Have Your Home Tell the Story of Who You Are

There’s no better feeling than living in a home that reflects who you are.

While any two houses can have the same finishes and even the same furniture, it’s the cultural details you bring in that make your home unique to you.

When you explore who you are, where you’ve been, and what’s meaningful to you, and then bring items into your home that portray these characteristics, you’re able to create a home with culture. Below are three questions to think about when designing your home to tell your story.

“An empty room is a story waiting to happen, and you are the author.” – Charlotte Moss

Question #1: What is your heritage/ethnic background?

Including your heritage in the design of your home is a wonderful way to have your home reflect who you are. Think about your culture and the values, celebrations, and customs (even the foods and languages!) that are important to you, and feel inspired by it all. For a client in Holly Springs, NC, we paid homage to her Indian background by incorporating wallpaper with a peacock motif (the national animal of India with rich cultural and religious symbolism) and Indian-inspired artwork.

Question #2: What places in the world are special to you?

Another great way to bring into your home the special things that make you: you, is by including pieces from, or that remind you of, the places you’ve been that mean the most to you. Maybe your honeymoon was in Italy, or you took a solo trip to Barbados (stay tuned for an upcoming guest blog by a travel curator on how to travel solo!) – wherever you’ve been that has left an imprint on you can be used as inspiration. For this client in Knightdale, NC, we used a chevron fabric called “Calypso,” reminiscent of the bright colors of the Caribbean sea and sun, to reupholster pieces she already owned. We loved it so much, it became the basis for the color scheme in the rest of her downstairs area. View more photos of the Caribbean Comfort project.

Question #3: What interests or passions do you have?

Lastly, think about your hobbies, interests, and the things you’re passionate about the most, and find ways to incorporate them into your home. If you’re passionate about supporting local businesses, consider decorating your shelves with pottery from a local ceramicist as opposed to a big-box retailer. For a Raleigh, NC client with a vast art collection, we highlighted some of her favorite pieces by late Durham artist Ernie Barnes. Her husband is a music educator who loves and plays music, so we displayed his favorite instruments underneath in this cozy corner. View more photos of the Warm and Artsy project.

What does your home say about you? Let me know what special pieces you have in your home that reflect who you are.

Studio One Nine Interior Design specializes in vibrant interior designs inspired by color, culture, and comfort. If you need help designing your home to tell the story of who you are, click here to read more about how we can work together.