From New House To New Home: Tips For Injecting Your Personality Into Your Living Space

ID 214092492 - © Follow The Flow - Dreamstime.com -  illustrative purposes only
ID 214092492 - © Follow The Flow - Dreamstime.com - illustrative purposes only

Moving into a new house? It can feel like stepping into a stranger’s space in the beginning. Those pristine walls and untouched surfaces may look attractive, but they might not feel like home yet.

However, the key word here is “yet” because once you infuse your personality into your new abode, your space can really become a reflection of yourself.

With a blank canvas, it can be really easy to get sucked into the latest trends or feel like you have to keep up with new fads that are “aesthetic.” Don’t fall victim to these pressures if they don’t genuinely resonate with you since you will just waste time and money on an end result that isn’t what you truly want.

Instead, the secret to making a new home feel like “you'” is all about authenticity. It is creating a space that reflects who you are and what you love– whether you’re into minimalism or maximalism, rustic or modern.

It’s your home, and you get to make the rules. And if you’re feeling stuck on where to get started, here’s a simple guide for figuring out your own personal vibe and injecting your new space with some personality.

Making Your Home Feel More Like “You” 

First things first: color schemes can make or break the feel of a room. So, go with your gut, and don’t be afraid to break out of the ultra-popular minimalist white-and-grey color palette.

You could go bold with your favorite hue or stick with calming neutrals if that’s truly your vibe. Either way, what’s most important is that you select colors that resonate with your personality.

Next, stop avoiding “clutter!” I’m not saying you have to line your walls with knick-knack after knick-knack, but things like photos, keepsakes, and travel souvenirs are not just objects. They are memories and pieces of your life.

ID 214092492 – © Follow The Flow – Dreamstime.com – illustrative purposes only

Curated homes on social media often portray barren spaces decorated with items from Home Goods or Target instead of gathered pieces from real-life experiences.

Now, if that’s your vibe, then go for it. But if you want your space to be a reflection of yourself, there’s no better way to infuse your personality than by thoughtfully arranging your keepsakes around your home.

This can add a seriously personal touch and make your unfamiliar walls feel much more inviting.

At the same time, who wants a home that’s not comfortable? Figure out what makes you feel the coziest, and invest in furniture that replicates that.

Do you covet a good mid-day snooze? Pick out a super comfy day bed. Are you a parent who enjoys reading to your little ones? Search for your ideal rocking chair.

There’s no rule for what furniture you should and shouldn’t have in your house, and picking out the “right” pieces isn’t just about aesthetics. You should only invest in furniture that fits your personal style, body, and comfort needs. That way, you will actually want to relax in your space– not just look at it.

Many people also underestimate the power of plants, but they have a magical way of bringing life to a new space. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just love the look of green, adding plants can create a natural connection and soften the edges of a room.

If you are a DIY-lover, other homemade pieces can add personal touches to your home, too. Throw up some art you created, or decorate your couch with some hand-crocheted pillows. Whatever makes you happy.

And, as I mentioned, don’t get caught up in the latest trends! Maybe you love that retro lamp your grandma gave you or have a soft spot for quirky art. Embrace what you love, even if it’s not in the latest home decor magazine.

Finally, remember that turning your “house” into a “home” will be a process that doesn’t just happen overnight.

Your space will need time to evolve until it eventually mirrors you and your life. So, be patient and enjoy the journey.

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Katharina Buczek graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Digital Arts. Specializing ... More about Katharina Buczek

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