How to give your home more soul

They say that ‘’home is where the heart is.” Here are six ways in which you can reflect more warmth and personality through your home.

1. Show your interests   

Above: One house, two rooms. Notice the nest inside the bell jar. There’s no doubt that this home owner is a bird lover. (Photos supplied by www.apartmenttherapy.com.)  
Wooden birds similar to these can be ordered from www.scandinaviandesigncenter.com.

Below left:Sue’s sister in-law, Emma, has quirky Wallace and Grommit collectibles on display in her kitchen. They suit her sense of humour perfectly and never fail to make visitors smile. Below centre and right: Spaces created by a beachcomber and artist.

 

2. Display special photos and art

For added impact, think outside the box. Allow a favourite piece of art to dictate the theme and colour scheme of a particular room. Or fill an entire wall with photos.

 

3. Dress up for special occasions

Celebrate the days that are important to you. Float petals in the bath or floating candles in the pool on your wedding anniversary. Hang up fairy lights and wreaths at the start of the festive season. With a little creativity, adding that special festive touch needn’t cost a fortune.

These photos below are of the same dining room – but dressed fabulously differently for Christmas Day 2008 and 2009 by Nikki Thompson in Dubai.

4. Use the colours you love

Everyone has a favourite colour. Use it generously to personalise your space and give you a lift every day. Carry shades of it through from room to room.

 

5. Tell your story through all the senses

Group treasured items. Fill your home with the fragrances and sounds that give you pleasure. Think scented candles, diffuser sticks, music, the tinkling of wind chimes and the splash of running water.

 

 

6. Finally, add LIFE! Plants, people and pets 

No matter what your style is; whether it’s down to earth and homely, dramatic or minimalistic, plants add that special something. To see what we mean, just picture the two rooms below without the greenery?  

Even the laziest home owner can’t really fail with low maintenance choices like the yucca or cactus. So, there’s really no excuse for not bringing a touch of green indoors.

 

Then of course, a house is never a home until people live in it. (And pets . . . for all you animal lovers out there.)