With so much interior design inspiration out there, a lot of people get caught up in the trend-chasing cycle and choose to replicate popular ideas and styles they see online or in home décor magazines without taking into account their own needs. In doing so, many end up creating spaces that, despite being visually pleasing when analysed objectively, seem to lack substance and character and don’t actually suit them. 

There’s obviously nothing wrong with drawing inspiration from different sources and keeping up to speed with the latest tendencies in the world of interior design. On the contrary, taking a cue from experts, scrolling through social media feeds or flipping through magazine pages are all great ways to get started, especially if you’re feeling stuck for ideas. 

However, you should never copy paste what other people are doing. Apart from being a bit lazy on your part, that’s almost certainly going to result in a run-of-the-mill home that has nothing special, or a chaotic design that doesn’t make any sense, and who would want to live in a place that feels incoherent or soulless? 

If you’re dreaming of a house that reflects your individuality and is just as unique as you are, you should try to adapt the trends and concepts that catch your eye to your own personality and situation, not the other way around, and this blog is going to show you how to do just that. 

Define your style

Just because you like something doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing for you. And yes, we’re still talking about home design. To elaborate on that, if you start randomly buying things that you find interesting and bring them all in the same space without actually thinking about how they’re going to work together, all you’re going to achieve is a hodgepodge of objects that clash with each other. 

That’s why you need to figure out what your style is and what you want to achieve before you start roaming through online and offline shops for items to decorate your house with. Take some time to do a bit of introspection in this regard. Think about the elements that you resonate with the most so you can contour your own signature style. Pay attention to the spaces and visual details that make you feel a certain way and think about how you could recreate that vibe in your own house.  

You don’t have to limit yourself to one design in particular, such as minimalist, traditional, bohemian or industrial, as you can embrace features pertaining to different aesthetics, as long as you maintain some balance. 

Display your hobbies and passions 

The simplest way to inject your personality into your interiors is to incorporate your interests into your décor. There are many ways in which you can showcase your hobbies and passions throughout your house. For example, if you are a sports fan, you can express your love for the teams or players you support by displaying sports memorabilia, posters or gear. 

Or maybe you are a collector and spend your time hunting for collectibles on sites like the online Funko Pop store for Europe and UK. Many people enjoy collecting different items because they evoke certain memories or remind them of the things they enjoy. Whether it’s books, artworks, vinyl records, figurines, plants, or objects that you’ve made with your own hands, you can proudly put your beloved collections on display and integrate them into your home’s design to personalise your surroundings. 

Create spaces that tell a story 

Homes that have character tell the stories of the people who reside in them: their likes and dislikes, their values, aspirations, achievements, struggles, habits, and so on. When someone enters your private space, they should be able to gain a sense of who you are. 

You can leave your mark on every nook and corner by adding objects that hold sentimental value and have a story behind them. These can be things you’ve brought with you from your travels, heirlooms that have been passed from generation to generation, family photos, treasured objects that you’ve received from people you love, or handmade crafts that reflect your interests. All these trinkets carry with them your story, making your home feel like a personal sanctuary that offers glimpses into your inner world. 

Don’t seek perfection 

While you should try to maintain a certain direction when designing your home, don’t worry too much about making your style align perfectly with a certain aesthetic or following very strict guidelines in this respect. Perfection is boring anyway. As human beings, we are not perfect, so why should we seek perfection outside of ourselves? 

It’s the quirks and oddities that make one special, and that also stands true for interior design. So, we say, embrace your flaws for being part of who you are and have fun with your interiors. If you feel the sudden urge to introduce a bold hue or a modern piece in a classically decorated living room, go for it. Contrasts create interest, and bending the rules a bit is sometimes better than playing by the book all the time. 

Design as you go 

Much like our personalities, our homes are a constant work in progress. As we evolve, our living spaces should evolve with us and mirror the changes we go through. Therefore, designing a home is not a one-and-done endeavour, but a continuous process, so you might as well enjoy the journey. 

Make changes, repurpose, rearrange or replace items when they no longer serve you in their initial form and don’t be afraid to experiment when you feel the need to spice things up a bit. That’s a sure way to maintain authentic interiors that let your personality shine through.  

Giving your place a soul may seem like a rather complicated task since there’s no instruction book that can teach you how to do it. However, creating a home that feels like you is certainly a rewarding experience, so we encourage you to follow this path.