5 Quick Ways to Add Your Personality To Your Space

Part of the joy of having your own space is making it your own. Having control over a space gives you the chance to explore and take chances. It also affords the chance to create something that honestly reflects your demeanor. However, sometimes it is a struggle just to create a functional space. That’s when you lose sight of creating something that appeals to your own sensibility. So we’ve rounded up five quick tips to personalizing your space. These are easy things you can do to your space over the weekend or even in a day – and they leave a lasting impact. Best of all, they add that special element to your home that makes it unique.

photo of Tanya Meda’s house in Maplewood, NJ from house of six interiors

Add Plants, and Scents, That You Love

This one seems obvious, but there’s a subtle trick to making it work. Usually when we think about adding plants, we start to wonder which ones are best – easiest to take care of, best for air circulation, etc. Then we start researching, spending hours on the Internet. Instead, forget about all that. Go out and spend a day shopping for plants and pick some that you just absolutely love. Pick out some planters and pots that appeal to you. And make sure to choose some plants that smell great to you. Now all you have to do is come home and find a place for them. Obviously, you’ll have to take care of them. But usually it is easier to get excited about taking care of plants that you genuinely love. It might sound crazy, but keeping with your home doesn’t have to feel like work.

Upgrade Your Lighting

This one always stays in the back of the mind. When you start moving into your place, sometimes it is enough to just deal with the overhead lighting that is already installed. Or you just bring in the lamps from a previous room and light the place. After all, you have boxes to unpack! And before you know it, the idea has completely fallen off your radar. But lighting is everything. And you don’t have to spend an afternoon on a ladder. Although you might consider it if you have the stomach – switching out your old lighting for a new pendant will do wonders. But you can easily find some new floor lamps, even just browsing online. Or take the time to go to an antique shop. Suddenly, your room will be bursting with a new energy – new light, new fixtures, the whole thing.

Photo by Fran Parente of Brenda Vidal’s São Paulo residence

Put Up Some Art – Gallery Wall, On the Mantel – Anywhere!

I think this one becomes a little too rigid as well. You start with – let’s put up some art. But then it doesn’t go much anywhere from there. Perhaps you already have some art, and you put it up. Perhaps you have some sculptures or little nick-knacks and you put them on the mantel. And hey, that’s why we named this section the way we did. A creative act starts with an impulse, often quite simple. But then you have to put yourself farther and deeper than that. Take the time to go find some art that captures your eye – something new. Or take the time to put up a whole gallery wall of your favorite pieces – rather than just slapping something up on the wall. Have fun with it. Let the work show – more than that, let your love of it show. You’ll feel more the resonance with your own personality.

Image from www.auntpeaches.com

Get a Rug – A Big One

This one is super easy. The only one easier might be the next one. But, actually, this one may be the easiest. Just get a rug. A big, area rug. Go to a rug store with some measurements, and pick out a rug. Don’t think you can afford it? Believe us, you can. And it is worth it. You’ll feel the difference in your room quickly. A rug that you love, that has a design you connect with, will create so much extra dimension.

Photo from Hurd and Honey

Add a Bunch of Throw Pillows

Ok, you’ve made it to the end of the list. Not convinced you can pull any of this off over a weekend? We’ve got one for you. Buy a bunch of throw pillows. Add them to your room. Don’t fancy the idea? Just think about it. They can even become seasonal. Move them around a bit. They don’t need to be anything but attractive – to you. Just pop them in and out when the occasion calls for it. Now you have a room that is fluid and full of extra personality. Your personality, naturally.