks joy and keep those items. That’s right, we’re talking about using the Marie Kondo method. It’s also recommended that you spend some time considering these items and include the other inhabitants in your home. The last thing you want to do is regret ridding your home of something that is special to you or your family members.
A place to convey your artistic interest
If you are struggling to inject your personality into your home, art is especially powerful and effective here. Hone in on what is special to you, and bring that to the surface through paintings, ceramics, antique collection, prints or even the framed works drawn by your little ones. This is an area where there is no wrong answer, just free expression. You might find that this is a hard headspace to get into, but once you tap into your artistic influences, you will find that you don’t have enough walls and space to accommodate all your inspirations.
Control the light and life that enters your home
The light and life that fills a home will come down to the style and personality of the homeowner. Decide how important light is to you, and establish whether or not the windows and skylight you have in place are enough or too much. A dark and moody abode might look cool, but it might drain your energy and make you feel trapped, similarly, you may find that a light-filled home is too harsh and can highlight your art in the wrong light. Think about what your favourite rooms and environments are and see what they have in common and you might be on track to understanding your preference. Populating your home with plants is another great way to impart your personality, with so much range in colour and shape.
It’s incredibly important to express yourself in your home design, and there are so many ways you can do this beautifully. Start by identifying what you love about your home, and slowly bring those elements into the spotlight of your new home.