Whether you’re moving into a new place or looking to refresh an old one, making your home feel uniquely yours is a rewarding practice. The secret is blending aesthetics and style with meaning and personal story. Here are some ideas on creating a unique home.
Consider What Speaks To You
Before you rush out to buy matching furniture or trending décor, pause to think, “What makes me feel at ease?” and “Which colors lift my spirits?” Some people find calm with muted tones and minimalist décor; others feel more like themselves with vibrant artwork, bright paintwork, and maximalist decorations. Creating a space that feels like yours begins by identifying what has an emotional impact.
Treasured Traditions
Personal touches come in style choices but also from heritage. Incorporating traditional or religious items into your home design can bring a sense of grounding. These items often carry stories and connections and enable meaningful rituals. A Kiddush cup, for example, traditionally used in Jewish households during Shabbat, can serve as a meaningful centerpiece on a dining room shelf. Shabbat candlesticks, Kiddush cups, and Hanukkah Menorahs can be found at Nadav Art Judaica and Jewelry.
In Buddhist homes, a singing bowl is often used for meditation. Its gentle tones help create a calm atmosphere. A Buddha statue can represent compassion and serenity. Statues often feature the Buddha seated in meditation or smiling with open hands.
Plants And Textiles
Plants can play a considerable role in shaping how a room feels. They breathe life into a space, quite literally – indoor plants help increase the oxygen levels in our homes. There are several health benefits of indoor plants; Healthline notes their potential to reduce stress levels, sharpen your attention, improve feelings of well-being, recover from illness, boost your productivity, improve job satisfaction, and improve the quality of indoor air.
In terms of design, plants add natural tones to your space. The deep green of fiddle leaf figs, or the pinks and purples of clothes, could be just what your living room is calling for. For subtle shades of color, try prayer plants or nerve plants – these are perfect for shelves and side tables. Even small succulents, though they may be thought of as monochrome, can contain subtle hues of blue, rose, and coral. Grouping plants with varying tones and shapes (soft and spiky leaves, trailing and upright) can add contrast and a layered feel.
Textiles can be used in a similar way. Layering rugs throws, and pillows in patterns can add warmth and a more personal touch. A handmade quilt from a relative or a traditional fabric from your cultural background adds another layer of meaning.
Scent
Lastly, scent (although invisible) might be the most evocative element of a home design. A special candle or incense can transport you to a favorite place or remind you of a loved one. Scent helps root your space in feeling and memory.
Diffusers can also promote specific feelings – try lavender for rest and calm or peppermint for an invigorating welcome in a hallway or entrance. Warmer scents like cinnamon and clove can make good choices for kitchen or dining areas. Scented woods such as sandalwood and palo santo (“sacred wood”) can bring a soothing feel to a living room.
Takeaway
There’s much to explore when designing your home. For a more personal, meaningful space, experiment with colors, artworks, traditional items, plants, textiles, and scents. Enjoy making your home feel uniquely yours!
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